Picture: North West University (NWU) vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Bismark Tyobeka/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West University (NWU) vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Bismark Tyobeka calls for policies and approaches that make sure that government’s actions are focused on the needs and well-being of communities. Tyobeka said this should be done, while fostering a culture of trust and engagement between the government and its citizens.
He was a keynote speaker at the Nelson Mandela Memorial Lecture at the Mmabatho Civic Centre in Mahikeng on 24 July 2024. The memorial lecture was organised by the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM), where Mahikeng Chapter was also launched.
“Before we seek sustainable solutions that can take our country forward, we have to first discuss what is wrong. We need to look at the importance of the South African Constitution of being service-oriented and growth-driven to achieve the goals of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).
“The month of July is appropriately designated as ‘moral regeneration month’ as it coincides with the birthday of Nelson Mandela on 18 July. The late president, Dr Nelson Mandela, rightly understood that we can’t transition from apartheid to a new constitutional dispensation without a fundamental moral re-orientation,” said Tyobeka.
He further said that is why he supported former Deputy Minister of Department of Basic Education (DBE), Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, to form the Moral Regeneration Movement. Tyobeka added that he also emphasised the need for improved accountability and transparency in financial management practices within the province.
“The Auditor General’s consolidated report on the national and provincial audit outcome for 2022/2023, reveals several challenges and shortcomings in financial management within the province. These issues are related to irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure and non-compliance with Supply Chain Management processes,” he said.
Tyobeka also emphasised the role of public administration as a catalyst for a developmental state. According to Tyobeka, without state capacity, a developmental state remains a pipedream.
“While lectures and discourses are critical in sharpening our minds, we also need to create innovative programmes that help and restore hope in our government.
“The NWU is committed to foster meaningful partnerships that have the potential to effect positive change within both the province and its broader geographical scope,” he said.
Tyobeka said the theme of the lecture was: – “Confronting unethical behaviour that undermines the fundamental objectives of the National Democratic Revolution – Nelson Mandela 1977”.
Meanwhile, some of the panellists include Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, Reverend Thami Mbambo and Prof Kedibone Phago. The executive mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Tshepiso Mphehlo and Member of Mayoral Committee for Infrastructure, Billy Davids, were part of the event.
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