Latest news with #GordonInstituteofBusinessScience
Daily Maverick
23-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Educational innovation emboldening relevant leadership
In an environment that is demanding greater corporate responsibility, today's leaders must navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic business landscape to advance organisational sustainability. As such, business schools need to teach much more than traditional business theory. Today, businesses and students are demanding a more holistic business education. One that not only includes rigorous theoretical content but is supported by practical application of knowledge and a strategic focus on leadership development. The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) has been at the forefront of South Africa's and Africa's business education for 25 years, delivering an innovative, relevant and future-focused offering. Educating in a modern world In recent years, business schools have been criticised for failing to remain relevant in a world where growing economic and geopolitical uncertainty and volatility are colliding with massive digital disruption. Criticisms have included claims that they are not keeping up with the demands of the modern business environment, still prioritise theory over practice, and that they are overly focused on financial metrics rather than the social impact of businesses. With so many challenges facing the world, business schools need to change the way they educate to ensure that they are producing leaders of value; leaders who are ethical, humane, and transformational. Professor Hayley Pearson, GIBS Executive Director: Academic Education, says, 'Business education is essential to help businesses and society navigate complex futures. Through the GIBS MBA, we are constantly innovating in order to deliver a relevant business degree that moulds Africa's business leaders through a holistic education that combines theory and practice, while building confidence, critical thinking, creativity and self-empowerment skills.' GIBS MBA – A leading global business qualification GIBS's holistic approach to education has seen the institution acknowledged as one of the world's leading business schools. Not only has the GIBS MBA been recognised as having the best reputation amongst employers, and their first choice for an MBA, according to South Africa's Financial Mail Top MBA Ranking; the United States (US)-based CEO Magazine, ranked GIBS 18 th in its Global Rankings for 2024, highlighting its status as a tier-one business school. In addition, the 2024 Corporate Knights Better World MBA Ranking saw GIBS ranked 25 th in the world for running one of the most sustainable MBA programmes. With sustainability a strategic imperative for GIBS, the business school is a United Nations Principles for Responsible Management (PRME) Champion. GIBS aligns with global educational standards and is proud to hold the prestigious 'Triple Crown' accreditation, an achievement earned by only a select group of business schools worldwide. This includes international accreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) through its Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), the Association of MBAs (AMBA), and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Complementing these global affiliations, GIBS is also an affiliate of the Central and East European Management Development Association. Regionally, GIBS is accredited by the Association of African Business Schools and locally by the South African Council on Higher Education. The school is also an active member of the South African Business Schools Association and the Global Business School Network, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and continuous development within both African and international contexts. Globally relevant These global accreditations and associations mean that GIBS has positioned itself as a world-class MBA offering with many graduates having moved into leadership positions abroad. The partnerships also mean that GIBS is able to offer its cohorts a practical international module where students are immersed in a foreign business through a consulting project or immersive courses. This compulsory international module is a distinct feature of a GIBS MBA. Each year, the selection of these destinations is carefully considered, tailored to specific themes. In the past, students have had the option to visit countries from around the globe, including the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Ireland, France, Hungary, Estonia, Morocco, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Mozambique, Dubai, India, Singapore, Vietnam and China. GIBS also offers an online option for those who want to manage their carbon footprint or where affordability may be an issue. This international focus extends to global leaders looking to bring their businesses to Africa, the world's next growth frontier. Not only does GIBS offer a truly Africa-centric education, Africa-specific international modules are always included in the MBA. Beyond that, however, the degree also provides an excellent networking opportunity as an essential element of any GIBS programme is teamwork, giving aspiring leaders from all aspects of business, local and abroad, a practical opportunity to work with a diverse group of African business cohorts. A bespoke Africa-focused MBA GIBS has further innovated in the business education space by allowing MBA students to choose a degree that is specifically tailored to their needs. In addition to the core MBA general management subjects, the business school offers over 90 electives that are clustered to give students a bespoke education that suits their personal career trajectory. These electives are grouped into key focus areas such as Building Personal Effectiveness, which includes critical thinking; Business in Context, which covers topics like corporate governance; as well as Consulting, Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership and Culture, with a focus on ethical leadership. Additional categories include Strategy and Innovation, Technology and Emerging Markets, which address issues such as digital disruption. In addition, the GIBS MBA also offers students specialised MBA programmes in Consulting, Entrepreneurship, and Manufacturing Studies in partnership with the Toyota Wessels Institute, which is a requirement for automotive executives. The most recent additions to the specialised MBA options are the Healthcare Management track, as well as Digital and Climate Leadership Focus, and Humane Leadership Focus. Students are also given the option to complete the degree in a format that suits their current career demands. GIBS offers a 16-month full-time option or a part-time option that can be completed in a range of time frames. The programme is further enhanced by innovations like micro-courses, online and blended learning, and fast-paced technological shifts like big data, artificial intelligence and augmented reality. Leadership is the golden thread for the GIBS MBA The golden thread of a GIBS MBA, however, is the development of future-fit leadership skills. The institute considers leadership from all angles of the business environment and has structured the MBA degree in such a way as to best equip leaders with the ability to envisage the future and be able to develop relevant strategies to execute those plans. All students have access to the GIBS Personal Applied Learning centre (PAL). PAL is an innovative way GIBS offers business education, by integrating coaching and facilitated processes into classroom learning. PAL facilitates the development of greater emotional intelligence, adaptability and the ability to lead diverse multi-cultural teams. It also helps them internalise what they are learning. Having access to the PAL coaches throughout their MBA journey has seen many alumni report that their confidence levels were boosted, their personal leadership styles were refined, and they developed greater self-awareness, enhanced strategic thinking and stronger leadership abilities. They were also better able to work within the high-pressure environment of an MBA course. The investment payoff An MBA is a significant investment, and the true value lies in how well students capitalise on the opportunities it offers throughout the journey. Due to the holistic nature of a GIBS MBA, students can look forward to growing on a number of fronts. Pearson notes, 'The investment in an MBA will guarantee a significant return. Students leave our courses with so much more confidence in themselves and their abilities, seeing them increase their chances for career success.' A 2024 GIBS survey of alumni revealed that GIBS alumni saw many benefits from achieving an MBA qualification. Nearly all surveyed individuals reported being promoted after completing their degree, with the bulk of alumni (over 40%) reported being promoted within the first year. In addition, nearly all MBA graduates saw an increase in their annual income. Many students also reported having the self-confidence to leave the corporate world and start their own business, with well over two-thirds of students starting up new businesses or consulting firms. They also noted an increase in international business travel to countries across the world, including the USA, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. When it came to a question of what made former students proud to be GIBS alumni, the fact that GIBS is a leading African business school ranked highest, followed by the high-quality Faculty, networking opportunities and the quality of the GIBS campus. A modern degree to meet new world demands An MBA is the ideal degree for people looking to take their career to the next level in South Africa or to become globally competitive. A GIBS MBA degree is designed to create future-fit leaders who can drive organisations in an increasingly complex world; organisations that are both impactful and relevant. GIBS's holistic approach embraces traditional MBA offerings with innovative approaches to facilitating business studies and leadership training. The GIBS MBA is so much more than a degree, it is a fast-track to business leadership success.
Daily Maverick
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Leading Media Through Disruption: New GIBS Programme Tackles AI, Sustainability and Market Challenges
The four-month Executive Programme in Media Leadership at GIBS Business School will equip senior African media and communication professionals with practical leadership, strategy, and innovation tools, covering areas like AI, sustainable business models, and competition law. Applications close July 4, 2025. Across Africa, independent journalism faces one of its most challenging eras. Newsrooms are shrinking. Audiences are fragmenting. Advertising markets are dominated by global tech giants. Misinformation spreads rapidly, eroding trust. The skills required to lead sustainable, resilient, and innovative media organisations today are vastly different from those of even five years ago. Against this backdrop, the Executive Programme in Media Leadership offered by the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), comes at a pivotal time. Designed to equip senior media and communication professionals across the continent with the leadership, strategy, and innovation tools needed to navigate an increasingly complex environment, the programme offers an exciting and intense learning opportunity to build new capabilities and networks. 'The future of Africa's media depends on strong leadership,' says Michael Markovitz, Director of the GIBS Media Leadership Think Tank and lead faculty for the programme. 'Yet too often, talented editors, executives and innovators are forced to lead in isolation, without the structured support, peer learning, and professional development that leaders in other industries take for granted.' A Leadership Programme Built for Africa's Media Challenges The four-month hybrid programme, running from July to October 2025, has been designed from the ground up to respond to the realities of African media markets — from small digital startups to legacy broadcasters, from public interest media to entrepreneurial ventures. Participants will gain practical skills in areas such as: AI in the newsroom and emerging technologies Sustainable business models and media financing Competition and communications law Negotiation strategy and board management Entrepreneurship in Africa Public interest journalism in an era of market failure Audience-centric innovation and product strategy Styli Charalambous, CEO and co-founder of Daily Maverick, who co-designed the GIBS programme with Markovitz describes the motivation for the course: 'We wanted something that responds to the real constraints and opportunities facing African media, whether you're in Nairobi, Lagos or Johannesburg. And, importantly, making it accessible in terms of costs and travel.' A World-Class, Cross-Disciplinary Faculty One of the programme's major attractions is its exceptional faculty, combining GIBS's top thinkers in leadership, strategy, entrepreneurship and innovation with globally respected media experts. Participants will learn from leading academics, practitioners, and innovators working at the forefront of fields such as media strategy, AI, public interest journalism, digital transformation, competition law, and media investment. GIBS's own faculty brings deep expertise in strategy, leadership, AI, entrepreneurship, finance, and change management — ensuring a cross-sectoral learning experience that bridges media with the wider business and innovation world. Urgency and Opportunity Applications have opened with a deadline of 4 July 2025. A limited number of scholarships are available to support participation by candidates from across the continent. The programme welcomes senior media and communications professionals, including editors, newsroom leaders, digital and product heads, media executives, policy-makers, financial and operational leaders with prior leadership experience. Participants will graduate with a powerful new network of peers and faculty across Africa's media and innovation ecosystem. Why Now? Africa's media cannot afford leadership deficits at a time of profound market disruption. New operating systems, frameworks and networks are necessary to respond to the challenges of this important sector. The programme will seek to address the disruption by: Digital platforms and AI are transforming content distribution and monetisation. Financial pressures, market consolidation, and platform dominance are threatening the sustainability of many outlets. New models of audience engagement, revenue generation, and collaboration are needed urgently — but require new skills and strategic thinking. The regulatory environment is shifting fast, with competition and media law playing a growing role in shaping market outcomes. 'There is no going back to the old ways of funding and managing media,' says Markovitz. 'Leaders need to be able to operate in what we call a state of permacrisis — constant change, complexity and challenge. That requires not just resilience, but fresh thinking.' Designed for Impact Unlike conventional academic courses, the Executive Programme in Media Leadership is intensely practical and applied. Participants will engage with case studies, peer learning and a Capstone project to translate insights into action. Sessions will include: Public interest journalism and market sustainability AI and data-driven strategy Strategic transformation and entrepreneurship Regulatory frameworks and competition law Leadership in permacrisis and resilience Inclusive leadership and cultural frameworks Audience-centric innovation and strategic communications Apply Now For African media leaders ready to take on the next phase of their journey and to help build a stronger, more sustainable, more innovative media ecosystem. This is a rare opportunity to invest in transformational leadership skills. Visit to learn more and submit your application. Applications close 4 July 2025. There are limited partial scholarships available so interested applicants should not delay. DM
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Berita on juggling studies and working on new music
The singer is working on new music while pursuing her MBA. Afro-soul singer and songwriter Berita is working extra hard, balancing her music career with her academic ambitions. Earlier this month, the singer-songwriter graduated from the University of Pretoria with an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration. Speaking to The Citizen, Berita said her decision to return to education was driven by a desire to strengthen her leadership and business skills in the ever-evolving creative industry. 'This milestone represents growth and resilience. I was inspired by a desire to better navigate the music business and build long-term impact as a creative entrepreneur.' Berita said balancing her music career with her studies was no easy feat. 'It was tough, but I stayed focused, managed my time carefully, and leaned on the support of my team and peers. Passion is what kept me going.' ALSO READ: Berita, Eugene Mthethwa and Idols Top 5 finalist among nominees for spot as a trustee of Samro's retirement fund New music in the pipeline for Berita's fans Berita is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the Gordon Institute of Business Science, part of the University of Pretoria. She is also preparing to release new music. 'I'm preparing to release new music while continuing my studies, and I'm exploring ways to merge creativity, business, and social impact.' Berita also has several performances lined up this year, including the prestigious Standard Bank Joy of Jazz on 26 September. 'I'm also excited to perform at the Mayibuye iAfrika Concert at Joburg Theatre on the 28th and 29th of June,' she shared. NOW READ: 'From the cage to the stage,' says Chris Brown after being granted over R120 million bail
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Steep US tariffs on Africa signal end of trade deal meant to boost development
By Nqobile Dludla and Lovasoa Rabary JOHANNESBURG/ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) - The U.S. government's imposition of steep tariffs on African nations signals the end of the AGOA trade deal that was supposed to help African economies develop through preferential access to U.S. markets, trade experts said on Thursday. Several African countries were hit by some of the highest tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, including levies of 50% on goods from Lesotho, 47% for Madagascar, 40% for Mauritius, 37% for Botswana and 30% for South Africa, the continent's biggest exporter to the U.S. Many of the hardest-hit countries are already struggling with very high levels of poverty and debt as well as, in some cases, other severe challenges such as food shortages or cyclones in Madagascar, and one of the world's highest rates of HIV/AIDS infections in Lesotho. The tariffs also compound the pain for Africa after Trump's administration dismantled USAID, the government agency that was a major supplier of aid to the continent, and specifically cut bilateral aid to South Africa. The AGOA trade accord is due to expire in September, and the raft of tariffs suggests that a renewal of the deal, a major part of U.S. policy towards the continent since the 1990s era of President Bill Clinton, is extremely unlikely. "The reciprocal trade announcement policy will pull the AGOA rug from under our feet. That will be gone. It will replace AGOA, you don't have to wait for September. It'll be gone before then," said economist Adrian Saville, a professor at South Africa's Gordon Institute of Business Science. It was unclear whether AGOA tariff exemptions on certain goods would continue to be applied between now and September in the wake of Trump's tariff barrage. "There is no indication that imports under AGOA are exempt from the 10% tariffs, so it appears that effectively immediately AGOA imports that previously were duty-free are now subject to a 10% duty," the Washington-based African Coalition for Trade said in a memo to members on Thursday. "This is obviously not a positive sign for the outlook for renewal of AGOA." However, the permanent secretary at Kenya's foreign ministry, Korir Sing'Oei, said his understanding was that tariff exemptions under AGOA would remain valid until the act's expiry. FRESH BLOW FOR SOUTH AFRICA In South Africa, whose second largest trading partner is the U.S., after China, the government struck a hopeful note despite the blow. "The tariffs affirm the urgency to negotiate a new bilateral and mutually beneficial trade agreement with the U.S., as an essential step to secure long-term trade certainty," the presidency said in a statement. But a new trade deal with Washington looks like a mountain to climb for Pretoria. Trump has repeatedly lambasted South Africa, the country that overcame apartheid, over what he described as discriminatory policies against white people. U.S.-South African relations have soured since Trump cut U.S. financial aid to the country, citing disapproval of its land policy and its genocide case at the International Court of Justice against Washington's ally Israel. Trump's latest tariffs are in addition to the 25% imposed on all vehicles and car parts imported into the U.S., which will kick in from Thursday. South Africa's exports of vehicles and parts into the U.S. are estimated at over $2 billion and could be hit hard by the levies. Speaking at an investment conference in Johannesburg, South African Trade Minister Parks Tau said the current global economic uncertainty was affecting demand for South Africa's products and its ability to create jobs. "If there is one message that we must convey today, it is that diversifying trade relationships is absolutely critical." In 2024, U.S. imports from South Africa totalled $14.7 billion, up 4.9% from 2023, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Major South African exports to the U.S. include precious stones and metals, motor vehicle parts and accessories, iron and steel, machinery and aluminium products. Lesotho, a tiny landlocked country surrounded by South Africa, is the second largest exporter of textiles and garments to the U.S. under AGOA. In 2024 it exported goods worth $237 million into the U.S., a 4.7% increase over 2023.
