What are the opening hours?

Monday 08:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00 Thursday 08:00 - 17:00 Friday 08:00 - 17:00

School of Public Management and Administration, University of Pretoria

Home
South Africa
Johannesburg
School of Public Management and Administration, University of Pretoria

We offer competitive short courses and online programmes in Public Management and Administration.

01/06/2026

SOUTH AFRICA’S PUBLIC SERVICE REFORMS UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT AT SPMA

On 27 May 2026, the School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA), in collaboration with the New South Institute (NSI) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, hosted a thought-provoking seminar on “South Africa’s Third Transition: Public Service Reform in Practice,” facilitated by Ms Yoliswa Makhasi, former Director-General of the Department of Public Service and Administration and Research Fellow at NSI.

The seminar brought together academics, governance experts, and public sector practitioners to unpack the future of public service reform in South Africa, following the recent signing of the Public Service Amendment Act.

Key discussions highlighted the urgent need for:

● A stronger pipeline of young public sector leaders
● Strategic talent management and mentorship systems
● Workforce planning for a capable, professional public service
● Evidence-based reforms to strengthen accountability and governance

Drawing on PERSAL data, Dr Ivor Chipkin (NSI Director) raised concerns about the ageing public service workforce, noting the limited number of Senior Management Service (SMS) officials under 40. He proposed a National Public Management Development Programme to develop young talent through structured graduate rotations and mentorship by outgoing senior leaders.

Prof Albert Wöcke (GIBS) highlighted the growing attrition of professional nurses in South Africa, arguing that weak talent management systems within government are contributing to
the loss of critical skills in the public sector.

Prof Gerda van Dijk emphasised the need for strategic talent pipelines, mentoring systems, and future-oriented workforce planning, while Prof Somadoda Fikeni reflected on the challenge of leadership transitions and the lack of skills transfer from outgoing to incoming public sector leaders.

The seminar reinforced the importance of bold, practical reforms to build a more effective and accountable public service.

25/05/2026

CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT OF AFRICA

Africa Day, celebrated annually on 25 May, commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, now known as the African Union (AU). The day serves as an opportunity for Africans across the continent and around the world to celebrate Africa’s rich cultural heritage, diversity, achievements, and continued progress toward unity and development.

Africa Day reminds us that achieving the goals of Agenda 2063 requires collaboration between governments, institutions, communities, and young people. It is through shared responsibility, innovation, and inclusive leadership that Africa can continue to grow and create opportunities for future generations.

Happy Africa Day 2026!

15/05/2026

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SPMA 2026 AWARD WINNERS

The School of Public Management and Administration proudly celebrated the achievements of our exceptional students at the SPMA Awards 2026.

Congratulations to the following award recipients:

⭐ Malesela Lucas Madiba - Best Achievement in Public Administration on the First Year Level

⭐ Rendani Magodi – Best Achievement in Public Administration on the Second Year Level

⭐ Hazel Tibane – Best Achievement in Public Administration on the Third Year Level

⭐ Samkelisiwe Jennifer Ngwabi – Best Overall Achievement in the Honours Degree in Public Administration

⭐ Simon Akook – Best Overall Achievement in the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management

⭐ Wandile Khumalo – Best Overall Achievement in the Compulsory Coursework of the MPA Degree in Public Administration

⭐ Daniela Domingues – Best Overall Achievement in Masters in Administration Research

We also celebrate our PhD graduates recognised for their outstanding achievement in completing their degrees:

⭐ Dr Kangwa Mwilwa – PhD in Public Policy

⭐ Dr Lerato Sono – PhD in Public Administration and Management

⭐ Dr Saeeda Ismail – PhD in Public Administration and Management

⭐ Dr Thomas Stephanus Willemse – PhD in Public Administration and Management

Your hard work, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence continue to make the School proud. Congratulations once again on these remarkable achievements.

14/05/2026

EXPLORING SOUTH AFRICA’S THIRD TRANSITION

The School of Public Management and Administration at the University of Pretoria is proud to partner with the The New South Institute and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung for an important seminar on South Africa’s Third Transition: Public Service Reform in Practice.

Join us on 27 May from 10:00 as leading scholars and policy experts reflect on the implications of the newly signed Public Service Amendment Act and explore what current reforms mean for accountability, professionalisation, succession planning, and the future of state capacity in South Africa.

RSVPs can be submitted at the following link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=OX6CQe2R30Oizpnel4p6_DoGZPzfaoNPkVE2j-0JNuZUMEVLT1k1TlZMOFJCVkdYRzc5NFVZUFZNMy4u&route=shorturl

13/05/2026

BADMIN@TUKS STUDENTS ENGAGE IN SOUTH AFRICA–CHINA DIALOGUE AT THE CHINESE EMBASSY

On 7 May 2026, students from BAdmin@Tuks had the privilege of attending an insightful engagement at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. The visit served as a continuation of the special dialogue on South Africa–China bilateral relations, BRICS cooperation, and cultural exchanges previously hosted at the SPMA Leadership Centre on 26 September 2025.

The engagement focused on South-South Cooperation in a Multilateral World and featured two facilitated discussions centred on strengthening cooperation among developing nations within the current global landscape, as well as China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries with a particular emphasis on youth participation.

A major highlight of the visit was the participation of BAdmin@Tuks students in the zero-tariff dialogue. Discussions explored how South Africa can strategically utilise this opportunity not only to increase the export of raw materials, but also to advance industrialisation and expand the export of finished products. This approach was recognised as a crucial step towards moving the country higher up the value chain while creating sustainable employment opportunities for future generations.

SPMA would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for engaging with our students and creating such a valuable platform for dialogue and learning.

The experience was both insightful and inspiring, and we are grateful for the opportunity to participate in meaningful discussions on global cooperation, development, and the role of youth in shaping the future.

11/05/2026

Whether you graduated a few years ago or quite some time back, you’ll always be part of the SPMA community.

We’re currently updating our alumni database to stay connected, learn more about where your journey has taken you, and create more opportunities to engage with our incredible network of graduates.

Click below to update your information:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWhU1WPBRV4qI0PzK19dOBZYaZoRbsfdana6Bh5b7metg2bg/viewform

Your response will help us:
✨ Stay in touch and share relevant updates
✨ Celebrate the achievements of our alumni
✨ Build a stronger, more connected SPMA network

Looking forward to reconnecting with you.

08/05/2026

CELEBRATING DR LERATO SONO

On 04 May, the School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA) proudly celebrated Dr Lerato Sono on the occasion of her PhD graduation.

This achievement is particularly special to us as a School, as we have had the privilege of witnessing Dr Sono’s academic journey from its early stages through to this significant accomplishment.

We are especially proud to celebrate her not only as a graduate, but as a colleague whose contributions continue to enrich the academic and intellectual environment of SPMA. Her achievement reinforces the importance of nurturing talent within our own community and investing in academic development over time.

We have no doubt that Dr Sono will continue to make meaningful and lasting contributions to the field of Public Administration. We look forward to seeing her impact grow even further in the years ahead.

Click below to read about Dr Sono’s doctoral research.
https://www.up.ac.za/news/bringing-back-ubuntu-public-service-leadership

Congratulations once again, Dr Lerato Sono. The SPMA is incredibly proud of you!

04/05/2026

A JOURNEY COMPLETED, A FUTURE BEGUN
Graduation season is always a special time, a moment to reflect on years of hard work, perseverance, and growth. Congratulations to all graduates celebrating this milestone across the country. Your dedication has truly paid off, and this achievement marks the beginning of exciting new opportunities.

A special congratulations to the SPMA students graduating today. This is a proud moment not only for you, but also for your families, peers, and the entire SPMA community. As you move forward, may you continue to grow, lead with purpose, and make meaningful contributions in your respective fields, carrying the values and knowledge you have gained into the work you do and the communities you serve.

Congratulations graduates of 2026!

27/04/2026

FREEDOM DAY: THE UNEVEN REALITY OF FREEDOM
More than three decades later, Freedom Day remains both a celebration and a question. It is a celebration of the end of formal apartheid and the establishment of a constitutional democracy. But it is also a reminder that democracy is not a completed project. It is an ongoing process that must be continuously strengthened, protected, and renewed.

At the heart of South Africa’s democracy lies the Constitution of South Africa, a foundational commitment to dignity, equality, and human rights. It represents one of the most progressive constitutional frameworks globally, designed to ensure that power is exercised within clear legal and ethical boundaries.

Yet the lived reality of democracy is uneven. For many South Africans, freedom is experienced differently depending on access to opportunity, quality of services, safety, and economic inclusion. This gap between constitutional promise and everyday experience raises an important question: what does freedom mean when it is not equally felt?

South Africa has built strong democratic institutions and a rights-based constitutional order. At the same time, deep inequalities continue to shape access to opportunity and inclusion. These realities exist side by side, and both must be acknowledged if we are to understand the full meaning of freedom today.

Ultimately, Freedom Day is not only about looking back. It is about asking forward-looking questions about the kind of society we are still building. A democracy is not measured only by its founding moment, but by how it evolves in practice, how it includes, protects, and serves all who live within it.

Freedom, therefore, is not only what was achieved in 1994. It is what must still be sustained, deepened, and made real in the everyday lives of all South Africans.

24/04/2026

90 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE: CELEBRATING PROFESSOR CHRIS THORNHILL

We extend our warmest wishes to Professor Chris Thornhill on his 90th birthday. His longstanding relationship with the School of Public Management and Administration has been one of deep intellectual engagement, mentorship, and a sustained contribution to the growth of public administration as a field.

A true pioneer, Prof Thornhill played a pivotal role in helping to establish Public Administration as a formal academic field at the University of Pretoria. He was instrumental in shaping curriculum development and academic programmes, and his influence contributed significantly to the growth and reputation of the department over time. His work helped lay the foundation for what has evolved into the modern SPMA we know today.

Over the years, he has enriched academic discourse within the School, generously sharing his expertise, inspiring both staff and students, and strengthening scholarship and practice in governance and public policy.

As we celebrate this extraordinary milestone, we honour not only his years but the lasting legacy he continues to leave behind. May this special day be filled with pride and reflection, and may the years ahead bring continued good health, joy, and inspiration.

Happy 90th Birthday, Prof Thornhill.

Address

Lynnwood Road, Hatfield, Pretoria
Johannesburg
0002

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27124203342

Website

https://www.up.ac.za/school-of-public-management-and-administration

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when School of Public Management and Administration, University of Pretoria posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your university to be the top-listed University in Johannesburg?