NRF Youth Month 2025: Nomfundo Kubheka

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 Nomfundo Kubheka is a PhD candidate in Public Administration at the University of Zululand. She received funding from the NRF for her Honours and Master’s studies.

How did your journey start?

My academic journey has been shaped by a deep passion for public service, research, and a genuine desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Growing up, I was always curious about how government systems function and how policies impact everyday citizens. I didn’t always know the exact path I would take, but I knew I wanted to contribute meaningfully to society, especially through knowledge and service.

I chose to study Public Administration because I saw it as a powerful tool to bridge the gap between communities and government. It offers the opportunity to not only understand policymaking and governance but also influence it for the better. My undergraduate and postgraduate studies laid a strong foundation, and over time, my interest in research grew significantly. I realised that through research, I could uncover solutions to real-world challenges and contribute to evidence-based decision-making in the public sector.

Today, I am pursuing a PhD in Public Administration at the University of Zululand. This decision was driven by the university’s supportive academic environment, its commitment to public sector transformation, and the alignment of its research focus with my own interests — particularly, in intergovernmental relations and cooperative governance.

I didn’t always envision myself as a PhD candidate, but with every step in my journey, my vision became clearer. What began as a simple desire to help others evolved into a calling to contribute through research, teaching, and policy development. I am passionate about empowering others, especially young people and women, to see education as a tool for change. My journey is far from over, but every experience has affirmed that I am exactly where I am meant to be.

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

My academic journey has been greatly supported by the NRF, and I am truly grateful for the role it has played in my development. I received NRF funding during both my Honours and Master’s studies, and this support made a significant difference in my academic and personal life.

Financially, the funding enabled me to focus fully on my studies without the added stress of worrying about tuition fees or other academic-related expenses. It gave me the freedom to invest my time and energy into research, coursework, and academic growth — which ultimately contributed to my success at both levels.

On a deeper level, being awarded the NRF scholarship boosted my confidence and affirmed my belief in the importance of the work I was doing. It made me feel that my research and academic potential were recognised and valued. This motivated me even further to pursue excellence in my field.

Most importantly, the NRF’s support nurtured and strengthened my passion for research. It allowed me to explore complex public administration issues, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to knowledge that aims to improve governance and public service delivery.

The NRF played a vital role in shaping the academic I am becoming today. It did not just fund my studies — it helped build the foundation for a career driven by purpose, knowledge, and service.

What is your research focus/what is your area of expertise?

My research is titled Exploring the Impact of Technology in Enhancing Service Delivery Efficiency in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.

This study is situated within the broader field of Public Administration, with a specific focus on digital transformation and local governance in the South African context. The research seeks to examine how the integration of technology, such as e-governance platforms, digital systems, and smart service tools, can improve the efficiency, responsiveness, and overall effectiveness of service delivery at the local government level.

Given the increasing demand for improved public services, particularly in urban municipalities such as eThekwini, my work explores both the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting digital tools in a complex public sector environment. It also looks at issues of accessibility, policy alignment, capacity building, and citizen engagement.

My area of expertise includes local government systems, service delivery, digital governance, and public sector innovation. Through this research, I aim to contribute practical insights and policy recommendations that can help municipalities harness technology more effectively to meet the needs of their communities.

How is your research helping to shape a better future?

My research is driven by a commitment to building a more responsive, efficient, and people-centred public sector.

South African municipalities, like many across the continent, continue to face serious challenges in delivering essential services efficiently and equitably. These challenges include delays, poor communication with citizens, resource limitations, and lack of accountability. My research addresses these issues by examining how digital technologies, when properly implemented, can transform public service delivery and rebuild trust between government and communities.

By investigating current technological tools, policy frameworks, and implementation practices in eThekwini Municipality, my work aims to identify practical solutions that can be adopted to streamline processes, improve transparency, and enhance citizen access to services. I also explore the barriers that hinder successful digital transformation, such as limited digital literacy, inadequate infrastructure, and resistance to change within public institutions.

Ultimately, my research is helping to shape a better future by:

• Promoting innovation in local governance
• Encouraging citizen-centred service delivery models
• Supporting evidence-based policy development
• Empowering public institutions to adapt in the digital age

I hope that the findings and recommendations from my study will not only benefit eThekwini Municipality but also serve as a guide for other municipalities in South Africa and beyond that are seeking to modernise and improve how they serve their communities.

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

Being a young researcher is both a rewarding and demanding journey. It means constantly navigating the pressures of academic expectations, meeting deadlines, managing personal responsibilities, and often balancing work and family life. As someone who is a mother, a student, and a public servant, I understand the weight of wearing multiple hats. But through it all, I have found strength, motivation, and balance by staying connected to my “why.”

My research focuses on improving service delivery through the use of technology in local government, specifically within eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. I am passionate about public service and the belief that communities deserve efficient, transparent, and people-centred governance. This purpose grounds me. When things get overwhelming, I remind myself that the work I am doing is not just for academic recognition; it’s about creating solutions that could genuinely make people’s lives better.

Staying motivated also means being disciplined and intentional about how I use my time. I plan my days carefully, set achievable weekly goals, and break down my research into manageable tasks. This helps me stay on track without feeling overburdened. I’ve come to accept that balance doesn’t always mean equal time for everything; it means being present and giving my best in each area of my life as needed.

Support systems are crucial. I lean on my family, mentors, and academic supervisors for encouragement and advice. Talking to other postgraduate students who are on similar journeys reminds me that I am not alone in this. Sharing experiences, struggles, and wins with peers helps to build a sense of community and motivation.

I also prioritise self-care and mental wellness, which are often overlooked in academic spaces. Whether it’s spending quality time with my child, taking walks to clear my mind, or simply resting when I need to, I have learned that rest is not a reward; it is a necessity. A rested mind produces better work, and a healthy body sustains the long journey of a PhD.

Most importantly, I remind myself that growth takes time. There will be setbacks, slow progress, and moments of doubt, but they are part of the process. Each step forward, no matter how small, brings me closer to my goal. I stay motivated by envisioning the impact of my research, not only for my career but for the communities it aims to serve.

Being a young researcher is not easy, but it is deeply fulfilling. The journey is shaping me into a more resilient, thoughtful, and impactful individual, and for that I am grateful.

What has been your proudest achievement to date?

Looking back on my journey so far, I am incredibly proud of several key milestones that have shaped who I am today both personally and professionally.

One of my proudest achievements was completing my Master’s degree in record time. Pursuing postgraduate studies is a demanding journey, and being able to complete my Master’s within the set timeframe required dedication, discipline, and a strong support system. That achievement reminded me of my strength and my ability to overcome challenges, even when the workload felt overwhelming.

Another major highlight in my academic journey was registering for my PhD in Public Administration at the age of 31. For me, this was more than just a continuation of my studies; it was a statement of purpose. It symbolised my commitment to academic excellence, public service, and the belief that research can be a powerful tool for change. Entering the PhD journey at that age gave me the maturity and focus to pursue my research with clarity and confidence.

In addition to my academic milestones, I am also extremely proud of securing a position at eThekwini Municipality. Being able to serve in the public sector while pursuing my academic goals has given me a unique opportunity to apply theory to practice. It allows me to contribute directly to improving service delivery and governance, areas that align perfectly with my research focus.

These achievements reflect my resilience, my passion for public service, and my determination to inspire others, especially young women, who dream of furthering their education and making an impact in their communities.

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