Former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube graduated with a Doctor of Administration from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) on Monday, May 12.
Her doctoral study, titled Legislative and Institutional Arrangements for Poverty Alleviation in iLembe District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, was supervised by UKZN public governance experts Professor Purshottama Sivanarain Reddy and Dr Nduduzo Ndebele.
The study examined institutional gaps in implementing the Poverty Eradication Master Plan in iLembe District, KZN.
Provincial Growth and Development Plan
The area was of particular interest to her as it is classified as the second-poorest district in the province, according to census data. Based on other research conducted by the KZN government under its Provincial Growth and Development Plan.
The study found that the Poverty Alleviation Master Plan – a government blueprint to aid indigent communities – failed to create sustainable change due to the rigidity of institutional processes.
It further highlighted that the centralised decision-making model is unsustainable. Local communities and municipalities are not empowered to implement projects independently.
The study indicates that while various government entities introduce poverty alleviation projects, there is a lack of community ownership. These are often perceived as external initiatives rather than tools for empowering local livelihoods.
Bottom-up approach
It recommends a bottom-up approach to ensure community ownership of poverty eradication plans. It also supports provincial and local municipalities.
The study also calls for adequate financial resources and clear evaluation mechanisms. This to ensure that projects can make a meaningful impact.
Dube-Ncube spoke about her inspiration to pursue the doctoral journey.
“I’m passionate about ensuring that whenever government provides services, they are effective and efficient. That they are also corruption-free and bring about equity and improved lived experiences for communities.
“I’m relieved and motivated to have been able to achieve so much in my life. I hope that my achievement will motivate many other people and the youth. For them to understand the importance of academic achievements.”
Plans to share the findings of her research
As a good scholar, she plans to share the findings of her research with various institutions and stakeholders. Those that are participating in academic conferences and lecturing.
Dube-Ncube is currently a member of the African National Congres’ (ANC) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Task Team. She serves as the Deputy Task Team Coordinator.
She believes that her newly acquired academic qualification will add value to any structure she serves.
The former premier encourages senior public administrators to pursue postgraduate studies. She believes that such qualifications equip public servants with the tools needed to make informed, evidence-based decisions.
“Postgraduate studies can assist government with data. This will ensure that financial and human resource allocations are all based on qualitative and quantitative analysis, rather than basing decisions on pressures that sometimes are based on individuals’ preferences and pressure groups,” she added.
Distinguished career
Dube-Ncube has had a distinguished career in public service at both political and administrative levels.
She served as an ambassador of South Africa in the Czech Republic for the term.
She has also served in various portfolios. These include as MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Also Treasury, Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs.
In 2022, she made history by becoming the first female premier of the KwaZulu-Natal government. This is a position she held with distinction until 2024.
Chief whip
Dube-Ncube also served on the legislative side of government. Notably as Chief Whip of the Legislature of KwaZulu-Natal.
Internationally, she has held roles in several global organisations. These include the 911 Fund – a US-based NGO founded by former President Barack Obama following the 9/11 attacks.
She also served as co-Chair of the Climate Change and Disaster Management Group. This is a body made up of sub-national governments from various continents around the world. She represented the African continent on matters related to climate resilience, disaster mitigation and response.
