Rhodes Business School

Save the date!

Rhodes University Hosts Historic Chancellor's Panel at 12th Annual ATMDT Lecture on Values-Based Leadership

Following the keynote address, attendees will witness a landmark moment in higher education as the event transitions into a panel discussion featuring three University Chancellors representing business, faith, and the law:

1. Professor Bonang Mohale: Chancellor of the University of the Free State

2. Archbishop Thabo Makgoba: Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape

3. Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga: Chancellor of Rhodes University.

🔗 https://www.ru.ac.za/latestnews/atmdt-1.html

🚀 Better Late Than Never!
Things have been moving at lightning speed around here over the last few months! 🌪️ It’s taken us a moment to catch our breath, but this is a story that simply has to be shared.

During our recent MBA lecture and study block, our cohort stepped out of the classroom and into the ecosystem of the Eastern Cape, visiting local businesses, community initiatives, and organisations making a real-world impact.

One of the absolute highlights of the tour was our visit to the incredible Three Valleys Wildlife near Bathurst. 🇿🇦

Three Valleys isn't just one thing—they are a masterclass in multifaceted impact:
🌾 An innovative agricultural business
🐾 A dedicated non-profit animal welfare organisation
🤝 A vital community partner

They gave our students a candid, unfiltered look behind the scenes, sharing the raw pitfalls and hard-won successes they’ve experienced over the last decade to build the thriving, sustainable organisation they are today. For a room full of future business leaders, it was an invaluable lesson in resilience, strategy, and purpose-driven growth.

💬 In Their Own Words: MBA Student Reflections
But don’t just take our word for it! Here is what our students had to say about this eye-opening experience:

Student 1: I am still processing how magical my visit to Three Valley was 🌿🦒 Coming from Eswatini, where the “wildest” animal I’d seen was a lion, seeing a real Siberian tiger, leopard, and black panther-like cat up close felt unreal. Even more interesting was learning that “panther” is mostly a movie term, and the black cat is actually a black leopard! The giraffes and ostriches added such a beautiful touch to the experience. And the proteas? Absolutely fascinating, they take a whole year to grow, yet can stay fresh for almost 6 months after being cut. Nature really is incredible 🐾🌸

Student 2: This province never fails to amaze me. There are countless examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things every day. It was a privilege to spend the day at Three Valleys Protea Farm, where I gained a deeper appreciation for the level of innovation, science, and dedication that modern farming requires.
The experience also highlighted the importance of closing the gap in education, support, and access to opportunities for emerging farmers. As a province and country, we still have significant work to do in empowering people with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to unlock their full potential.
If we are serious about addressing unemployment and driving sustainable growth, we need a deliberate commitment to creating and sharing opportunities that enable more people to succeed.

Student 3: Visiting Three Valley Farm felt like a real blessing. What made the experience even more meaningful was seeing protea cultivation firsthand after another group in our Responsible Management class used the Protea as the symbol for their leadership model. It was one of those moments where classroom learning suddenly connects with real life.

Student 4: What an unforgettable experience at Three Valleys! Set across a breathtaking 1000-hectare farm, the day began with an insightful session led by Frans, followed by a spectacular game drive. Guided by the incredible Danelle (hope I got the spelling right!), every moment was brought to life; from the fascinating “muted” story to the insect that feeds on prickly pears; nature’s own pink lipstick. We journeyed through vibrant protea fields and fynbos 🌸 to the sanctuary, where seeing Shadow the black leopard 🖤 and Ruby the Siberian tiger up close was unforgettable. The majestic lions 🦁 were a true highlight, followed by sightings of giraffes, zebras and several bucks across the stunning landscape. The farm’s rich history, including its preserved grave site, added even more depth to the experience. Truly a day to remember.

The Rhodes Business School was able to present to The Department of employment and Labour Career exhibition and Expo. Sharing some insights on what courses and programs are available to Makana Youth

Want to deliver projects on time, within budget, and with flawless ex*****on? 📈 Upgrade your skills with the accredited Project Management Short Course at the Rhodes Business School!

This isn’t just a basic workshop; it’s an accredited, high-impact NQF Level 7 module (40 Credits) designed to fit into your professional schedule.

📅 When: 13 July 2026 - 02 September 2026

💻 Format: 100% Online

🕒 Commitment: Mondays & Wednesdays, 18h00 – 20h00

Why join this cohort?

✨ Learn to justify projects through solid Business Cases.

✨ Master core tools: Gantt Charts, WBSs, Product Backlogs, and User Stories.

✨ Gain hands-on software skills in MS Project & Project Libre.

✨ Seamlessly blend traditional PMBOK frameworks with Agile & SCRUM methodologies.

Who is it for? Working professionals, team leads, and business analysts looking to supercharge their career trajectory.

📧 To Apply: Complete the application form at https://tinyurl.com/rhodesPM

Contact Information: For direct enquiries, email the course coordinator at [email protected].

Formally level up your credentials this winter. 💼

Rhodes Business School proudly honours four remarkable scholars on the completion of their PhDs.

Congratulations to Drs Evertse, Magwaga and Mazunga [supervised by Prof Pearse] and Gcume [supervised by Prof Mohapeloa]. 🎓🥇

Applications Still Open – Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analysis (PGBA)

Are you ready to strengthen your leadership, management, and strategic decision-making skills?
The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analysis (PGBA) programme is designed for professionals and graduates who want to advance their careers and make a real impact in business and society.

Practical, career-focused curriculum
Strong academic foundation
Ideal pathway into advanced business and management roles

📩 Enquiries:
[email protected]
[email protected]

⏳ Limited spaces available – apply now!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DQp24OlCmw9/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Enjoy S**O , Dr Matolwandile Mtotywa

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr Matolwandile Mtotywa, Senior Lecturer at Rhodes Business School, to the 5th International South African Cultural Observatory Conference. As part of this year’s theme, Creative Economy Futures, he will share insights on how artificial intelligence, decision science, and data-driven strategies can enhance innovation and value creation within the cultural and creative industries (CCIs). Holding two PhDs in Science and Commerce, Dr Mtotywa brings over 20 years of leadership and consulting experience across the public, private, and non-governmental sectors. His research and teaching sit at the intersection of business, technology, and society, exploring how AI can empower decision-making and drive sustainable growth. A published author and mentor, he has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s candidates in AI, decision science, and operations management, shaping the next generation of data-driven leaders. Join us from 4–5 November 2025 in Cape Town as we explore the ideas shaping tomorrow’s creative industries. #sacoconf2025 #creativeculture #creativeeconomy #creativefutur

"Through this collaboration, we are extending the reach of our three pillars, namely Integrative Thinking, Principled Leadership and Engaged Citizenship – beyond the university, into organisations and communities across Africa." ~ Professor Owen Skae on the new Rhodes Business School and DigitalCampus partnership

Read more about the impact this powerhouse combination will have on education and business: https://www.ru.ac.za/latestnews/rbspartnership.html