Former KZN premier Dube-Ncube graduates with a Doctorate in Administration from UKZN

FORMER premier of KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, was conferred with a Doctor of Administration degree by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), on Monday. 

In a statement, she said: “I’m passionate about ensuring that whenever government provides services, they are effective, efficient, corruption-free, and contribute to equity and improved living conditions for communities.

"Her research project titled: 'Legislative and Institutional Arrangements for Poverty Alleviation in iLembe District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa', was supervised by public governance scholars Professor Purshottama Sivanarain Reddy and Dr Nduduzo Ndebele.

The study scrutinised the implementation of the Poverty Eradication Master Plan in the iLembe District, an area ranked as the second poorest in the province according to census data and research under KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Growth and Development Plan.

Dube-Ncube is the deputy provincial coordinator of the recognfigured structure of the ANC in KZN. Her findings revealed key institutional challenges that hindered  the effectiveness of poverty alleviation initiatives.

“Projects are often introduced by various government entities, but without sufficient community involvement, they are perceived as external interventions rather than opportunities for local empowerment,” her study revealed.

It emphasised the importance of a bottom-up approach to ensure community ownership of development initiatives and recommended that local and provincial municipalities be empowered with both resources and autonomy.

The research also called for improved evaluation mechanisms and adequate financial support to ensure that poverty alleviation programs can deliver long-term impact.

Reflecting on her academic journey, Dr Dube-Ncube expressed both gratitude and a sense of accomplishment.

“I’m relieved and motivated to have reached this point in my life. I hope that my achievement will inspire others—especially young people—to pursue academic excellence,” she said.

As part of her commitment to sharing knowledge, she has begun presenting her research at academic forums, including the 2024 SAPPAM Public Service Conference.

She also intends to lecture and participate in future conferences to broaden the impact of her findings.

Dube-Ncube credited her success to the unwavering support of her family, the African National Congress (ANC), and her mentors.

“I am grateful to my country, my leadership, and my organisation for investing in me. I could not have done it without the support of many people, especially my family,” she said.

Her academic supervisor, Professor Reddy, commended her determination and work ethic. “Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube has a long-standing relationship with our university. Despite her demanding schedule as a politician, she remained committed to completing her doctoral research.

"We congratulate her and wish her continued success.”

Dube-Ncube believed her new qualification will enhance her contributions to public governance. “Postgraduate studies can empower public servants with the tools for evidence-based decision-making. This ensures that government allocations and policies are based on data, not personal or political pressures,” she noted.

Dube-Ncube holds a Master of Public Administration from UKZN and three additional diplomas in Public Management, Leadership, and Training and Development.

Her career spans both political and diplomatic roles, including a term as South African Ambassador to the Czech Republic, and various MEC portfolios in the KwaZulu-Natal government.

In 2022, she made history as the province’s first female Premier.

Internationally, she has represented South Africa in various global forums and served as Co-Chair of the Climate Change and Disaster Management Group, advocating for resilience and sustainability on behalf of the African continent.

DAILY NEWS