Overstrand Municipal Manager obtains his PhD

He is an asset not only to the municipality, but also to the community and he proved this by recently receiving his doctorate.

Dean O’Neill, Overstrand Municipal Manager, graduated from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) with a PhD in Public Administration on 17 April. His thesis focused on whether the future existence of municipalities would be determined by their ability to remain financially sustainable in an increasingly constrained economic and politically volatile environment in their quest to provide and maintain quality and affordable services to all the residents within their jurisdiction.

“The study is significant as municipalities need to guarantee that they are financially sustainable to carry on providing much-needed basic services,” he explained.

He thanked his family for their support, encouragement and understanding during his PhD journey.

Overstrand Executive Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie expressed her immense joy and pride at the MM for taking the academic plunge despite his onerous work as a municipal manager. She congratulated him on behalf of the municipality on his achievement and said learning should be a lifelong journey as it opens our eyes and minds to innovative concepts and thinking.