FORMER premier earns doctorate.
Former KZN Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube has earned a Doctor of Administration from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
She was officially awarded the qualification at a graduation ceremony on Monday, 12 May.
Dube-Ncube said her long career in public service and her passion for improving how government delivers services motivated her to pursue the degree.
"I'm passionate about ensuring that whenever government provides services, they are effective, efficient, corruption-free and bring about equity and improved lived experiences for communities," she said.
Her doctoral research, titled Legislative and Institutional Arrangements for Poverty Alleviation in iLembe District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, explored why poverty reduction efforts often fail to make lasting changes in poor communities.
She stated that the study found that government programmes like the Poverty Eradication Master Plan often fail because local communities are not given enough say or responsibility in implementing projects.
She said it also highlighted the need for better funding, clear evaluation tools, and a stronger focus on community-led solutions.
"Postgraduate studies can assist government with data so that financial and human resource allocations are based on proper analysis, not individual preferences or pressure groups," she said.
Dube-Ncube said she plans to share her findings through academic platforms and public forums and has already started presenting at conferences.
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"I'm relieved and motivated to have achieved this milestone. I hope it inspires others, especially young people, to value education," she said.
Her supervisor, Professor Purshottama Reddy, praised her achievement.
"Despite a demanding schedule as a politician, she has managed to complete her doctoral research. We congratulate her and wish her well in her future career."
Dube-Ncube has served in several high-level roles in both government and international organisations.
She was South Africa's first female premier of KZN, a former ambassador to the Czech Republic and held multiple MEC positions, including Treasury, Economic Development, and Co-operative Governance.
She currently serves as deputy coordinator of the ANC KZN Provincial Task Team, working to rebuild the party's support in the province after the 2024 elections.
