Former minister Gigaba puts SOE reform ideas to scholarly scrutiny

'End patronage leadership appointments'

- By Mbalenhle Zuma

Dr Malusi Gigaba, a former minister of finance and of public enterprises, recently completed his PhD at the University of Johannesburg, focusing on how state-owned entities (SOEs) can balance commercial and developmental objectives.

His research, under the supervision of Prof Dominique Emmanuel Uwizeyimana and Dr Eric Blanco Niyitunga, looks at the necessary structural and governance reforms to unlock the potential of SOEs.

Gigaba outlined his motivation in a recent interview with Sunday World.

"My thesis was driven by an intellectual curiosity to delve deeper into these systemic issues and propose comprehensive solutions that align SOEs with South Africa's overarching developmental agenda."

He advocates for an independent body to manage SOEs on behalf of the state to reduce political interference.