EDU short courses – how it’s used in the workplace
- Kemantha Govender
Dinani Takalani Mabudafhasi believes if you want to better serve municipalities, then it is a good idea to learn about how they operate.
Mabudafhasi was awarded for his academic achievements at a recent Executive Development Unit (EDU) graduation after finishing as the top student in the Development and Management of Local Government short course.
With aspirations to complete an MBA and a PhD, Mabudafhasi said the course gave him “an advanced knowledge and understanding of how municipal governance works”.
He added that the course has allowed him to develop financial products that are aligned with municipal financial management.
“I found the course content to be very insightful and it also promoted unity, teamwork and sharing of different views in our teams. I basically enjoyed every part of the course and would recommend it to any other person,” said Mabudafhasi.
He runs Lemba Financial Services, focusing on business development consultancy for financial institutions across South Africa. “I provide services that contribute to the betterment of the public sector.”
Mabudafhasi was born in Diepkloof, Soweto and grew up in Turfloop and Shayandima. He was raised by his grandfather, Professor Mer Mathivha who he says has helped to shape him up to be the person he is today.
Meanwhile, guest speaker General Siphiwe Nyanda, a former minister of communication, said the importance of education is universal and appreciated students taking the initiative to educate themselves, given that many missed out on opportunities because of Apartheid.
“For the majority of the formerly oppressed, knowledge of governance principles and practices only became possible in the democratic order post 1994. During the height of Apartheid, Africans or the Bantu could not be given equal education with their white counterparts,” said Nyanda.
The General also spoke about the importance of good governance and ethics.
“As someone who also completed a public service course, and later majored in Public Administration, I know the emphasis put in governance institutions on the principles of good governance and ethics.
“It is also important because no matter what the level of professionalism we can attain, we will not be able to attain the objective of service to the people if our ethical conduct is wanting,” he said.
Nyanda urged the graduates to continue studying. “Now that we are able to educate ourselves and deliver the services that are due to our people by running efficient and effective administrations, let us do so.”
Top students for this graduation ceremony:
Development and Management of Local Government
Jonathan Kock
Takalani Mabudafhasi
Public Sectors Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation
Nzaliseko Manqina
Defense and Security Management
Saravani Govender
Government Communications and Marketing
Hangwani Mulaudzi