Aspirant Master of Business Administration (MBA) students heard about how the qualification will enhance their business and leadership acumen during a recent Open Evening.

The event, hosted by the Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L), creates a platform for prospective students to engage with academics and former and current students to gather information about the newly-revised MBA programme and other postgraduate studies the School offers.

In his welcome address, GSB&L academic, Dr Emmanuel Mutambara, said an MBA would provide students with skills to enable them to make a valuable contribution to the country’s economy and business sector.

To help participants understand how an MBA translates into career growth, UKZN alumnus, political leader and eThekwini Municipality Executive Committee member, Mr Zwakele Mncwango, spoke about how an MBA developed his leadership skills and sharpened his analytical thinking.

‘My MBA has helped me to think like a business leader within a political environment, and trained me to understand complex political and business issues, and to think strategically,’ said Mncwango.  ‘It also provided me with business skills, especially enhancing soft skills such as leadership, cross cultural understanding and teamwork.’

Afrisam’s regional Engineering Manager and current MBA student, Mr Mogantheran Naidoo, spoke about how it wasn’t always necessary to complete an MBA before reaping rewards, citing his own example of being promoted to his current position while still studying.

Part-time academic in the GSB&L and Head of Leadership and Development at Nedbank, Dr Abdulla Kader, spoke from an academic’s perspective.

The GSB&L’s Dean and Head, Professor Theuns Pelser, said the School was in the business of shaping future leaders. He encouraged prospective students to join the School which was committed to producing ethical business leaders.

Would-be student, Mr Mfundo Manqele, said: ‘I found the programme very interesting - it made me realise that an MBA is definitely a qualification to pursue.’

After the formal programme, there was a question and answer session.

Everyone who attended received an information pack containing the updated GSB&L marketing brochure.

Thandiwe Jumo