Masterclass Series Emphasizes the Importance of Improved Governance Systems. The National School of Government (NSG) collaborates with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Faculty of Humanities to host Prof GONG Weibin, Vice-President of the China National Academy of Governance, for a special lecture.
Masterclass Series Emphasizes the Importance of Improved Governance Systems
The event took place on November 9, 2023, at Dinokeng (Building 21) on the Pretoria Campus.
Distinguished Speaker and Delegation Visit
Prof Gong Weibin delivering the keynote address at the MasterClass Series Public Lecture.
Prof GONG Weibin and his delegation visited South Africa from November 8 to 10 for strategic engagements with the NSG and academic institutions.
Lecture Theme
The lecture, titled “Improving National Governance Systems for Enhanced Development Outcomes,” focused on China’s development model that propelled it to become the world’s second-largest economy.
Audience and Participation
Senior management representatives of the South African public service, academics, and students from TUT and other South African universities attended the lecture, either in person or through various social media platforms.
Welcoming Remarks
Prof Mashupye Maserumule, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, emphasized the significance of thought leadership in managing public affairs. The partnership between TUT and NSG aims to create an ideational platform for building state capacity and institutional capability.
China’s Development Model
Prof Weibin highlighted key features of China’s development model, emphasizing its focus on people and the integration of ideas from diverse sources. He shared milestones, including China’s achievement of national independence in 1949 and its policy shift in 1978 towards opening up to other countries.
China’s Economic Progress
Prof Weibin presented impressive statistics, such as the increase in China’s GDP per capita from 156 dollars in 1978 to 12,700 dollars in 2022. He outlined China’s goals of creating a robust education system, social security, and health systems to ensure the well-being and happiness of its people.
Interactive Discussion
The lecture sparked an animated conversation facilitated by Prof Busani Ngcaweni, the Principal of the NSG. Prof Ricky Mukhonza reflected on the insights shared by Prof Weibin, identifying key considerations for improving the South African national government system. The discussion also delved into the reforms that contributed to China’s current economic growth rate of 7.9 percent.
Reflection on MasterClass Series
Dr Robert Nkuna, Director-General of the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, highlighted the importance of the MasterClass Series and Public Lecture in fostering knowledge exchange and enhancing governance practices.
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