Former Executive Dean of the Durban University of Technology’s Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Malcolm Wallis was awarded a Gold Medal award by the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) for his contribution to the study of Public Administration and Management in Africa at a conference held in Malawi in November last year.

The award is given to one person every two years and Wallis is the first South African to win it. Speaking to us he said, “I was very excited and am grateful to be nominated, let alone actually to receive the award. It is gratifying to receive this kind of recognition by such an important organisation in Africa.”

“I am a firm supporter of the African Association for Public Administration and Management. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, it is an excellent forum for bringing academics and public servants together. Secondly, it has enabled me to continue playing a role in Africa as a whole, thus not being confined to this country.”

Professor Wallis lectured Public Administration at the University of Zambia, he was a research fellow at the University of Nairobi where he worked on the Special Rural Development Programme and on Community Development. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, he has published a number of articles on local government in Africa as well as a book on bureaucracy and development. He is currently working with Dr Lungi Bhengu on a book on Government and Development Planning in South Africa. He is also completing a chapter on former Kenyan President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta for a book on African presidents.

Caption: Caption: L-R – Ruth (Professor Wallis’ wife), Malcolm Wallis, Mr H. Mussa, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Malawi Government, Mr B. Msaka, Chief Secretary, Malawi Public Service, Mr J. Issachar, outgoing Deputy President of AAPAM and former Head of the Ghana Public Service, and Mr G. Scott, Secretary General, AAPAM (based at its head office, Nairobi, Kenya).

– Andile Dube