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12 August 2022 | Story Samkelo Fetile | Photo Supplied
Prof Liezel Lues
Prof Liezel Lues.
Prof Liezel Lues, Professor of Public Administration and Management in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS), has been elected as a board member of the International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration (IASIA) – an association of organisations and individuals whose activities and interests focus on the education and training of public administrators and managers. Prof Lues will serve alongside Dr Nayak Zarrouk from Morocco, who is the first female president of IASIA since its inception. 

“I am honoured to be elected as a board member of IASIA; this special recognition grants me the privilege of representing South Africa among global leaders in the public administration and management field. It is an immense opportunity to interact with board members from different countries, cultures, and beliefs, as well as sharing my knowledge of public administration and management in the South African context,” expressed Prof Lues.

Prof Lues has represented the UFS at the IASIA since 2006, where she made a significant contribution and had a broad influence over the years; in 2015, she was elected as the co-chairperson of the working group on Public Leadership, Management, and Governance. Today, Prof Lues is recognised as an international authority on public administration and management at IASIA. With this achievement, she has created an opportunity to engage with an international and interdisciplinary research community, while exchanging information on developments of common interest. “The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences congratulates Prof Lues on her election to the Board of Management of IASIA. The faculty is expanding its international footprint, and Prof Lues’ election strengthens that footprint significantly,” says Prof Philippe Burger, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.

Insights from IASIA meeting 

The instructional deliberations at the IASIA conference, held in Rabat (Morocco, July 2022), alluded to the fact that the world ought to be knowledgeable about the challenges presented, and should be made aware of the associated vulnerability and interdependence. Conclusions targeted current improvement of world interest, which includes large transitions underway in technology, green economies, and topics of equality and effectiveness within the workforce. “I have an increased realisation that each country has unique challenges; the difference between development versus deterioration resides in the ability of the leaders to negotiate volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environments,” added Prof Lues.

Institutional recognition for the UFS

This IASIA Board of Management membership that the UFS may now claim, provides a noteworthy platform for institutional recognition on national and international level. “The election creates an opportunity to engage with an international and interdisciplinary research community and to exchange information, ideas, and experiences on issues and developments of common interest. This position will allow sharing international best practices with students and colleagues in the Department of Public Administration and Management,” added Prof Lues.

The UFS will continue to be a pioneer in advancing excellence in public administration education and training, while building on the representation of former members of the Department of Public Management and Administration and the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.

News Archive

Qwaqwa Campus Hosts a DSD Roadshow
2012-04-04

 

In front, from  the left, in front: Joe Mosuhli (DSD Provincial Office), Ms Maboe Grey Magaiza (Lecturer: Sociology), Ms SM Khupane (Thibella Marakabeng Traditional Council), Mr Mbulaheni Mulaudzi (DSD). At the back, from the left: Dr Malete, Dr Elsa Crause (Departmental Head: Sociology), Chief Mahase (Phomolong Traditional Council), Mrs Sadi Luka (DSD), Chief QD Moloi (Makgolokweng Traditional Council), Chief Sekonyela (Thibella Traditional Council), Ms Mpontseng Kumeke (DSD) and Mrs Malikoankoetla Tsosane (Matsieng Traditional Council).

The National Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Free State Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State, hosted a road show on the professionalisation of Community Development Practice yesterday.

This inaugural road show was aimed at conceptualising and soliciting stakeholder buy-in in the new Community Development Qualification Framework, which was jointly developed by the department and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The road show also briefed stakeholders on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pilot project that will integrate the current community development workforce into the national qualification framework. Stakeholders were also briefed on the professionalisation process and were given a platform on which to talk about related issues. This included the formation of a community development association, a unified professional body and eventually, the formation of an independent statutory council.

In his welcoming remarks, Campus Principal Dr Elias Malete said that the envisaged programme of professionalising community development practice would address the local needs and bring vibrancy to affected communities. “The programme will definitely help in revitalizing our campus and the community we serve,” said Dr Malete. He was referring to the Qwaqwa Campus Revitalisation Plan. “Among the plans we have is the introduction of the four year Bachelor of Community Development degree. We are confident that our proposal will be received favourably and that we will offer this qualification from 2013,” Dr Malete said to applause from the invited guests and community members.

Talking on behalf of the provincial Department of Social Development was the department's head, Me Matlhogonolo Maboe, who emphasised the fact that large segments of communities were entirely dependent on the community development sector for their daily survival. “In professionalising the sector, we would be building vibrant rural communities and repositioning them to be better equipped in addressing what President Zuma referred to as the ‘triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality’ in his State of the Nation address in February”, said Me Maboe.

Traditional leaders from the Qwaqwa area, national and provincial departmental officials as well as students and staff of the UFS attended the road show.
 

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