Wits School of Governance and PSETA Empower Future Public Servants Through Governance Masterclass

On 24 July 2026, the Wits School of Governance (WSG), in partnership with the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA), successfully hosted the Public Service Trainee Masterclass at the Wits Parktown Management Campus, bringing together public service trainees from across government departments and public entities for a morning of learning, dialogue and professional development.

Held under the theme, "Building an Ethical, Capable and Development-Oriented Public Service: Masterclass on Policymaking, Public Finance and Governance," the masterclass formed part of the strategic collaboration between PSETA and WSG to strengthen the capacity of South Africa's public service and contribute to the objectives of the National Development Plan 2030.

The event highlighted the shared commitment of PSETA and WSG to developing a new generation of ethical, competent and responsive public servants equipped to address the complex governance challenges facing South Africa.

Opening the programme, Prof Themba Maseko, Head of the Wits School of Governance, welcomed participants and underscored the importance of building a capable, developmental state through investment in people. He emphasised that effective governance begins with ethical leadership, sound policymaking and a commitment to serving citizens with integrity. Representing PSETA, Ms Shivanthini Nagalingam-Potter, Chief Operations Officer, outlined the strategic significance of the partnership between PSETA and WSG, highlighting the role of collaborative capacity-building initiatives in professionalising the public service and preparing graduates for meaningful careers in government.

The masterclass featured thought-provoking presentations from leading governance and public policy experts. Prof Kagiso TK Pooe, Associate Professor of Public Policy, together with Dr Asanda Fotoyi, Senior Lecturer in Economics, explored the critical relationship between public policymaking and public finance, providing participants with practical insights into evidence-based decision-making and responsible fiscal governance.

The second session focused on public sector governance and accountability, with Dr Thelela Ngcetane Vika, Senior Lecturer in Corporate Governance, Leadership and Law, joined by Ms Vivian Selauli, Chief Audit Executive at PSETA. Their discussion reinforced the importance of accountability, transparency and ethical leadership as essential pillars of an effective public service.

An interactive panel discussion gave trainees the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers on issues relating to ethics, governance, policymaking and service delivery. The session encouraged participants to reflect on their responsibilities as emerging public servants and the role they can play in strengthening public institutions.

The programme concluded with reflections from trainee representatives, who shared key lessons and personal commitments inspired by the masterclass. Closing remarks were delivered by Mr Raesetsa Hopane, Acting Director: Executive Education at the Wits School of Governance, who encouraged participants to carry forward the values of integrity, accountability and excellence into their respective workplaces. The Public Service Trainee Masterclass reaffirmed the importance of strategic partnerships between higher education institutions and public sector organisations in developing the leadership, governance and policy capabilities required for a professional, ethical and citizen-centred public service.

As South Africa continues its journey towards a capable and developmental state, initiatives such as this masterclass demonstrate how collaborative investment in people can strengthen institutions, improve public service delivery and contribute meaningfully to the country's long-term development agenda.

The Wits School of Governance and PSETA remain committed to empowering public servants through innovative learning opportunities that build the knowledge, skills and ethical leadership required to shape the future of governance in South Africa.