Richmond Municipality Mayor Melikhaya Ngcongo has marked a significant personal and professional milestone after completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management Studies at the University of Pretoria, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning in public office.Ngcongo said his achievement goes beyond personal success, describing it as a commitment to improving service delivery for residents. “It’s a promise I made to myself and to our residents that I will never stop improving so I can serve better,” he said.
With a background in social work and nearly a decade of experience in the Department of Social Development, Ngcongo admitted he initially struggled with the technical demands of municipal governance. He cited challenges in interpreting council reports and navigating complex administrative systems.
The qualification equipped him with critical skills in governance, public finance, policy development, human resources, and project management—tools he now applies in his leadership role.
Balancing academic commitments with the pressures of office was no easy task. Ngcongo revealed that he often worked up to 21 consecutive days without rest while studying, underscoring the discipline required to succeed. Despite the challenges, he described humility as his greatest takeaway.
“There is always more to learn,” he said.He hopes his journey will inspire young people and fellow leaders to pursue education at any stage of life, emphasising that leadership and learning can go hand in hand.
Looking ahead, Ngcongo envisions building an efficient, responsive, and trusted municipality. He believes his qualification is a stepping stone toward professionalising local government and mentoring future public servants.
