Cape Town — Former health minister, Zweli Mkhize, has graduated from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) with a Master’s Degree in Administration, doing so aged 68.
Mkhize, who was the chancellor of the University between 2009 and 2017, received his masters for his study titled: “Service delivery at the Provincial Sphere of Government: A Case Study of Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS) in KwaZulu-Natal”. Mkhize, who is already a medical doctor and politician, said his journey of studying was challenging but rewarding, IOL reported.
“I personally interviewed all 22 respondents during the difficult days of Covid-19 with restrictions while balancing it with all other demands and responsibilities of the time,” he said.
“The study highlighted many subjective and objective factors that affect our public service such as poor and uncoordinated planning and budgeting and poor implementation of programmes as well as poor supervision and a lack of community consultation to address community discontent,” he added.
Graduating again at the age of 68 is no mean feat for Dr Zweli Mkhize who was awarded a Master of Administration at a graduation ceremony held on the UKZN Westville campus this evening, 7 May 2024.#UKZNGrad2024 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 pic.twitter.com/7TuR0eDPlH
— University of KZN (@UKZN) May 8, 2024
According to The Witness, Mkhize’s team introduced the OSS model in an effort to improve service delivery and eradicate structural poverty and inequality in the province.
He said these findings will help in the implementation of the programme and added that the OSS model was one such solution that developed organically but was not preceded by in-depth academic research.
“I have had extensive experience in public administration since the dawn of democracy. During this era, practitioners had the innovation, creativity and ability to explore new approaches and solutions to address challenges that had not been experienced before.” he said.
Mkhize also added that he was grateful for his family, friends and peers who supported him throughout his journey and hoped that he could inspire younger generations to embrace postgraduate education.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
