The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) is rejoicing with academic Dr Nokukhanya Jili who has joined the National African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) National Governing Council for a three-year term wherein she will represent academics in South Africa.

Her appointment comes after she was nominated by the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) board, which she is a member of.

APRM is a tool for sharing experiences, reinforcing best practices, identifying deficiencies and assessing capacity-building needs to foster policies, standards and practices that lead to political stability, high economic growth, sustainable development and accelerated sub-regional and continental economic integration. An organ of the African Union (AU), APRM was established in March 2003 to fast track the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

The National Governing Council of APRM is a national structure that will, among others, ensure the strategic functioning of the APRM at national level and provide strategic policy guidance for its implementation; ensure that the country review process is technically competent; credible and free from political manipulation; lead the APRM sensitisation programmes country-wide and ensure that all stakeholders participate in the process and own it. The structure will also ensure that all the concerns outlined in the self-assessment reports and in the country review reports are addressed in its National Programmes of Action (NPOA).

The structure is comprised of representatives and key stakeholders from government; civil society; private sector; academics, marginalised communities, organisations representing women, youth and people with disabilities. The Minister for Public Service and Administration, Senzo Mchunu, is among the members and is the APRM Focal Point for South Africa. The role of the Minister as the Focal Point of the APRM is to provide leadership, ensure that all APRM processes are conducted according to the values and principles of the APRM. Central to these principles is to ensure broad base participation of the stakeholders across South Africa.

According to Dr Jili, the structure “encourages African leaders to set up parameters for good governance to guide their activities at both political and economic levels. African leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to the promotion of democracy and good political governance through the Declaration on Democracy, Political, Economic and Corporate Governance”.

Dr Jili heads the Department of Public Management and during her term, she hopes to use her academic background in working towards promoting socio-economic development, achieving sustainable development and eradicating poverty.

Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law Professor Lorraine Greyling said: “These are extremely prestigious appointments and great evidence that UNIZULU staff are influencing national affairs and having real impact in our wider society. Congratulations to Dr Jili on her appointment.  It is her skill, knowledge and hard-work that has led to another achievement.”

  • Precious Shamase