Tebogo Molatudi, an alum of the MPhil in Development Finance programme offered at the Stellenbosch Business School, was recently selected to serve on the Alumni Association Gauteng Chapter committee.

He was also a class leader during his studies. "I was very intentional when I joined the business school, so one the decision I took was that I am going in full force, that I am going for everything; I am not going just to get a qualification and leave. There must be something else that I must leave with and have contributed something to the University. Previously I used to disqualify myself so much however this time around I knew that something has to change   So, when an opportunity for a leadership role came I availed myself for it. This was an opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone," he says. "I must say I am very proud of the person I have become. This was not a one-person show; I had the greatest support from my family, friends, colleagues, fellow students and the business school community."

Tebogo grew up in a small town stricken by poverty, crime, unemployment and inequality. "After completing both my degrees in agricultural economics, the big question was, Now what? There is still a high rate of poverty in the country and the continent at large. I wanted a qualification that will equip me with the necessary skills, knowledge and tools to make a difference in society; I wanted a solution-driven qualification," he explains why he pursued his master's in this field.

His journey did not come without obstacles, but he believes challenges build character and resilience. "There was a point where I thought of discontinuing my studies because I didn't have money to finance them. But, instead, I decided to apply for a study loan to continue."

He says the MDevF programme was his "safe haven" as he experienced workplace bullying to such an extent that he had suicidal thoughts. "But every time we had class, I was reminded of my purpose; it allowed me to think critically and be innovative. Studying at Stellenbosch Business School reminded me of my intelligence and worth, that I matter and have a role to play in society. I look back now, and all I do is smile- I can confidently say indeed there is light at the end of the tunnel ."

He chose to study at Stellenbosch Business School for three reasons: its global footprint and recognition; the content and the structure of the programme; and because it comes highly recommended, both locally and internationally.

A highlight of his studies was participating in a global competition, the HUMLOG Challenge organised by the Global Business School Network (GBSN), that drives solution development in local communities. His team came third. "It was a great experience – creating networks and working together. This was one of my biggest highlights and achievement."

Tebogo says responsible leadership is "about being visible and available and being able to lead with an open mind".

We are honoured to have you on the Gauteng Chapter committee, Tebogo!