Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi said on 9 November 2026 that building capable state institutions is essential for Africa to effectively respond to geopolitical, trade, climate, and technological disruptions. He delivered his remarks at the 2026 Economic Governance School programme hosted by South Africa’s National School of Government in Centurion.
The Economic Governance School, running from 9 to 13 November 2026, carried the theme “Strengthening Adaptive State Capability for Inclusive Growth in an Era of Global Disruptions.” The programme aims to equip public sector leaders across Africa to deal with rapidly changing global realities while focusing on inclusive economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and service delivery.
Since Cabinet approved the school in August 2020, it has been convened jointly by the National School of Government and partner institutes in Ghana and Kenya. By 9 November 2026, the initiative had reportedly engaged over 272 participants from South Africa and other African countries, although this specific figure remains unconfirmed beyond one source.
Addressing attendees, Buthelezi said: “Do our institutions possess the leadership, institutional competence and administrative capability to respond effectively to a changing world while delivering on the developmental aspirations of our people?” He emphasised that strong, ethical, and developmental states are fundamental to transforming policy into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
“Our citizens do not experience government through policy documents. They experience it through the availability of water, reliable electricity, functioning roads, accessible healthcare, quality education, employment opportunities and the responsiveness of public institutions,” Buthelezi added.
The minister framed Africa’s development challenges as requiring more than resources or policy commitments. He urged visionary and accountable leadership, professional public services, and sustained implementation focus for the continent’s ambitions to be realised.
The Economic Governance School also focuses on critical themes including industrialisation, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), revenue mobilisation, and digital transformation. These areas underline the practical need for adaptive and capable institutions to foster regional cooperation and inclusive economic reforms.
Buthelezi linked his department’s national priorities directly to the programme’s objectives: “Our national programme of action is anchored on three strategic priorities: driving inclusive economic growth and job creation; reducing poverty and addressing the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical and developmental State.”
The ongoing collaboration between South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya through this governance school reflects a multilateral effort to strengthen administrative capacity continent-wide. This initiative is part of wider efforts to enhance Africa’s resilience in an era marked by global disruptions.
Cape Flats News will continue to monitor updates from the Economic Governance School as the programme progresses through the week.