Yolanda van der Westhuizen – championing excellence through accreditation

Business schools around the world strive to maintain rigorous academic standards, a commitment that is often validated through prestigious accreditations. For Stellenbosch Business School (SBS), the journey to achieving and maintaining these accreditations has been transformative, both for the institution and for those like the Manager of Accreditations, Yolanda van der Westhuizen, who has been integral to this process.

In 2012, the Business School reached a significant milestone by securing the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, marking the school’s achievement of the Triple Crown of international accreditations following completed accreditations from EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and Association of MBAs (AMBA). This status is held by only 1% of business schools globally.

Reflecting on this achievement, Van der Westhuizen said, "The most significant milestone for me occurred in 2012 when Stellenbosch Business School was awarded AACSB accreditation, which meant the Business School had achieved the Triple Crown of international accreditations and knowing that I contributed to that gives me a strong sense of pride and belonging.

These accreditations are not just symbolic; they demand continuous improvement and innovation. Each reaccreditation cycle is an opportunity for the school to reflect on its progress and remain accountable to excellent standards of knowledge sharing and education. This ongoing process has required Van der Westhuizen to develop new skills and handle pressure that she never anticipated.

"On a professional and personal level, I’ve learned to deal with a lot more pressure than I ever thought I could. We work hard to maintain the high standards required by these bodies."

Beyond the professional journey, Van der Westhuizen's road has also been deeply personal. One of the pivotal moments in her career was the opportunity to attend international accreditation conferences.

She continued: "On a more personal level, a key milestone was the opportunity to attend international accreditation conferences and engage with peers in this field. These interactions have inspired me to become more vocal about the importance of accreditation in enhancing the Business School’s reputation and its impact on a broader scale."

Through the accreditation process, Van der Westhuizen has also seen and experienced the role of women in leadership within business education.

"Firstly, the accreditation process makes you evaluate the [business] school's gender diversity quantitatively. But it is much more than counting the number of women. It makes you consider the number of women professors, and the leadership roles women occupy in the School. I believe that increasing the number of women in leadership roles within business education can lead to broader societal change. If we can do that, we’re making a difference in the world, making it a better place for women and men."

Managing the vast amounts of data required for accreditation reporting can be a daunting task. "One big challenge is data management," Van der Westhuizen said.

"It is hard to keep track of the evidence we have to provide to support our accreditation reporting because so many different points of information are involved. While there is no perfect solution, regular reporting at the committee level has helped address this issue. Additionally, you need to stay abreast of changing accreditation standards and ensure that the [business] school meets these evolving requirements."

Her professional growth has been strongly supported through her obtaining the PGDip in Leadership Development at Stellenbosch Business School. This programme has empowered her to find her voice and take on greater responsibility within her role.

"The PGDip taught me a lot about who I am as a person and what leadership means. This has enabled me to manage my roles and responsibilities effectively and to contribute meaningfully to the accreditation process. The PGDip has also encouraged me to continue learning about leadership and to practice it daily, professionally and personally."

Van der Westhuizen's career at Stellenbosch Business School has been deeply influenced by several key individuals who played a significant role in her development.

"Marion Leurs, the former PA of former Director Eon Smit, was instrumental in guiding me when I first joined the school. Marion shared all her knowledge about accreditation support with me and also showed me how to be discerning when dealing with colleagues. She had a wonderful sense of humour too."

Another key figure in van der Westhuizen's career has been Gretchen Arangies, former Operations Director at Stellenbosch Business School, who exemplified what it means to manage processes, take on responsibility, and lead with integrity.

Van der Westhuizen said, "Gretchen has the most incredible work ethic and was always ready to share her knowledge and experience. She showed me in practice that a good leader knows when to ask for help, when to tap into colleagues' expertise, and when to put your foot down."

On a personal level, it has been the support and empathetic advice of Samantha Diedericks, who is the Principle Administrative Officer & Learning Process Facilitator of PGDip Leadership Development, that has inspired Van der Westhuizen, teaching her the value of compassion, authenticity, and courage.

"Samantha has the most compassion for others ever," Van der Westhuizen stated. "She taught me to be brave, to stand up for myself, to study further, and much more."