The School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA) in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of Pretoria hosted its 16th Annual Conference from 19 to 20 May 2025 in celebration of its 50th anniversary as an independent academic department at the University of Pretoria. Hosted at the UP Future Africa Campus, the 2025 conference, themed “Charting an Unknown Future”, brought together scholars, practitioners, alumni, and students to critically reflect on the evolving landscape of public administration, its history, current challenges, and the road ahead.

The conference offered a dynamic platform for dialogue, showcasing rigorous academic presentations, thought-provoking panels, and strategic conversations, which focused on accountability, transparency, and collaboration. These themes formed the backbone of the discussions, highlighting the pressing need to reimagine the role of public administration in strengthening both the academic discipline and the effectiveness of the public sector in South Africa and beyond.

A call for ethical governance and institutional reform

The conference opened with a powerful keynote address by Dr Terence Nombembe, former Auditor-General of South Africa, who was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Pretoria for his significant contribution to the public sector and beyond. Dr Nombembe issued a compelling call to action, urging both academics and public officials to engage deeply with volume 1, chapter 4 of the Zondo Commission Report. He reiterated that understanding the root causes of corruption and maladministration is essential for meaningful reform and ethical governance.

His address challenged delegates to consider how academic inquiry can serve as a tool for societal accountability and institutional integrity.

Dr Nombembe’s address was followed by a panel discussion comprising Prof Anna Mdee, Prof Daniel Meyer, Prof Sam Koma, Prof Thokozani Nzimakwe, Prof Chris Thornhill, and Dr SaraJoy Leitch. The panel explored the multifaceted challenges facing local government in South Africa, from capacity constraints to governance failures, and the critical implications these have for effective service delivery. Panellists shared insights on practical innovations and research-driven approaches to strengthen local institutions.

The day concluded with a celebratory gala dinner, marking five decades of SPMA’s academic independence. The event, attended by current and former staff and students, was a moment to honour the school’s rich legacy and its continued commitment to shaping ethical, skilled, and visionary public leaders.

Building interdisciplinary futures for dynamic workplaces

With the rapidly evolving and complex business environments and societal dynamics, universities play a critical role in equipping students with the requisite skills and knowledge that will enable them to thrive in these environments. In a panel discussion on day two of the conference with SPMA alumni, Dr Josephine Kimaro, Dr Kholofelo Sedibe, and Dr Hilton Fisher, these skills were discussed.

The panel explored how higher education institutions can better prepare graduates for the complex realities of the workplace. Panellists emphasised the value of interdisciplinary learning within public administration, arguing that equipping graduates with diverse, cross-sectoral skills is essential for thriving in today’s multifaceted public and private environments.

The discussion underscored the importance of bridging the gap between theory and practice, and of adapting curricula to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. The alumni panel brought a deeply personal and reflective tone to the conference, offering both critique and celebration of the academic journeys that began within SPMA.

The 2025 SPMA Conference served not only as a commemoration of past achievements but also as a bold step toward shaping the future of public administration, highlighting that a more accountable, transparent, and responsive public sector is both necessary and achievable. Achieving this requires collaborative action between academia, government, and civil society, grounded in ethical leadership and continuous learning.

The conference reaffirmed SPMA’s role as a thought leader and incubator of innovation in the field and its commitment to producing graduates who are equipped to lead with purpose and integrity in uncertain times.