Page 35 - Service Delivery Review

Profile of Public Service

Exemplary Leadership:
Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

Dr Phumzile Mlambo-
Ngcuka received the Public
Service Award from the

South African Association of
Public Administration and
Management (SAAPAM),
and Professor Mashupye H
Maserumule provides the

motivation.

Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

The power of example, as opposed to the example themselves as the epitome of altruism in their service
of power, is key for societal evolution. As the Russian to humanity. At its 21st annual conference in East
mystic Sophie Swetchine put it, “there is a transcen- London on 26 September 2022, SAAPAM honoured
dent power in example”. Likewise, the German-born Dr Phumzile Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka with the Public Ser-
theoretical physicist Albert Einstein said, “Setting an vice Award. This is the highest recognition the frater-
example is not the main means of influencing another, nity bestows on those whose exemplary standing in
it is the only means”. These enlightening words might society illustrates the virtue of public service. Here I
sound obvious, particularly to those charged with use virtue not only as a character trait but also as the
managing public affairs. But only a few appreciate power to make things happen for the good of society.
that the real power lies in being exemplary. Increas- Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka has always been the lynchpin in
ing adoration of the example of power obscures the our tryst with destiny. And this is inscribed in her var-
power of example. This tendency should be nipped in ious endeavours to serve selflessly. Previous recipi-
the bud so that society can reclaim its course in the ents of SAAPAM’s Public Service Award are Drs Zola
resolve for socio-economic justice. One way of doing Skweyiya, Sam Gulube, Cassius Lubisi and Professor
this is by institutionalising those who set a good ex- Stan Sangweni.
ample for emulation.
Who is Mlambo-Ngcuka?
The SAAPAM Public Service Award Many know her as the first female Deputy President
The South African Association of Public Adminis- of the Republic of South Africa. But there is more to
tration and Management’s (SAAPAM) Public Service her inspiring and quintessential servanthood. Her up-
Award was introduced to acknowledge lessons of bringing instilled her traits of character. Her mother
the exemplary disposition of those who distinguished was a health worker making fundamental changes

SERVICE DELIVERY REVIEW | Volume 15. No. 3 of 2023 35