Municipal Manager at uMzimkhulu Local Municipality, Dr Christopher Andile Ngqoyiya graduated with a Doctor of Administration.
Ngqoyiya is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the municipality as well as developing strategic plans and holds primary legal responsibility for its financial management.
Supervised by Dr Nduduzo Ndebele, his study entitled: Complex Adaptive Leadership Approach in the South African Local Government: A Case of uMzimkhulu Municipality, South Africa, highlights the need for strong adaptive leadership. ‘The South African Local Government Association emphasises the need for leadership to adapt its strategies to align with the ever changing political, economic and social complexities that characterise modern times,’ he said.
While municipalities are constantly challenged by regulatory compliance, Ngqoyiya’s findings highlight the internal and external complexities that affect leadership. He developed a framework to assist leaders to provide effective leadership. ‘The study also recommends that policy makers in local government develop and implement conflict resolution policies to address personality clashes and conflicting interests,’ he said.
‘Postgraduate studies offer a golden opportunity to specialise in a field of study and sharpen one’s skills. They equip one to conduct research independently and enhance problem solving and critical thinking skills,’ commented Ngqoyiya.
His journey to success began at an under-resourced school in uMzimkhulu. After obtaining a BA, B.Ed (Honours), MBA, and Honours in Public Administration, he pursued a career in teaching for a number years and was later on appointed to be the Strategic Director in one of the municipalities before being appointed Municipal Manager.
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini