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THE NATIONAL SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT WELCOMES SAQA’S RECOGNITION OF SAAPAM
In a defining moment for South Africa’s public service landscape, the National School of Government (NSG) has welcomed the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)’s formal recognition of the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) as a professional body. This landmark achievement marks a pivotal shift towards the professionalisation of the public sector, a goal central to the NSG’s strategic agenda and the National Framework Towards the Professionalisation of the Public Sector.
The endorsement of SAAPAM by SAQA signals more than just institutional legitimacy, it underscores a broader transformation aimed at embedding ethics, competence, and accountability at every level of government service. As municipalities and public entities increasingly grapple with the dual demands of improved service delivery and ethical governance, the recognition of SAAPAM as a custodian of professional standards promises to be a game-changer.
A Strategic Step Towards a Professional Public Service
The recognition is grounded in the SAQA Policy and criteria for recognising professional bodies and registering professional designations on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
In accordance with these regulations, South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) is now authorised to confer professional designations upon qualifying public servants. This will help institutionalise continuous professional development and promote ethical conduct across all spheres of the public sector.
Moreover, the NQF Act (Act 67 of 2008, as amended) mandates that recognised professional bodies work collaboratively with quality councils on matters of qualification design and quality assurance. This ensures that designations are not only credible but aligned with the evolving competency needs of public administration.
As engines of frontline service delivery, these entities often bear the brunt of skills shortages, poor governance, and underperformance. The professionalisation agenda, now bolstered by SAAPAM’s recognition, provides a tangible framework for redress.
Speaking on the development, Prof Busani Ngcaweni, Principal of the National School of Government (NSG), hailed the move as a critical milestone in reshaping the trajectory of South Africa’s public administration. “Further, it marks a critical milestone in transforming public administration education into an imaginative, transdisciplinary field. This evolution will equip future civil servants with the skills to navigate a technology-driven, people-centered and development-oriented public sector,” said Prof Ngcaweni.
His remarks reflect a broader vision championed by the NSG, that of transforming the culture, capacity, and ethos of the public service into one that is skilled, ethical, and responsive to the needs of citizens. In an era characterised by complex challenges from climate change and digital transformation to persistent inequality public institutions must be both agile and principled. According to Prof Ngcaweni, the collaboration with SAAPAM supports this evolution.
With South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) now functioning as a professional body, it is expected that public sector employees, especially those in management and leadership positions will be encouraged, and in some cases required, to register for professional designations. This process not only validates their qualifications and experience but also subjects them to ongoing professional development and ethical oversight.
The partnership between the NSG and SAAPAM presents an opportunity to institutionalise excellence. Whether in the form of executive coaching, mentorship programmes, or peer-reviewed credentialing, the professionalisation drive will help ensure that leadership is not only technically competent but also deeply attuned to the values of public service.
“This evolution will equip future civil servants with the skills to navigate a technology-driven, peoplecentered and developmentoriented public sector.” - Prof Busani Ngcaweni, Principal, National School of Government
Towards a Shared Vision of Governance Excellence
As Prof Ngcaweni noted, this development strengthens the strategic alignment between the NSG and SAAPAM an alignment that will be further cemented through a revision of their existing memorandum of understanding (MoU).
“We will henceforth revise our MoU with SAAPAM to give effect to the provisions of the Professionalisation Framework, forging forward the agenda of getting all senior managers to register with professional councils,” said Prof Ngcaweni.
This commitment aligns with the framework towards the professionalisation of the Public Sector. The framework outlines a vision of a meritocratic, ethical, and developmentally focused public service and calls for the institutionalisation of professional bodies to uphold these standards.
The recognition of SAAPAM is not merely symbolic, it is a concrete step towards a future where public sector leadership is professional, ethical, and equipped to lead South Africa’s development agenda. The NSG’s endorsement of this development should serve as a rallying point for all levels of government to commit to the values of excellence, accountability, and innovation.
As local government remains the heartbeat of service delivery, the integration of professional standards into its leadership frameworks will be key to restoring public trust and achieving long-term development goals.
What This Means for Local Government Leaders
Accreditation and Recognition: Senior public servants can now acquire professionally recognised designations that reflect their qualifications and ethical commitment.
Capacity Building: Enhanced opportunities for continuous professional development through SAAPAM and NSG programmes.
Accountability: Professional registration introduces ethical oversight and quality assurance.
Policy Alignment: Supports national policy goals for a professional and capable public service.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Tel: 086 100 8326
Fax: 012 441 6054
Email: contactcentre@thensg.gov.za
Website: www.thensg.gov.org
Address: ZK Matthews Building, 70 Meintje Street, Trevenna, SunnySide, 0002
