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Mbhashe Local Municipality Executive Mayor Samkelo Janda has earned a Doctorate in Public Administration and Management from Nelson Mandela University.
Janda, who leads the Mbashe Local municipality said he wished his late mother, Nosapho Janda, and his former school principal, Mr Delby Ntsikana Ntongana, were alive to witness the moment.
A Journey Shaped by Family and Mentors
Janda thanked his wife, Siziwe Manquma Janda, their daughter Sibulele, and his academic supervisors for supporting him through the demanding years of research.
His PhD supervisor, Professor Sebenzile Masango, praised Janda’s discipline.
“He was very responsive to guidance. He is self-motivated and his research is relevant to his work,” Masango said.
Janda holds two Master’s degrees and began his career as a teacher before moving into local government. His early life in Ngqamakhwe and Dutywa shaped many of the values he carries into public service.
From Classroom to Council Chambers
Janda started teaching in 1989 at Nondwe Senior Secondary School in Willowvale. His transition to local government began in 2000 when he was deployed by the ANC as a councillor in the Amathole District Municipality.
Over the years he served as Speaker, chaired key committees, and later became Executive Mayor of Mbhashe. He has held the position since 2016.
PhD Focus: Accountability in Local Government
Janda’s doctoral research examined oversight and accountability in the Mnquma Local Municipality. He said the case study revealed inconsistent audit outcomes and emphasised the importance of strong governance.
“I wanted to understand what caused the fluctuations,” he said.
His work used the Principal–Agent Theory, which describes the community as the principal and elected leaders as agents expected to deliver services and account for decisions.
Janda said many municipalities struggle because leaders fail to meet this accountability standard.
Driving Clean Audits and Consequence Management
Janda emphasised that local government performance starts with skilled leadership. He said the Mnquma Executive Mayor and Municipal Manager have taken a firm stance on non-performance and corruption, despite facing threats from factions resisting clean governance.
“Strict consequence management is the only way to restore trust and deliver services,” he said.
Professor Masango added that the example set in Mnquma could inspire stronger leadership across the country.
Looking Ahead
Janda said the knowledge gained through his doctoral studies is already helping the Mbhashe Municipality strengthen financial controls and work towards a clean audit.
“We are proudly viable. We aim for a clean audit and better service delivery,” he said.
