In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa continues to grapple with increasingly complex challenges—challenges that demand stronger, not weaker, governments, noted Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi.
Minister Buthelezi delivered these remarks during his opening address at the 9th Edition Research Seminar on Sustainable Development 2030 and African Union Agenda 2063, held from 27 to 29 May 2025.
“Our continent, like the rest of the world, is confronted with numerous challenges—both natural and man-made—that threaten to derail our progress towards achieving the SDGs 2030 and the AU Agenda 2063,†said the Minister.
Co-hosted by the Department of Public Service and Administration and the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM), the seminar brought together delegates from over 15 countries under the theme: “State Resilience to Shocks and Disasters: The Role of Higher Education and Non-Governmental Organizations in Strengthening State Institutions.â€
The Minister emphasised that Africa’s best hope for building state capacity lies in harnessing the expertise within the higher education sector and the developmental role played by non-governmental organisations.
“By leveraging the knowledge, skills, and talents of our partners in academia and the NGO sector, we can ensure that our governments, institutions, and societies remain resilient, agile, and equipped to address the complex challenges ahead,†Minister Buthelezi told the delegates.
He further highlighted the need to cultivate leadership that not only confronts adversity head-on but also inspires a confident, resilient public service.
“A further imperative for resilience is embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution. By adopting emerging technologies and accelerating digital transformation, African nations can significantly improve public service delivery, disaster preparedness, and institutional effectiveness,†he added.
Minister Buthelezi also reaffirmed the commitment of his department and its entities to support initiatives that build sustainable development and institutional capacity—particularly those that foster an enabling environment, promote meritocracy, empower public servants, and embrace diversity.
“I am confident that this seminar and its outcomes will serve as a catalyst for fresh ideas, impactful collaborations, and strengthened partnerships to advance our shared goal of enhanced state resilience across Africa,†he concluded.
