NRF Youth Month 2025: Bongiwe Kwanele Siyanda Cele

The NRF supports the growth of the next generation of researchers and scholars to sustain South Africa’s knowledge enterprise. June is Youth Month, and this year the NRF is celebrating the youth who are shaping tomorrow through research today. We thank all participants for sharing their stories with us.

Ms Bongiwe Kwanele Siyanda Cele is a Master’s student in Public Administration at the University of Zululand. She received funding from the NRF for her Honours studies.

How did your journey start?

My academic journey has been shaped by a deep passion for public service and a desire to positively impact governance and administration in South Africa. Growing up in the King Cetshwayo District, I always had a strong sense of community and a curiosity about how public institutions operated. That curiosity evolved into purpose as I pursued my studies in Public Administration, a field where I felt I could combine my values with practical action.

After completing high school, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and later qualified as a teacher for EMS and Business Studies in the Senior and FET phases. While studying, I served as an Education Assistant at Floraton Primary School, the same school I attended from 2004 to 2011. This experience was deeply meaningful, as it allowed me to give back to the foundation that helped shape me.

In September 2021, I began working at uMhlathuze Water as an intern in the Office of the Company Secretary, where I gained invaluable exposure to corporate governance and administrative processes. Within a year, I was promoted to Junior Office Administrator, a role that challenged and grew me professionally. However, I made the difficult decision to resign in April 2023. I then pursued my Honours degree in Public Administration at the University of Zululand (UniZulu) in 2024, which I achieved with an average of 73% merit.

Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s degree in Public Administration. This research is not only academically fulfilling but also personally meaningful, as it reflects effective public service. I also serve as a Tutor at UniZulu, tutoring Introduction to Public Administration. This opportunity not only strengthens my own academic grounding but also allows me to mentor and guide new students entering the field.

Looking back, I didn’t envision this exact path growing up, but every step, whether forward or challenging, has brought me closer to my purpose. I am committed to using my education, experience, and voice to advocate for ethical, accountable, and inclusive public service. I thank God for His guidance and strength throughout this journey. (Psalm 103:1-5)

How has your affiliation with the NRF impacted your studies/career?

My relationship with the NRF began when I was awarded funding for my Honours degree in Public Administration in 2024. At the time, I was unemployed and navigating the challenges of being an orphan without any financial support. Receiving the NRF scholarship was a turning point in both my academic and personal life.

The funding provided by the NRF allowed me not only to cover my Honours tuition fees, but also to pay off fees from my Master’s degree during registration in February 2025. It gave me the rare opportunity to focus on my studies without the constant worry of financial instability. In addition, the scholarship enabled me to prepare for my graduation—a significant milestone that I otherwise would not have been able to afford.

This support gave me more than just financial relief; it gave me dignity, motivation, and a renewed sense of purpose. It empowered me to continue pursuing my academic goals and strengthened my belief in the importance of public sector transformation through education. I am deeply grateful to the NRF, as its support has helped me stay on my academic path.

What is your research focus/area of expertise?

My research is focused on enhancing ethical governance in the public sector. My thesis is entitled Examining the Role of Public Participation in Enhancing Accountability and Transparency in uMhlathuze Local Municipality.

This research investigates the systemic challenges that hinder transparency and accountability within public institutions, particularly in the context of local government and service delivery. It seeks to develop a practical governance framework that can support more ethical, responsive, and efficient public administration.

My area of expertise lies in public sector governance, with a particular interest in accountability mechanisms, administrative ethics, and institutional reform. Through this research, I aim to contribute not only to academic knowledge but also to real-world solutions that can strengthen public trust in government institutions.

Being both a scholar and a tutor in Introduction to Public Administration has deepened my insight into the theoretical and practical dimensions of governance. My work is rooted in the belief that well-governed public institutions are essential for social justice and sustainable development.

How is your research helping to shape a better future?

My research is helping to shape a better future by addressing one of the most critical challenges facing South Africa today: the lack of accountability and transparency in the public sector. These issues directly impact service delivery, governance, and public trust in institutions. Through my Master’s research, I aim to contribute practical solutions to these persistent governance failures.

The challenge I am focusing on is the gap between public policy and ethical implementation. Many public institutions have sound policies in place, but weak accountability mechanisms; poor leadership ethics; and limited oversight have led to inefficiency, corruption, and disillusionment among citizens. My research seeks to develop a governance framework that promotes ethical leadership, clear accountability lines, and performance-based administration.

By equipping public officials and institutions with tools for transparent and responsible management, my work can contribute to improving service delivery, restoring public confidence, and building a more ethical and effective public administration system. I believe that by strengthening governance practices, we can ensure that public resources are used to benefit all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.

Being a young researcher often means juggling numerous responsibilities and expectations. How do you stay motivated and/or balanced?

Being a young researcher comes with many responsibilities — from academic performance and research deadlines to personal and financial pressures, especially as someone who is unemployed What keeps me motivated is my strong sense of purpose; I know that my work in Public Administration has the potential to contribute to real change in how our public institutions operate.

I stay balanced by setting clear goals, both short-term and long-term, and by creating structured daily routines that help me manage my time effectively. My tutoring role at UniZulu also keeps me engaged and connected to a community of learners and scholars, which adds a sense of fulfilment and support.

When challenges become overwhelming, I remind myself why I started: my lived experiences, my academic journey from Floraton Primary to postgraduate studies, and my commitment to transforming the public sector. I also take time for mental wellness, whether through journaling, walking, or speaking to trusted mentors and peers. These practices help me reset and refocus.

Ultimately, my motivation is rooted in the belief that education is not only a personal achievement but also a tool for empowerment and upliftment – for myself and the communities I aim to serve.

What has been your proudest achievement to date?

My proudest achievement to date has been completing my Honours degree in Public Administration under extremely challenging personal and financial circumstances. As an orphan without a stable support system, and someone who had left a job due to a toxic work environment, continuing with my studies felt uncertain at times. However, with determination and the support of the NRF scholarship, I not only completed the programme but also used the funding to settle some of my Master’s fees and prepare for graduation.

What makes this achievement so meaningful is not just the academic milestone, but the resilience and growth it represents. It marked a turning point in my life where I chose to rise above hardship, reclaim my voice, and return to what I’m passionate about: building ethical, accountable public institutions through education and research.

Being able to tutor other students in Public Administration and serve as a role model for those from similar backgrounds is an added layer of pride. It’s a reminder that no matter how difficult the journey, perseverance and purpose can lead to powerful outcomes.

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