Masterclass: Unpacking the Role of Political Economy in a Developmental State

The aim of this Masterclass is to support public sector officials to strengthen state capabilities in implementing developmental programmes, particularly in the face of political contestation, limited resources, and a shifting global economic landscape.

Wits School of Governance, in partnership with Wits Plus, is expanding access to executive education to bridge academic rigour with real-world relevance. These short courses are tailored for current and future leaders who are committed to advancing ethical governance, innovation, and sustainable development in the public and civic spheres.

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Programme Information

Applications Open
24 June 2025
Applications Close
25 July 2025
Academic Category
Masterclass
Fees
R15.00
Contact
Course outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, participants should be able to:
•Define the developmental state and relate it to the changing global context.
•Describe the global forces that inhibit or support the realisation of developmental state project.
• Explain the relevance and uses of industrial policy as part of developmental state policy tools.
•Differentiate between the market-fixing and market shaping role of the state.
• Clarify the relationship between development state, state capabilities, and macro-economic environment.

Course content
  • The political economy of the developmental State
  • The developmental role of provinces
Requirement
  • NQF7 or equivalent qualification
Course duration and dates

This Masterclass will run for 7 hours per day x 3 days = 21 hours.

Start date: August 2025

The institution has done its part, making public policy responsive to our challenges now becomes our responsibility

MMABATHO MONTSE

MASTER OF MANAGEMENT in GOVERNANCE (General) GRADUATE

I learnt how civic technology could be leveraged to improve service delivery and the lives of ordinary South Africans

DR MAXWELL MASEKO

Civic Tech Innovation Graduate

I can develop and execute inputs, processes, outputs, outcomes and impacts using the S.M.A.R.T principle 

MIRRIAM SIBANDA

Postgraduate Diploma in Management (Monitoring and Evaluation) Graduate

We grew our research skills and learnt the importance of feasibility studies

BRIGADIER GENERAL MOLEFI HLALELE

Postgraduate Diploma in Management (Security) Graduate

I have learned to apply a strategic level of financial management and allocation of resources to meet the service delivery

NEMBRA MALULEKE

MUNICIPAL FINANCE Management GRADUATE

This qualification certainly provided the ROI, I started getting calls from big organisations, like the SA Reserve Bank, where I work now

BONTLE MOGAPI

Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PDM) Graduate

I am now able to actively listen, comprehend and question decisions related to governance and economics

KIRTIDA BHANA

Leadership in Board Governance Graduate

This course taught me about the importance of synergy within different units in an organisation

TERRENCE RAMATSELELA

Municipal Finance Management Graduate

This Diploma helps us to think critically about pertinent issues within the public sector

REFILWE MABULA

Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PDM) Graduate

I can now proficiently interpret legislation and policies, particularly those that directly impact municipal operations

MATABOGELA MONYEPAO

Municipal Finance Management Graduate

Disclaimer: Cancellation of programmes by WSG

WSG is entitled to cancel or change the date of delivery of a programme without notice and for any reason without incurring any liability to individuals who have applied or are enrolled on the programme or any funders of such individuals (“participants” or “funders of participants”).

Without derogating from the aforesaid, and insofar as it possible, WSG will provide the participants or funders of the participants with 30 (thirty days) days written notice of any cancellation or changes in the dates of delivery of the programme.

Insofar as the programme is cancelled or rescheduled prior to delivery of the programme then in that event the participants and funders of the participants will not be charged the full programme fees.