By Mark Smith

Climate change, rising inequality, the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine are examples of the change the world has experienced over the past couple of years. It is clear that continuous and at times disruptive change has become a ‘certainty’.

Stellenbosch Business School realises that as an academic institution, its role is also changing, and that it now has a responsibility to ensure future leaders make a positive impact in society and the world.

Said Professor Mark Smith, Director of Stellenbosch Business School, “The need for individuals to take the lead and act responsibly is more important than ever. As a leading knowledge institution, we have a responsibility to ensure that our graduates know how to make a positive impact through their leadership.”

According to Prof Smith, the school will continue to draw on its fields of expertise, its achievements, and the heritage and research reputation of its mother brand, Stellenbosch University. He says the business school’s new positioning portrays clarity about its identity to the local, national and international ecosystems in which the school operates.

“For almost 60 years, we’ve led the way in management education for South Africa and the continent, with connections that span the globe. Importantly, we’re the first African school to integrate responsible leadership throughout our portfolio of academic programmes – especially in our MBA and postgraduate diplomas,” explained Prof Smith.

“Our vision of creating value for a better world is aligned with that of Stellenbosch University, which speaks to advancing knowledge in service of society,” he added.

Leadership has always been part of Stellenbosch Business School’s DNA. The institution was the first African business school to gain the three major international accreditations, namely AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. Just over 1% of the world’s business schools have the Triple Crown of accreditations.

The school continues to offer:

• A global perspective with unique Africa-focused expertise to serve the needs of all stakeholders. Think responsible leadership, futures and foresight, finance and growth, equality and diversity, conflict and collaboration, coaching, governance, and entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Innovative teaching and learning by combining technologies with a strong human touch to make the learning experience transformative. In addition, the school offers flexible learning pathways and access to lifelong learning.
• Commitment to continuous improvement through research and through associations with global accreditation bodies and other benchmarking organisations, ensuring that students have access to world-class education. The school has 21 new flagship projects for 2022 to 2025.

Commented Owen Mbundu, Head of Marketing and Communications, “The Business School’s new identity, name and vision look towards the future because that is the only place we can still impact. We know that leadership starts with ourselves – only then can we influence the world around us.

“Overall, our new branding and recommitment to responsible leadership send out a message of transformation, and of commitment to joint values, excellence and inclusion,” said Mbundu.

For more information on Stellenbosch Business School’s academic programmes, visit www.usb.ac.za

This post and content is sponsored, written and provided by Stellenbosch Business School