Former President Kgalema Motlanthe honoured with SAAPAM highest Award

The South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) conferred its highest association award to former statesman, his excellency Kgalema Motlanthe for his contribution to ethical governance on the 24th of September 2025 at Thohoyandou.

During his presidency tenure from September 2008 to May 2009 following the resignation of former President Thabo Mbeki, Motlanthe contributed immensely to the ethical conduct of office bearers, shaping the country to what was uncertain following the 2009 eight days in September after the governing party’s elective conference in Polokwane.

Marking the significant milestone of being recognized as a professional body by South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) in May 2025, the association held its 24th Annual Conference in Limpopo Province gathering academics, public servants and politicians under one roof to debate and present commitments, that will translate to action especially in the public sector, to promote efficient professionalism.

The recognition by SAAPAM aims to promote professionalism and professional development in the public sector, by aligning national standards for competence and ethical conduct.

Celebrating its most deserving recognition by SAQA, the 2025 SAAPAM conference was held under the theme of “ Building State Capacity, Prospect and Challenges” . The theme tailored with one of the three 7th administration government priorities of Building of an Ethical Capable and Developmental State.

The conference aimed at addressing skills and competency that government practioners must have, to enhance the public sector in serving the people of South Africa.

It is during the conference that SAAPAM looks at new research papers that have been published, focusing on challenges facing public administration and how service delivery can be improved using academics research.

Being recognized as a professional body, government will move past misplacement of officials and appoint based on recognition of skills, service excellence and strengthening leadership and governance.

Prominent public figures that attended the conference included Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Statistician General Risenga Maluleke, Dr Naledi Pandor and Public Protector Adv Kholeka Gcaleka. EC