“There is no shortage of skills. There is a shortage of ethical leadership, institutional accountability, and administrative stability,” says Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU).

He adds that a capable state is not built merely by producing graduates. It is built by creating institutions where competence is protected, ethical leadership is rewarded, and professionals perform their functions without fear, favour, or undue interference.

“And without professional public administration, no amount of qualifications alone will rescue failing municipalities.”

Across South Africa, roads crumble, wastewater systems fail, refuse accumulates, and infrastructure projects stall midway through completion.

“The dysfunction of municipalities such as JB Marks and Emfuleni has real implications for stability on and around our campuses.

“We have seen how service delivery failures, deteriorating infrastructure, and prolonged municipal inefficiencies contribute to frustration, instability, and disruption within university communities, including on campuses such as Vanderbijlpark.

“A failing municipality not only damages roads, wastewater systems, and public finances. It erodes dignity, weakens communities, undermines institutions, and places young people at risk,” says Tyobeka.

“If we are serious about rebuilding our municipalities, then we must move beyond simply talking about skills shortages.

“We must speak honestly about professionalising the public service, insulating institutions from excessive political interference, strengthening accountability, and restoring ethical leadership at every level of government,” concludes Tyobeka.