Prof Somadoda Fikeni on 30 years of democracy, corruption, building a capable state, PhD tips

In today’s episode, we are joined by the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Professor Somadoda Fikeni, who shares insight into the work of the commission, the building of a capable state and so much more!
📚 Today’s Episode Features:
1. Balancing the life of scholarship & practice
2. Tips for completing a PhD
3. Review of the 30 years of democracy in SA
4. Assessing the capability of the state & how it could be built
5. A government that delivers services & is free of corruption
💡 Special Guest - Prof Somadoda Fikeni: Chairperson of Public Service Commission. Political science, public development and analysis expert & astute political analyst. Prof Fikeni holds a PhD from Michigan State University.
👥 Join the Conversation:
We’re more than just a show; we’re a community. Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s engage in meaningful discussions. Your voice is part of the change.
👍 Like and Subscribe: If you find value in our content, please hit that like button and subscribe for more thought-provoking content. Your support helps us keep the conversation going.
📢 Don’t Miss an Episode:
Hit the bell icon to get notified about our latest uploads. Stay informed, stay engaged.
#SMWX #SomadodaFikeni #Democracy
How to support SMWX:
📖 Purchase my book - "The New Apartheid": sizwempofuwalsh.com/product/t...
📚 Listen to my audiobook - adbl.co/3ucxr5h
🎵 Stream my music - li.sten.to/iT5TMeX
📻 Listen to the podcast - li.sten.to/7v4VTzl
📝 Become a KZbin Member of this channel to get access to perks: / @sizwe.mpofuwalsh
👕MERCH COMING SOON...
GET IN TOUCH:
✉️: [e-mail]
📞WhatsApp Line: 082 891 4935
Visit my website: sizwempofuwalsh.com
_______
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:26 - Scholarship
00:04:39 - PhD tips
00:08:10 - 30 years of democracy
00:22:00 - State capability
00:31:53 - Service delivery & Corruption
_______
Credits:
Director: Bongani Nkosi
Producer: Oratile Kekana
Production Manager: Noluthando Mkhize
DOP and Editor: Bongani Nkosi
2nd camera operator and assistant editor: Lesego Kgobe
Photographer: Bongani Nkosi
Sound: Kgothatso Senne
Social Media Manager: Oratile Kekana
About me: Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh is an author, scholar and founder of the Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh Xperience (SMWX), a digital, youth-centred current affairs platform. He holds a DPhil in International Relations from the University of Oxford and is a Lecturer in International Relations at Wits.

[@thobilemditshwa8799]

I always enjoy listening to Prof speak, he makes a lot of sense on a number of issues we face as a country. He is one of the people our government should be seeking advice from on issues of governance. Thanks again SMWX for bringing Prof as a guest. 🎉

[@sisekomarwai1367]

Dr. Fikeni political scientist of the highest note.

[@NameBrand6743]

Thank you Prof! Thank you SMWX!

[@user-ox1pv6nk3t]

Prof Fikeni, very humble ad easy to work with, had several interactions with his at an NGO i worked for before COVID around 2016/2018, good guy. Thanks

[@ms_tee]

Prof. Fikeni and Gogo Matshiqi are my all time favourite political analysts😍beautiful minds and equally beautiful souls!

[@porschebooi9599]

Hayi Sizwe kwedini you're on other level now 🐐

[@Khuzwayo-ip3md]

Very true our president is very serious about the future of this country although others seem to think that he is the worst, but by including ppl like Madoda you can't doubt his

[@ndiphiwefikeni9635]

Great discussion, true insights...we need collaboration in this country thanks Prof

[@nokuzolabulo25]

Prof Somadoda Fikeni is one of my favorite political analysts. What he says is not just a matter of paying a lip service, he lives it!

[@mqo82]

Somadada's voice is solely missed during these time we are in as a country. Understandably he is doing his patriotic role in his capacity as a Public Service Commissioner but boy do we need such profound analysis on the state of the country. Well done SMWX

[@nawanekhomo3159]

Since last year I have been asking myself, where he is? Because I hardly hear his voice on radio especially on SAFM.

[@nolubabalosonti8640]

What a refreshing conversation. Thank you Dr Sizwe and Prof Fikeni. You can tell Prof has a foundational understanding of what he is talking about and has a heart for service. People like Prof and Reuel Khoza are the kinds of leaders we need more of.

[@simmy8701]

What a wise man

[@lwandilemagoda3567]

Sizwe keep on thriving and growing my brother. N never ever be discouraged💯💯💯

[@koketsomokone2975]

Prof Fikeni just gave me hope for governance in this country. I am going to find out what the commission does so that i can snitch like hell on the wretched lack of governance i see and lament around me every day

[@abelmasango1528]

I miss his analysis, so eloquent, practical nd factual. Even in this interview, he went deep in terms of unpacking of what is happening in government departments particularly, the systems that are/were put in place but have just become a nightmare to the citizens. He is a very sound Prof, making revelations that are hidden in the eyes of an ordinary South African....

[@vusindzimakhwe7853]

Thank you Sizwe for bringing us Prof Fikeni and to him as well for making the time.

[@khanyamazkhali6949]

What a great scholar. I could listen to him the whole day - the interview was short. Please consider getting chairs that are more ergonomic.I notice that your guests may not be as comfortable .❤😊

[@danceswithwolves7085]

Prof is very smart

[@sandracicek]

@Prof. Somadoda Fikeni, your citing of the KZN Floods example of how "oversight" can add no service delivery value to our citizens, is excellent. I remember when you reviewed a report and model I prepared at the ECDC, your insights and recommendations provided myself and the team the confirmations we were looking for! Strategic Foresight Governance, Revenue Generation to balance Public Sector spend are critical for our government (at all 4 tiers). Thank you for being an inspiration!

[@nkululekofada2627]

I like how Prof Fikeni is not mincing his words, indeed government employees must look at themselves and check if they are contributing to inefficient service delivery that we equally blame the government.

[@svgs7310]

One of the most eye opening episodes. The prof has very deep insights and vast experience!

[@kodwat2134]

My favourite political analyst ❤

[@user-wo3cm2ef1r]

I am yet to see any sign of professionalisation in the public sector. Great insights on what needs to be done, but whether it actually gets done remains to be seen.

[@simphiwerini9652]

Thankyou Dr Sizwe and thankyou Dr Fikeni.

[@andile5945]

Extremely capable gentleman. Siyabonga, SMWX! What a guest!

[@expose_massive_banking_crime]

We just need a leader with morals and the rest will improve, top down

[@molebohengmaphepha80]

That's it

[@andile5945]

Yes kodwa better would be systems that force morality in leaders.

[@user-wo3cm2ef1r]

That’s a very simplistic and perhaps naive view. A moral leader with immoral subordinates will not last a day in office, either he will get corrupted or he will leave out of frustration from the very same people he is trying to lead. Rather, we need moral regeneration at all levels of society if we are to fix this country. There is no Messiah (moral leader) who is going to save South Africa…

[@expose_massive_banking_crime]

a good example goes a long way. show your kids that the GOOD guys are the heroes & not the thugs

[@lm_b5080]

Herman Mashaba or John Steenhuisen?

[@GolelaSihle]

"The DA is busy self mutilating in the corner" - Prof Somdada Fikeni This is the most underrated Political Analyst in SA.

[@kodwat2134]

I will never forget this!!

[@kodwat2134]

Busy mutilating in the corner - unprovoked!

[@expose_massive_banking_crime]

what does it mean

[@SiyaMedia]

Prof saying the DA is self destructing with its exclusionary policies ​@@expose_massive_banking_crime

[@desoxx]

Yoh! Really great conversation! Dr. Fikeni is a big picture thinker, the theme of Systems Thinking came across quite strongly when he's addressing problems of fragmentation and inefficiencies in our government and society. He's doing great work and I wish him and his team all the best!

[@malibongwemasango8454]

I have been saying something drastic has to change in South Africa for minor democratic gain to be felt on the streets. Prof Fikeni just confirmed framed it so excellent.

[@berthalesia7629]

Thank YOU So Much Dr Mpofu Walsh

[@mmuelediletang7552]

One of the African Brightest Mind right there

[@thokozanimthalane]

Family. Spot on! Social Fabric. Education is deliberately being denigrated. It ought to be restored. Sisizeni bakithi, asifisi ukubuyela kwi-preZondo era.

[@thabangtlou9325]

System Systems Systems. Thank you for this interview.

[@deanddm]

What a legend! So many truths and solutions provided in one sit down

[@user-wo3cm2ef1r]

Wonderful solutions, but I would have liked to hear more about what he has PRACTICALLY achieved since being appointed the PSC Commissioner. Honestly I am sick and tired of hearing “what ought to be done”, I’d like to hear what “has been done”

[@deanddm]

@@user-wo3cm2ef1r yeah agree completely. We've got really good thought leadership but they're in places that can't implement. Really unfortunate.

[@hedleyfurio]

Great interview with a super competent guest 👍Please consider recording at a higher volume - viewers can turn it down , but not up . I had laptop on full volume and it was a whisper 🙏

[@MpenduloMpesh-sf7ww]

Thanks for bringing Prof

[@expose_massive_banking_crime]

Speaks sense

[@molokomack332]

Ziswe seems to be amazed by the genius prof's understanding of our situation like most of us are. They should make him the chairman of the compact that will design the way forward for our country.

[@katenkosi1389]

Absolutely right that this system we facing in our country it's so annoying that where ever we go we don't get help and they will send us home no come back tomorrow or come next week and thank you so much Sizwe and Prof and it is the biggest problem we facing right now ❤❤

[@HapSek]

Your opposite would be a Career Academic Achievement, but yours my good sir is a People’s Academic Achievement ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽

[@s.s.nxumalo]

Thanks for bringing the Prof

[@ayandasigxashe7198]

Our political leaders , forgot what their mandate was. Than when money was dangled in front of them it was game over . Right now it's bickering, slander, top notch corruption. ANC could man up & actually present to parliament their thinking in the structure of Cader deployment that is convincing to at least save face. Great interview!!

[@malixolesolani4572]

Powerful my brother siyabonga

[@leletusikupela2970]

He is a fountain of Wisdom ❤.

[@edwardsibanyoni4947]

Hosting such great minds the episodes must last atleast 90mins

[@asandamditshwa9320]

A great interview. Thank you Sizwe and Prof

[@FuzileMpumela-qw3yc]

Listening to Prof Fikeni, question arises can he influence government about all what he said because everything thing he said make sense and the can help our country.

[@lwandotame6325]

This gentleman is real. You never get the feeling that he's trying to be diplomatic in his articulation.

[@abednigomagopane2400]

I used to enjoy Prof Madoda Fikeni's analysis I think it was on Sakyna Kamwendo's shows SAFM. This man's logic is unmatched. I remember one white lady who was also in the panel who was very intrigued by prof's analysis and she wanted to hire him even though he rejected the offer live on the radio. I am no longer listening to most of the new faces providing analysis because I think they lack or just partisan. I am not going to watch the full interview as I was watching Prof Matshiqi on the other interview you had. I wish to hear Prof Madoda Fikeni's analysis on MK, recent DA stance vs. the black vote/apartheid sentiments and resignation of its heavy weights, ICJ, Cyril and future of the country and what we should do as ordinary South Africans to move forward

[@coolanathi]

The duplications and requirements for an overhaul also came up with Michael Beaumont from Action SA. It means even one or two of our major issues can be solved by an appetite to make sense of the nonsensical situation. It’s heartbreaking 💔

[@lungilebhengu7454]

Wow! It's like someone is reading my journey😂😂😂. I cannot believe this. Inspiring!!

[@thabangtlou9325]

I challenge those with experience or technical qualifications or competencies to please join the public sector. Let us get involved and stop being bystanders.

[@zolanisszonyane]

For the first time, the 55 minutes felt like 5 minutes. To see them through, the truths in this conversation require servant leadership and skilled workforce that understands the meaning of public service.

[@sthembisomthembu395]

I have time for Dr Fikeni any day

[@LoyisoNgceshu]

Prof Fikeni❤

[@monaremalefane4324]

Diagnosis spot on.

[@curiositycat856]

Fascinating ❤❤❤

[@lwandiledayimani7687]

Can you bring him back again please sizwe

[@lwandilemagoda3567]

Second the motion.

[@khanyisanimkhize4690]

Somadoda Fikeni🙌🏾

[@sthembisomthembu395]

We need more Shorts of this episode please

[@thabelofortune]

Spread the fire 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥 #AYEYE

[@mabenasizwe-im3uk]

Sizwe can you please bring Sandie Swana for a session

[@thokozanimthalane]

To me this is giving Ramaphosa a plus. The appointment of somebody like Somadoda Fikeni tells me of the level of seriousness the President yearns for redress of the immediate past. We must not kid ourselves, South Africa is not yet ready for a totally independent leader especially to lead Black and White people. Ramaphosa is not a Saint, but a willing reformer, humstrung by the behest of the ANC. It is worth noting that the ANC itself is not designed for corruption, but individual characters within.

[@hawkeye3116]

Hi Sizwe, the professor said something interesting. Where I stay we had a fault power cut and it required someone with knowledge of electricity, a step ladder to climb and switch it back on. I personally called Eskom and I was given a reference code but they never came. Today the guy is employed by the community to attend to electricity emergencies 😂. Isn't that simplicity at its form?

[@swz10]

He simplifies complex issues.

[@libumbelufundo6118]

Interesting discussion, enjoyed the interview with the prof. I think there should be consequences for dismal performance in public service. I disagree with the notion that compliance regulations should be relaxed, because compliance is for the greater good. The process should be more efficient. I am coming from an environmental health perspective, if we look at what happened in Hammanskraal the EHPs belonging to the city did not test the quality of the water the tankers were distributing to the community. The cholera outbreak could have been prevented had they complied SAN 241.

[@user-oy8xj4lr3g]

That is why I boiled my water.

[@koketsomokone2975]

By the way, what Prof Fikeni talks about in terms of the regulatory barriers to meaningful public service efficiency suounds just like Hernando De Soto's 'The Other Path'. Maybe he needs to be consulted on their experience in fixing Peru in the 90s

[@user-hq9bd1ob3w]

Public service is a disaster in this country I applied for SEFA funding and got approved 2 years ago but funding dololo. Please invite SEDA, NYDA and SEFA.

[@katlegolentswe3854]

Please invite Mandisa Mashego

[@LoyisoNgceshu]

Doc can you please invite Moloadi Wa Sekake on your show i beg you

[@lolongubeni1748]

Sizwe I'm complaining about the volume...only that🤣

[@khanyidube2247]

We need a leader who can galvanise the entire society around a vision for our country and tirelessly drive the vision. A person with high morals and leadership as well as well rounded managerial skills

[@user-rt9kh8tw7n]

Damn this ended too soon❤

[@patricknkosi5412]

I'm in the US, i asked my wife to go pay for my cars license discs. They say nop. They need the owner to come do it for himself... how absurd is that!!

[@HapSek]

Wow the labeling of looting as a sophistication, that is loaded. This explains the rise and fall of the BEE system.

[@chrismbangi7119]

The sound in your videos is always sooo low!🙁😥😥😣

[@user-hq9bd1ob3w]

Sizwe can I ask you to research on Judge Julia Sebutinde of Uganda who voted against South Africa at the ICJ. She voted against us on EVERYTHINGI. Israel was even better than her, Also tell us what Ugandans think of her.

[@mbulelokhonzeka8573]

If Gift of the Givers was Given a budget with know Doubt they would've Executed many Projects.

[@joumaseworld]

Professionalising public institutions with talent and not deployed incompetent people....They must use The process of hiring Like they Use at All SARS offices ...why is Sars so professionalised and other offices the complete opposite??? It's on purpose...

[@user-wo3cm2ef1r]

SARS is definitely efficient at extorting money from the citizens. But having dealt with SARS on many occasions and having to deal with its terrible level of service, I cannot say it has been professionalised.

[@joumaseworld]

@@user-wo3cm2ef1r Bro professionalised and great customer service is two different things ....Sars Collected R2.7 trillion (2022 - 23) ...U need professional and sophisticated talent to do such... customer service is another matter all together...Same with banks most have horrible customer service but they get the job done. Most public offices they don't get the job done in fact they don't even pitch for the job

[@reubentrotter4432]

An addict cannot be healed from addiction....the ANC is addicted to corruption.

[@expose_massive_banking_crime]

to money. Must boycott

[@firstcomment749]

Problem with corruption is, it results in power in the hands of war lords, mafia's + cartels ruling the roost. Never underestimate them. Italy tried to do crush them, succeeded to an lesser extent, just for them to creep + infest an EU without borders.

[@gordongraham2003]

CORRUPTION is now worse under Ramaphosa than it was under ZUMA corruption is not only entrenched in South Africa but allowed to thrive under Ramaphosa😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@expose_massive_banking_crime]

quite right!

[@user-wo3cm2ef1r]

The ANC government has always been corrupt, regardless of who its president is…the sooner we vote it out of power the better

[@firstcomment749]

It seems to be the case, but to what extent? Nobody knows. Until confirmed by an independent entity it's just speculation.

[@gordongraham2003]

No speculation, pure fact. ANC are thieves

[@ngcebondebele597]

Just when i was beginning to worry where the Prof had gone to...He is one of the most impartial Political Analysts i know...He never takes any sides....Obviously he wont be popular with our pro-Ramaphosa media...

[@unathisikhonza1577]

As a person who likes education and enlightenment. Smwx serves the content i desire.

[@Sizwe.MpofuWalsh]

Thanks for watching! 😁

[@manyananihlwatika726]

Utata.

[@neolephale425]

Ayeye💣🫷

[@darrenameer4796]

Im sorry gents but a focus on moralism is a lazy line of thinking. Society has deep and ingrained problems that isolate one from the complexities of real society...Its very easy to talk about it separated from economics, culture and psychology. Lets challenge each other to think about the realities of everyday life such as classism, black privilege and politicism. its very -selfish

[@bonolomakgatadeluent3150]

Vote EFF

[@MKL_D]

Why?

[@bonolomakgatadeluent3150]

@@MKL_D EFF's work speak for itself

[@user-wo3cm2ef1r]

@@bonolomakgatadeluent3150sorry, which EFF work are you referring to because they have no track record in government? Or you mean the annual theatrics they play at SONA?

[@bonolomakgatadeluent3150]

@@user-wo3cm2ef1r you can't expect me to reply to this I'll reply after you tell me what is eff doing in ethekwini, ekhuruleni.....

[@MKL_D]

@@bonolomakgatadeluent3150 which work? VBS?

[@W.GlobalAffairs]

Your background African art cloth is too bright for camera. I find myself unable to fix my eyes on you as a viewer. You can get a darker art cloth or find something less bright for that representation.

[@ndiphiwefikeni9635]

Great discussion, true insights...we need collaboration in this country thanks Prof