Nelson Mandela University - Department of Business Management

01/10/2026

This time of year can feel overwhelming.

With deadlines, tests, assignments, and exams, it’s easy to focus on everything that still needs to be done.

But take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come…the challenges you’ve overcome, the knowledge you’ve gained, and the growth you’ve experienced. Sometimes progress isn’t about what’s left to do, but how far you’ve already come.

The Department of Business Management is more than a place to learn; it’s a place where growth is experienced.

We’d love to hear from you! What milestone, big or small, personal or academic, are you celebrating this year? Share with us in the comments below 👇🏼

01/10/2026

On Monday, 28 September, the second-year Customer Relationship Management class, coordinated by Ms Leigh Stear, welcomed Prof. Steve Burgess as a guest lecturer.

Prof. Burgess is Professor Extraordinaire at the Tshwane School for Business and Society at Tshwane University of Technology, with extensive expertise in marketing, consumer behaviour, and strategic marketing management.

Prof. Burgess shared valuable insights on “Marketing in Emerging Markets: How We Got Here, Where We’re Going in the Age of AI,” providing students with an opportunity to connect classroom concepts with current developments in marketing and the evolving role of AI.

Thank you to Prof. Burgess for sharing his expertise and industry insights with our students.

30/09/2026

The third year Internet Marketing class (co-ordinated by Ms Sumaiya Sidat) welcomed Mr Mduduzi Mapinda as a guest lecture on 29 September 2026. Mr Mapinda is the Founder and General Manager of Mdu Marketing SA and a proud Nelson Mandela University alumnus.

Returning to campus to share his knowledge and industry insights, Mr Mapinda served as a testament to what can be achieved beyond graduation. As an alumnus, his success resonated with and inspired current students.

He also brought along branded marketing material, providing a practical example of marketing in action and showcasing his flair for the profession.

Thank you to Mr Mapinda for an informative and engaging session and for sharing his expertise with our students.

29/09/2026

17/09/2026

The Department of Business Management was proudly represented by Prof Shelley Farrington and Prof Sandra Perks at the 11th Social Sciences International Research Conference (SSIRC), held from 8 to 11 September 2026 at the Hilton Resort, Mauritius.

The department showcased its research through two presentations:
• Can Demographic Characteristics Predict the Success of Social Media Marketing in the South African Market? by Prof Sandra Perks and Ms Sumaiya Sidat.
• Keeping Them in the Family: Drivers of NextGen Intentions to Join the Family Business by Prof Shelley Farrington.

Congratulations to Prof Shelley Farrington, whose presentation received the Best Presentation Award at the conference.

The conference also provided an opportunity to strengthen international research collaborations. Prof Sandra Perks continues to engage in collaborative marketing research with Dr Rajesh Sannegadu, Head of the Management Department at the University of Mauritius.

We congratulate our colleagues on their contribution to research excellence and for representing Nelson Mandela University on the international stage.

16/09/2026

Ms Nonkululeko Khumalo served as Chair of the Funda Mpondo Research Day, where the 5th edition of the Funda Mpondo International Literary Festival was officially launched at Walter Sisulu University’s Zamokulungisa Campus in Mthatha on 1 September 2026.

The three parallel research sessions showcased insightful, thought-provoking, and well-articulated presentations, reflecting the depth and diversity of scholarship shared during the event.

Congratulations to the Best Paper Presenter and to the winners of the Creative Writing Competition on their outstanding achievements.

15/09/2026

We are delighted to share that members of the Nelson Mandela University Family Business Unit have been recognised among the top-performing family business scholars worldwide in the 2026 Family Business Research Index.

The index, available at https://fbdashboard.org/, highlights leading scholars and institutions making significant contributions to family business research.
This achievement is a testament to the quality, consistency and international contribution of family business research undertaken at Nelson Mandela University. It also reflects the strength of the Family Business Unit as a research community committed to advancing knowledge on family businesses, entrepreneurship, sustainability, values and transgenerational value creation.

We are particularly proud that three scholars from the Nelson Mandela University Family Business Unit are featured in the global rankings. Congratulations to Prof Elmarie Venter, Prof Shelley Farrington and Dr Welcome Kupangwa (Ph.D) on this outstanding international recognition. Special acknowledgement also goes to the colleagues, co-authors, research collaborators, students, and family businesses whose contributions continue to make this research possible.

01/09/2026

The Department of Business Management celebrated Spring Day with a wellness hike on our beautiful campus, enjoying fresh air, great company, and the opportunity to connect, recharge, and spend time outdoors together. 🌸🌿

14/08/2026

ITS Financial Planning is offering two Financial Planning Internship opportunities in Gqeberha (Walmer).

This opportunity is open to students completing their third year of BCom or postgraduate studies in fields such as Financial Planning, Accounting, Law, and other BCom-related disciplines.

Successful candidates will receive hands-on experience in financial planning, research, client support, and the use of AI-driven tools within a professional financial advisory environment. The internship also includes a structured onboarding and training programme designed to support career progression from Junior Para-Planner to Senior Para-Planner or Financial Advisor level.

📍 Gqeberha (Walmer)
💰 Average starting income: R5 000 p.m.
📹 Application process: Submit a short 1–2 minute video introducing yourself and explaining why you would be a great fit.

Applications without a video will not be considered.

Apply here: https://form.asana.com/?k=PFg_-ie1YYDAdTIs7MOsnA&d=1205990807367194

27/07/2026

In celebration of Mandela Day, the Department of Business Management visited Northern Lights Special Needs School, spending time with the learners and teachers while supporting our local community.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this meaningful initiative. Every act of kindness makes a difference.