WSG graduate eyes Professorship

Nicholine Silaule, graduated with a Master of Management in Governance (Public Policy) in 2024. We got to know Silaule better. She was interviewed by WSG Communications Manager, Kemantha Govender (KG).

KG: Tell us about your background

NS: I will be reaching the 10-year mark as a professional in 2025 with over three years of experience in academia and five years in financial services. I started my career as an academic tutor in 2015 and was promoted to a research assistant at the School of Public Administration and Management at the University of Pretoria.

I completed my BAdmin Honours degree in Public Management and Administration in 2016.  Due to the multi-disciplinary nature of my undergraduate degree, I was able to branch out into the private sector. I'm currently in a supporting role working for a financial services company in sales and marketing 
 
KG: What is your dream job? 

NS: I would like to move back into the academic space and be a lecturer/researcher. One day, I aspire to become a Professor and Head of Department of a faculty specialising in governance studies and/or public administration 
 
KG: Why did you study MM in Gov and what is your reason for specialising in public policy? 

NS: The aim of attaining a Masters from Wits University was to upskill myself with all the requirements to achieve my career aspirations of becoming a lecturer in governance studies. Strategically chose public policy due to the broad policy avenues one can choose from to undertake in-depth research. I chose public policy as it was a stream aligned with the legislation that I intended to analyse, a public policy initiative of the State. 
 
KG: Why is it important to understand public policy?

NS: It is imperative to understand what public policies are, the process by which they are formulated and the stakeholders involved mainly because they impact the daily lives of all citizens of a country. Whether constituencies are aware of it or not, public policies inform for example, the price of petrol per litre, the amount of value-added tax (VAT) on food items, and the implications of contravening certain rules of the road. Understanding public policies, allows all stakeholders to make informed decisions for the betterment of themselves and the State. 

KG: What did you enjoy about this programme? 

NS: The support from the School, and lecturers during a challenging time for all. The 2020 Cohort started the programme at the genesis of the Covid-19 pandemic in SA, and we had to adjust to a new way of learning. The structured teaching approach from the school gave guidance and assistance as we chartered this new unknown. Most importantly, I enjoyed stretching my mind to gain new knowledge and skills through the research process 

KG: What challenged you and how did you overcome it? 
 
NS: The research portion, gaining access to the institutional representatives for semi-structured interviews was challenging. I overcame through my unrelenting belief in never giving up, even when it was tough.
My supervisor was also an absolute key asset to my success in the programme 

KG: Do you have plans for any further studies? 

Yes, I plan to do my PhD soon. Not wasting any time, striking while the iron is hot 
 
On a lighter note:
 
KG: What do you do to relax: 

NS: I enjoy going to the spa, reading inspirational books, and eating out with loved ones 
 
KG: What is your favourite meal? 

NS: Fish and chips with orange juice 
 
KG: What music do you listen to? 

NS: Traditional and contemporary inspirational music 
 
KG: Do you have a favourite book and what is the name of it? 

NS: The kite-runner - Khaled Hosseini 
 
KG: What series do you like watching? 
 
NS: All the Real Housewives Franchises