I'm Dr Letsepa Pakkies, and I am thrilled to share my journey with you.

As a PhD holder and Director at the National Treasury, I have had the privilege of transforming academic theories into tangible, real-world solutions. For the past 15 years, I have been dedicated to bridging the gap between research and public policy, with a focus on equitable resource distribution and the empowerment of local governments. My role involves overseeing the local government fiscal framework and the annual Division of Revenue Bill. However, my work transcends mere numbers and policies; it is about ensuring fairness and progressively realising a deferred dream.

Recently, I have spearheaded two transformative initiatives:

• A comprehensive review of all conditional grants within the South African intergovernmental system, which has led to large-scale reforms.

• An evaluation of capacity-building grants and programmes, culminating in a new framework for enhancing state capability.

These projects are revolutionising the way we resource and empower our local governments, transforming academic insights into practical solutions that enhance lives across South Africa.

I am passionate about leveraging research-based reforms to foster positive change, and I am always eager to connect with others who share this vision. Whether you are a researcher, a public servant, or simply interested in governance innovation, I would love to exchange ideas with you.

 Shall we embark on this exciting journey of discovery and improvement?

Vision

To create a symbiosis between rigorous academic research and practical policy-making, where the insights of today's scholars shape the governance of tomorrow. I envision a future where every PhD and Masters student sees their work not just as a academic pursuit, but as a potential catalyst for national development and social change.

Mission

To inspire and guide postgraduate students in leveraging their research skills for real-world impact. I am committed to demonstrating how the analytical thinking, perseverance, and innovation cultivated in academia can be applied to solve complex societal challenges. Through mentorship, I aim to empower the next generation of scholar-practitioners to transform their research into actionable policies that improve lives and drive national progress.