Stellenbosch – The Minister for Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has called for ethical leadership and citizen-centric governance. Minister Buthelezi was speaking at the 18th International Winelands Conference held in Stellenbosch, hosted by Stellenbosch University’s School of Public Leadership (SPL).
Themed “Citizen Participation in Turbulent Times: Grasping Opportunities and Navigating Threats,” this year’s conference marks six decades of the SPL’s contribution to thought leadership and governance excellence.
Minister Buthelezi commended Stellenbosch University for creating a space that bridges academia and public service in pursuit of ethical governance and inclusive development. “This conference has, for nearly two decades, served as a beacon of intellectual honesty and courage — a platform where we confront the turbulence of our times not with fear but with clarity, courage, and wisdom,” he said.
Minister Buthelezi emphasized that citizen participation is at the heart of democracy. “Citizens are not passive recipients of policy; they are co-authors of progress. Our duty as public servants is to create a capable, ethical, and developmental state grounded in trust and transparency,” he said.
Highlighting opportunities within crisis, the Minister called for leveraging digital transformation and collaborative governance as key enablers of innovation. “Digital tools are no longer a luxury but a necessity for governance in the 21st century. They offer real-time insights and enable rapid, inclusive decision-making,” he explained.
He also urged the use of digital and social media platforms to enhance genuine citizen participation rather than manipulate public opinion. “Disinformation is a reality that must be confronted to protect democratic processes,” he cautioned.
Minister Buthelezi reiterated that public trust must be earned through transparency, humility, and consistent delivery. “Public confidence is not maintained through policy alone, but through participation. We must dedicate ourselves to creating a culture of excellence that citizens can see and feel in every interaction,” he said.
Acknowledging the academic community’s influence, the Minister urged scholars to extend their work beyond lecture halls and into policy spaces. “Governance cannot thrive without the insight and critique of intellectual leadership. Your research shapes the conscience of government,” he said.
The two-day conference brings together academics, thought leaders, policymakers, and public administration practitioners to explore innovative approaches to governance and citizen engagement in a rapidly changing world.
