Q&A with TK Pooe | Senior Lecturer, Wits School of Governance?

TK is a Public Policy specialist focusing on Development Planning and currently leading the State-Owned Entities (SoEs) and Energy Transition project in the Wits School of Governance.

1. How did you get started in this area of work/research/ research project/course?

The former Head of School, Prof Qobo challenged one to think around how to actualise the internal work one does in the school around research and teaching, into State-enablement (capacity building) of SoEs and energy transition for South Africa’s and the continents benefit.   

2. What does your work/research/ project/ centre aim to achieve?

It has two specific aims, linked to the idea of State-enablement. Firstly, provide immediate policy solutions for institutional Re-design of current SoEs, not simply for making them work but making them co-enablers of development in the coming decade. Secondly, in the reimagining of SoEs look at how emergent phenomena like the energy transition will influence their trajectory. 

3. Mention any impact that’s been achieved?

The most immediate impact has been the project’s input into various aspects of the Presidential State-Owned Enterprises Council, which will give the President of the Republic various pathways about the immediate and future direction of South Africa’s SoEs and State-Owned Companies. 

4. What’s next?

This is the big question, for now it’s about producing ready to digest reports and academic literature speaking to the aims of the project. Ultimately and with more support the team (Matlala Setlhalogile, Phumudzo Mufamadi, Kambidima Wotela, Mirriam Sibanda and others) wants to make this work a reference point for South African and regional policymakers and thinkers in the areas of SoE and energy transitions.  

5. What kind of student should follow this course/research/project?

足球竞彩app排名s that are interested in shaping SoEs and the energy transition discourse for the coming decade and aim to be active thinkers-doers (ThiDos) about Statecraft.

To get in touch with TK, visit this page.