School of Public Management and Administration, University of Pretoria

14/08/2026

WOMEN’S VOICES: A DAY OF STORIES, STRENGTH AND SUPPORT

On Friday, 07 August, SPMA had the privilege of hosting Women’s Voices: Stories of Oppression, Healing and Empowerment, a day that reminded us of the power of creating spaces where women can speak, be heard and support one another.

The day was not only about sharing stories. It was about connection, courage, reflection and collective support. Through keynote addresses, personal testimonials, meaningful discussion and honest reflections, the day highlighted that every voice carries a story, and every story has the power to inspire change.

SPMA extends its sincere gratitude to the keynote speakers Motshidisi Ramadi and Yoliswa Makhasi for their thought provoking contributions. SPMA also thanks the testimonial speakers Cynthia Stimpel and Morongwa Motopa for their courage in sharing their experiences and journeys.

A special thank you goes to the Programme Director, Mandisa Fanele, for guiding the programme and helping create a meaningful space for conversation and reflection.

SPMA further extends its appreciation to the facilitator, Prof Gerda van Dijk, and the panelists Adv. Tamika Thumbiran, Koketso Sekhu, Yoliswa Makhasi and Zakhona Mvelase for contributing to an engaging and meaningful discussion.

We also thank Prof Natasja Holtzhausen-du Toit, who beautifully brought the day to a close by reflecting on the powerful conversations, stories and messages shared throughout the seminar.

Most importantly, SPMA thanks everyone who attended. Your presence, openness and willingness to listen and engage made the day truly meaningful.

Women’s voices should not only be heard on one day. They should be listened to, respected and carried forward every day. The SPMA hopes that the conversations and stories shared on 07 August will continue beyond the seminar, creating opportunities for more women to speak, to be heard, to support one another and to shape a more inclusive future.

May the voices shared continue to inspire. May the stories continue to be heard. And may the conversation continue.

13/08/2026

WORKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE OF JAPAN–SOUTH AFRICA RELATIONS

BAdmin@Tuks hosted “Working Towards the Future of Japan–South Africa” in partnership with the Embassy of Japan at the SPMA Leadership Centre.

The session welcomed Mr Takamitsu Hida, Diplomat at the Embassy of Japan, and Mr Ryan Keet, Cultural Assistant at the Embassy of Japan, who engaged students on Japan’s diplomatic priorities, the trajectory of Japan–South Africa bilateral relations, and international opportunities through the MEXT Scholarship Programme and JET Programme.

Events like these give BAdmin@Tuks students direct access to diplomats, international career opportunities and meaningful conversations about South Africa’s place in the global community.

SPMA and BAdmin@Tuks thank the Embassy of Japan for the partnership and everyone who participated in the discussion.

Connecting students to the world, one conversation at a time.

09/08/2026

WHOSE VOICES ARE STILL UNHEARD?

On National Women's Day, we celebrate the achievements of women who have challenged barriers, transformed institutions and changed the course of history. But celebration should also be accompanied by reflection.

How many women still walk into rooms where they are expected to speak less, do more, and settle for less recognition? How many stories remain untold because silence feels safer than being heard? And how many opportunities are lost when women's voices are overlooked?

Empowerment is not a destination reached once a year. It is reflected in the choices we make every day - in whose ideas we value, whose leadership we trust, whose experiences we acknowledge and whose dignity we protect.

Perhaps the most meaningful way to honour Women's Day is not simply to celebrate women, but to ask ourselves: What am I doing to ensure that every woman is seen, heard and valued. Not just today, but every day?

Because when women find the confidence to raise their voices, societies become stronger. And when we choose to listen, meaningful change becomes possible.

Happy National Women's Day.

29/07/2026

FOSTERING INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS
Meaningful milestones in doctoral studies are not only defined by research achievements but also by international collaboration and the exchange of knowledge across borders.

As part of their doctoral internship, Mykolas Romeris University doctoral students Lilijana Medelytė and Rasa Pavarienė visited the University of Pretoria, representing Mykolas Romeris University and strengthening academic cooperation between the two institutions.
The delegation was welcomed by representatives of the School of Public Management and Administration including Prof Gerda van Dijk, Prof Natasja Holtzhausen-du Toit, Prof Michel Tshiyoyo, Prof Tyanai Masiya, Dr Mary Mangai, Dr Stellah Lubinga and Dr Constance Mostisti.

The visit provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas on current research areas, discuss shared academic interests, and explore opportunities for future collaboration in research, innovation, and doctoral education. The discussions demonstrated the value of connecting researchers from different continents and academic environments, where diverse perspectives contribute to richer scientific dialogue and new ideas.

Although Lithuania and South Africa are separated by thousands of kilometres, the meeting reaffirmed that science transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. International academic partnerships foster mutual learning, intercultural understanding, and the development of lasting research networks capable of addressing global challenges together.

We hope this visit marks the beginning of a long-term and productive academic partnership between our institutions.

24/07/2026

SPMA DOCTORAL STUDENT SHOWCASES RESEARCH AT INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL POLICY CONFERENCE

Rodney Asilla, a doctoral candidate in Public Policy at the School of Public Management and Administration, recently presented his research at the Social Policy Association (SPA) Conference, held from 1–3 July 2026 at Liverpool Hope University in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Under the conference theme, "Hope in Dark Times: Resistance and Radical Change," academics, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders from across the globe came together to explore innovative responses to some of today's most pressing social policy challenges. Rodney presented his doctoral research titled "Structural Social Capital and Policy Processes in Devolved Units of Kakamega County, Kenya." His research examines how community-based policy networks influence participation in local policy processes, demonstrating how institutional partnerships, collective action, organisational participation, and strong community networks can contribute to more inclusive and effective policy responses within Kenya's devolved governance system.

Reflecting on his experience, Rodney shared:

"The conference was a timely and enlightening forum. It was not only valuable as a platform to share my research, but also an opportunity to engage with academics, policymakers and community leaders. These discussions reinforced the important role of citizen science in developing relevant and impactful policy outcomes."

Congratulations to Rodney Asilla on this achievement. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of his research in advancing inclusive, community-centred public policy.

20/07/2026

PROFESSOR ADRINO MAZENDA APPOINTED ASSOCIATE EDITOR FOR FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEM

We are excited to share the news that Professor Adrino Mazenda has been appointed Associate Editor for Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems.

This prestigious appointment is a testament to Professor Mazenda's outstanding scholarship, research excellence, and growing international recognition in the field of sustainable development. His expertise and commitment to advancing knowledge continue to make a meaningful contribution to both academia and society.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate this achievement and the impact Professor Mazenda continues to make through his research, leadership, and service to the academic community.

Congratulations, Professor Mazenda! We wish you every success in this exciting new role.

20/07/2026

WOMEN'S VOICES: STORIES OF OPPRESSION, HEALING AND EMPOWERMENT SEMINAR REGISTRATION

The School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA) will be hosting a Women's Voices Seminar, a platform dedicated to fostering meaningful dialogue on the experiences, challenges, and achievements of women.

This seminar will bring together academics, practitioners, students, and members of the broader community to explore themes of oppression, resilience, healing, leadership, and empowerment. Through engaging discussions and shared experiences, we hope to deepen our understanding of the barriers women continue to face while celebrating the strength, courage, and leadership that drive positive change.

Meaningful conversations have the power to shape more inclusive institutions and communities. By listening to diverse perspectives and learning from one another, we can contribute to creating environments where every voice is heard, respected, and valued.

📅 Date: Friday, 07 August 2026
📍Venue: Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria
🕧Time: 09:00

Whether you are passionate about gender equality, interested in public leadership, or simply looking to be part of an important conversation, we invite you to join us for this inspiring event.

📄 Register here: https://forms.gle/v7dJs6BNTL1pDExW9

Together, let's amplify women's voices, celebrate their contributions, and work towards a more equitable future.

18/07/2026

MANDELA DAY 2026: IT'S STILL IN OUR HANDS
This Mandela Day, we are reminded that the fight against poverty and inequity remains one of the defining challenges of our time. The 2026 Mandela Day theme, "It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity," is a powerful call for each of us to take meaningful action.

At the School of Public Management and Administration, we believe that lasting change begins with ethical leadership, active citizenship, and a commitment to serving our communities. Whether through education, research, public service, or volunteering, every action contributes to building a more just and inclusive society.

This 18 July, we encourage our SPMA community to dedicate 67 minutes to making a difference. Together, we can honour Madiba's legacy not only through reflection, but through action that creates hope and opportunity for others. Because it's still in our hands.

17/07/2026

CELEBRATING AN OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: CONGRATULATIONS TO PROF. SHAWN FLANIGAN

The School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA) congratulates Prof. Shawn Flanigan on receiving this prestigious recognition from the International Society for Third Sector Research (ISTR).

At SPMA, we are especially proud to celebrate this milestone because Prof. Flanigan serves as a valued member of our Advisory Board and is an Extraordinary Professor within the School. Through these roles, she continues to enrich our academic community by sharing her international expertise, supporting research excellence, and strengthening global collaboration in public management and governance.

Congratulations, Prof. Flanigan, on this remarkable achievement. We are honoured to have you as part of the SPMA community.

I am deeply honored by this recognition from the International Society for Third Sector Research, an organization that has felt like home since I attended my first conference as a grad student over 20 years ago in Toronto in 2004! The paper recognized here is based on research that could never have....

23/06/2026

UNITED NATIONS PUBLIC SERVICE DAY 2026: ADVANCING INNOVATION, PARTICIPATION AND INCLUSION

Today, we join the global community in commemorating United Nations Public Service Day, a day dedicated to recognising the vital role that public servants and public institutions play in improving the lives of citizens and advancing sustainable development.

The 2026 theme, "Transforming Public Institutions: Advancing Innovation, Participation, and Inclusion," highlights the importance of building responsive, citizen-centred institutions that embrace innovation, encourage meaningful participation, and ensure that no one is left behind.

As the demands on public institutions continue to evolve, so too must the way we serve. By fostering collaboration, leveraging technology responsibly, and promoting inclusive governance, we can strengthen public trust and deliver services that meet the needs of diverse communities.

On this day, we acknowledge and celebrate the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of public servants whose efforts contribute to effective governance and social progress every day.
Let us continue working together to build public institutions that are innovative, inclusive, and equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.