The Farai Cheryl Shonhiwa (FCS) Foundation has generously endowed a new scholarship within the GSB Foundation. The Farai Cheryl Shonhiwa (FCS) Scholarship for African Women is dedicated to empowering African women while celebrating the extraordinary legacy of Dr Farai Cheryl Shonhiwa. The first candidates for this prestigious scholarship will be considered for the full-time MBA program 2025-26 at the University of Cape Town (UCT) Graduate School of Business (GSB). Those wishing to support this initiative can now contribute directly to the FCS Scholarship, ensuring that Farai’s legacy and vision continue to inspire future generations.
A legacy of empowerment
“Farai was a phenomenal woman, an accomplished mother, physician, board advisor, and executive,” says Nana Kankakee of The Farai Cheryl Shonhiwa Foundation. “The Farai Cheryl Shonhiwa Foundation is excited to begin our donation journey with UCT, a school of special sentiment to the foundation, as Farai was a proud alumna.”
Dr Farai Cheryl Shonhiwa was a passionate advocate for the potential of African women to transform the continent. Her legacy is a testament to the power of education, leadership, and community. Her mother, Francie Shonhiwa, an esteemed businesswoman, shares, “Farai had a sharp intellect; she used her gifts and talents for the common good, working on projects like launching low-cost maternity facilities for underprivileged women in Johannesburg and Nairobi. It is through the lens of her virtues and values that The FCS Foundation was established, with the objective of honouring her legacy and continuing her vision and mission of uplifting African women.”
Uplifting the next generation
The Farai Cheryl Shonhiwa (FCS) Scholarship for African Womenis specifically created to empower exceptional African women who aspire to make a significant impact on Africa’s future.Recipients receive generous financial support to attend the full-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at the UCT GSB, along with additional mentorship from the FCS Foundation.
Linda Fasham from the GSB Foundation says, “We are delighted to announce this partnership and opportunity for MBA candidates and our supporters. This scholarship empowers women leaders who are set to innovate and drive transformative change across the African continent. Our supporters also gain a direct channel to contribute to this initiative. It’s incredibly exciting!”
The anticipation is building. In just three weeks, the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB) will host its much-awaited Alumni Reunion Weekend of 2024. This year’s event is set to be an extraordinary gathering, filled with insightful masterclasses, world-class speakers and unparalleled opportunities to reconnect with fellow alumni. Whether you graduated last year or decades ago, this reunion is your chance to return to your alma mater and rekindle the spirit of learning and community.
Why this reunion will be unforgettable
This year’s Alumni Reunion Weekend promises to be an unforgettable experience. The event will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, masterclasses, and networking opportunities – all designed to enrich your personal and professional life.
Masterclass by Dr Catherine Duggan
The esteemed GSB Director, Dr Catherine Duggan, will lead the weekend’s masterclass. With her profound insights on business in Africa, Dr Duggan will offer a unique perspective combining academic rigour and practical wisdom. This session is a must-attend for anyone looking to understand the intricacies and opportunities of the African business landscape.
Engage with renowned leaders
One of the most exciting aspects of the reunion is the opportunity to engage with some of the most influential leaders in various fields. These sessions are designed to offer deep insights and foster meaningful discussions.
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of Gift of the Givers
Kwena Mabotja, Global Director Purpose and Sustainability Marketing at SAP
Raymond Ndlovu, Executive Chair of Serendipity Ventures
Anton Musgrave, Co-Founder of Futureworld
Exclusive auction
Ariella Kuper will lead an auction offering exclusive items and experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. This auction is a fantastic way to support the GSB while obtaining a one-of-a-kind item.
Secure your spot today
The UCT GSB Alumni Reunion Weekend is just around the corner. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of an unforgettable experience. Register now to secure your place and prepare for a weekend of learning, inspiration, and connection. Meals and refreshments included.
The UCT GSB Alumni Reunion Weekend of 2024 is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of our shared history, values, and aspirations. It’s an opportunity to learn from world-class leaders, reconnect with old friends and make new ones. With just three weeks to go, now is the perfect time to secure your spot and prepare for an unforgettable weekend. Don’t miss out – register today and be part of something truly special.
As another financial year draws to a close, I am delighted to use this opportunity to reflect on the GSB’s achievements over the past 12 months, and by extension, the continued success of the GSB Foundation.
Despite the global downturn in demand for full-time MBA studies and the subsequent competition between business schools to fill their respective seats, the GSB remains the only institution in South Africa to offer a full-time MBA programme whilst sustaining its triple-crown accreditation. The aforementioned accreditations include AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS – and it is worth noting that the latter is particularly special, since for the first time since 2007 we have been granted a 5-year accreditation (as opposed to 3 years). This honour speaks to the hard work and dedication of the GSB’s leadership team and support staff, who are to be commended on their efforts.
The resilience of our full-time MBA programme is in part owed to our visionary director, Dr Catherine Duggan, and her courageous decision to adjust the course’s calendar so that it begins in August, in alignment with our business school peers in the Northern Hemisphere. This has led to a significant increase in international applicants, and a near doubling in student headcount post-Covid. Our Modular MBA programme is also thriving, with 69 new students having recently embarked on their 2-year journey earlier this month. It is mightily encouraging to see the campus halls and lecture theatres bustling with activity again – not to mention The Brig – and our beloved Sunrise Club grows from strength to strength.
The GSB Foundation marches on, resolute in its mission to attract exemplary students to the GSB’s classrooms. With the awarding of 3 full scholarships in 2023, this brings the total number of scholarship recipients to 27 since the Foundation’s inception. These scholarships are critical to maintaining our Financial Times rankings, and thus ensuring that our flagship course is able to maintain its status as the leading MBA programme in Africa.
If you would like to contribute to this worthwhile cause, please visit gsbfoundation.org.za where you can learn more about our assorted fund-raising initiatives. Even if it is something as small as signing up for our R100-per-month campaign, every little bit counts, and if several thousand of us alumni were to collectively back this effort, it would cement the GSB’s position at the apex of African business schools for decades to come.
In closing I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to our existing and past donors for their generosity. None of this would have been possible without you.
Yours in service to our revered alma mater,
Kosta Kontos MBA 2009/2010 and GSB Foundation Chairperson
Stewart Cohen, co-founder and Honorary Chairman of Mr Price Group South Africa, has received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement GSB Director’s Alumni Award. Presented by GSB Director Catherine Duggan on October 21, 2023, this esteemed accolade honours alumni who have made a remarkable impact on society or dedicated their lives to a noble cause.
… it was my honour to name Stewart Cohen (GSB MBA 1969) the inaugural recipient of this award. One of the School’s most distinguished alumni, Stewart is the co-founder and Honorary Chairman of Mr Price Group South Africa, which now has more than 2,500 stores and employs more than 25,000 people. An extraordinary entrepreneur with an unshakeable belief in the power of entrepreneurship and management education, Stewart was a founding donor and long-time Chair of the GSB Foundation — in addition to establishing the Mr Price Foundation, which is focused on education and skills development for youth empowerment, and pioneering the innovative Startup School, which provides innovative, practical and flexible entrepreneurship training and is helmed and supported by GSB alumni.
Under Stewart’s leadership the GSB Foundation raised money for scholarships that have made it possible for remarkable students to join the GSB’s programmes, and both he and the Foundation have been stalwart supporters of the School. Stewart has always been incredibly generous with his time and insights — both as GSB Foundation Chair and in his personal capacity — which have contributed immensely to the GSB’s continued development. On my own behalf, as well as on behalf of the School and broader community, I can say that the GSB would not be where it is today without Stewart’s efforts. We could not ask for a better ambassador for the School or example of the power of business education, an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset and a commitment to social impact.
Stewart’s dedication and impactful work have profoundly influenced leaders in both business and non-profit organisations, as well as entrepreneurs throughout Africa. His continuous efforts over the years have not gone unnoticed.
As a founding donor and board member of the GSB Foundation, Stewart (MBA’ 69) has played a vital role in providing scholarships for deserving candidates to pursue a GSB MBA. With the foundation’s support, 28 scholars have been able to further their education, and more opportunities are on the horizon.
I strongly believe that all GSB alumni should donate or bequeath funds to the GSB Foundation – to strengthen our alma mater and support deserving students. // Stewart Cohen, December 2023
In addition to his involvement with the foundation, Stewart actively contributes to social initiatives at the GSB Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship and the Startup School. Through the Startup School, Stewart and his co-founders have empowered over 2000 entrepreneurs and businesses across Africa, offering education, development, and grants to foster sustainable businesses and vital employment opportunities.
The GSB Foundation and its supporters extend their warmest congratulations and gratitude to Stewart for his ongoing commitment and dedication.
The Annual GSB Director’s Alumni Awards were presented during the Gala Dinner of the Annual Reunion Weekend, held at the UCT GSB Breakwater Campus from October 21 to 23, 2023. The 2023 awards recipients are Mukona Khalushi (PGDip in Management Practice’ 16/17) in the category Alumni Relations and Bruce Isdale (MBA’ 14) in the category Long-Term Contributions. The Lifetime Achievement Award is a category at the discretion of the GSB Director.
Picture: Stewart Cohen and GSB Director Catherine Duggan at the MBA Bellringing event, 4 Dec 2023 at the UCT GSB Breakwater Campus
Tax season is the best time to maximise your tax deductions and give back. By making a donation to the GSB Foundation, you can support our work and reduce your taxable income at the same time. We call that a win-win!
Donations allow you to help build better futures through education. By contributing to the GSB Foundation, you create opportunities for aspiring MBAs who might otherwise be unable to pursue their dreams.
Last year, we were able to give such an opportunity to three beneficiaries – all of whom successfully completed the full-time MBA in December – with the help of donations to the Foundation. We are proud to say that Liz, Minaz and Vishal are also class leaders in terms of their achievements, gaining top student awards. They are ambassadors for the GSB and the Foundation and a shining example of our commitment to helping students focus fully on their studies.
With your support, you are making a lasting contribution to the future of Africa. Your donation will provide invaluable assistance and resources to GSB MBA students who have the potential for inspiring positive change in their home countries, this continent and the wider world.
We hope you will help us continue to build leaders building Africa.
Yours sincerely,
Linda Fasham
Executive Consultant
On behalf of the GSB Foundation Board of Trustees
– – –
Who we are
The GSB Foundation was started in 2016 by the GSB MBA Class of 1969. To date, with the support of alumni and associates of the GSB, the Foundation has awarded scholarships for 22 students, helping them earn a world-class MBA.
How to donate
You can donate to the GSB Foundation in two convenient ways:
The tax benefits of donating – from SA or overseas
As a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), donations to the GSB Foundation are tax-deductible. Are you registered for tax in South Africa? If you are, you can claim an annual donation deduction of up to 10% of your annual taxable income. If you are registered in a country outside South Africa, you might also be eligible for tax benefits. See details here: gsbfoundation.org.za/tax-information/
Why give back?
The mission of the Foundation is: “Building leaders building Africa.” The scholarships allow the most talented students an opportunity to benefit from a world-class UCT GSB education, regardless of their financial circumstances. Our aim is to nurture a diverse leadership that can play a significant role in building the continent.
– – –
GSB Foundation Trustees: Kosta Kontos, GSB MBA 2009/10 (Chair); Stewart Cohen, GSB MBA 1969; Tiger Wessels, GSB MBA 1969; Dr Catherine Duggan, GSB Director; Ian Reid, GSB MBA 1993; Raymond van Niekerk, GSB MBA 1996. The GSB Foundation is registered in South Africa as a trust (IT002858/2015(C)) and non-profit organisation (169-125 NPO). It is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO ref. no. 930052029) in terms of Section 30(3) of the Income Tax Act No. 58 of 1962 and is approved for the purposes of Section 18A(1)(a) of the Act. The GSB Foundation is a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor.
The students of the UCT Graduate School of Business (GSB) MBA class 2022 have accomplished a remarkable milestone – the hand-in of their theses! On 8th December, family and friends gathered in celebration to congratulate everyone on this momentous achievement. Here’s wishing them continued success with all future endeavours! See the Foundation’s message to the students.
Congratulations on handing in your MBA thesis today!
Your journey to this point has no doubt been arduous, but you have persevered. May the cathartic sound of that ringing bell serve as a joyful reminder of your character and determination. You can do anything that you put your mind to.
More importantly, relish the friendships that you have made along the way. Your integration into the alumni family begins with your classmates. I urge you to nurture these relationships, for they will be your most valuable GSB connections by far.
As Chair of the GSB Alumni Board, I’d like to officially welcome you to the alumni family of the University of Cape Town (UCT) Graduate School of Business (GSB). The greater alumni network is here for you too. Maximise the opportunity to engage with your fellow alumni by attending future GSB Alumni Events. You will be invited to these events in due course, and I look forward to seeing you there.
Now whilst being an alum of the GSB is a privilege, it is also a responsibility. To that end, I encourage you to begin supporting the GSB Foundation today. Scholarship recipients are among you and our duty to the school, as its alumni, is to help grow the reach of the Foundation.
One of the simplest ways to do this is by signing up for the Foundation’s R100-a-month quest, so please join me in taking an active role as we work together to solidify the GSB’s hard-earned position at the apex of African business schools.
Congratulations on your achievement and best of success with your next chapter.
Kosta Kontos (GSB MBA 2009/10) Board member of the GSB Foundation and Chair of the GSB Alumni Board
Shadi Lekgoathi, a GSB MBA 2021 and GSB Foundation Scholar, is featured in the “Entrepreneurship & Innovation” segment of the GSB Ideas Exchange, the online platform of the UCT GSB Press Office.
Reflecting on her MBA experience a year later, Shadi shares that it has had a profound impact on her self-perception and her ability to make a difference in the world. “The biggest takeaway from my MBA is my mindset change about Africa and my willingness not to leave but to stay here. What follows for me is […] to be interested in how my contribution fits into the larger ecosystem,” she explains. While challenges still exist, she’s changed her perspective to asking what opportunities might become available in the midst of these challenges. “How do we make people’s lives better?” she asks.
Rayner Canning, Business Development Director at the UCT GSB, adds, “It is incredibly important that as a school we make this funding available not only to boost the careers of individual students but for the benefit of the broader economy and society. We find that a large number of our graduates – as African leaders of substance – go on to add tremendous value to their work and society.”
Tax season is here – a time many of us complete our tax returns. If you would like to take full advantage of the tax-deductible amount for charitable donations, please consider us.
Making a donation to the GSB Foundation gives someone the opportunity to complete an MBA at the GSB, who might not otherwise have the means to do so.
Our work is only possible with the help of our GSB alumni and like-minded supporters of the Foundation. Your donation will not only benefit a GSB MBA student but is also a long-term investment in the future of the African continent.
We hope you can help us continue to build leaders building Africa.
Yours sincerely,
Linda Fasham
Executive Consultant
On behalf of the GSB Foundation Board of Trustees
– – –
Who we are
The GSB Foundation was started in 2016 by the GSB MBA Class of 1969. To date, with the support of alumni and associates of the GSB, the Foundation has funded scholarships for 22 students, helping them earn a world-class MBA. Three scholars are currently enrolled in this year’s GSB MBA programme.
How to donate
You can donate to the GSB Foundation in two convenient ways:
The tax benefits of donating – from SA or overseas
As a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), donations to the GSB Foundation are tax-deductible. Are you registered for tax in South Africa? If you are, you can claim an annual donation deduction of up to 10% of your annual taxable income. If you are registered in a country outside South Africa, you might also be eligible for tax benefits. See details here: gsbfoundation.org.za/tax-information/
Why give back?
The mission of the GSB Foundation is “Building leaders building Africa.” The scholarships afford the most talented students an opportunity to benefit from a world-class UCT GSB education, regardless of their financial circumstances. Our aim is to nurture a diverse leadership that can play a significant role in building the continent. Find out more here about the supporters and beneficiaries of the Foundation: gsbfoundation.org.za/category/voices/
After another year of virtual learning and remote working around the globe, we are proud to bring you news of the GSB Foundation’s work during 2021, as well as something to celebrate from the ‘new-normal’ digital marketplace.
We do hope that you will take the opportunity to relax at this time, taking a well-earned rest after what has been a historically challenging year. With your support, we also hope that 2022 will be a year when your alma mater and its African home shine all the brighter.
Whereas many overseas campuses have opened up more quickly, GSB campus life has been 100% online in 2021, although that may change in the coming year. Nonetheless, graduate alumni continue to connect worldwide through the annual Alumni Reunion Weekend, which was a huge hybrid success. Also, we still get to celebrate the research outputs generated by the GSB: Aldi Schoeman (GSB MBA 2019/20) was the Winner of the 2021 Emerald/ AABS case study competition with her case study: “Cape Union Mart: Digital transformation and customer experience during a crisis”. Co-authored with Professor Geoff Bick and Claire Barnardo, this case study also features on the WHO global COVID-19 research library. GSB case studies continue to be met with acclaim, contributing the voice of developing markets to the international stage. We are super proud.
Our 2021 GSB Foundation scholars – three this year – have adapted well to the rigours of learning online and will be putting the finishing touches to their MBA dissertations as you read this. Although they have missed the collegiality of campus life this year, they have nonetheless taken full advantage of the opportunities a GSB MBA offers. These three young people bring us to a total of twenty recipients of the GSB Foundation scholarships since its start in 2017. We wish them all extremely well.
If you would like to support the GSB Foundation and give opportunities to more students who may not otherwise be able to access the GSB MBA, please consider our R100-a-month quest, which provides a consistent and vital flow of funds to the Foundation. It might not sound like much – but there are several thousand alumni who, together, could make a significant impact in the long run. Equally, if you know of anyone who would benefit directly from our GSB Foundation scholarships, full-time one-year MBA applications are still open. Once a student has been accepted, they can apply for the scholarship.
We would like to thank the GSB faculty academics, staff and students for their outstanding dedication to managing another academic year in challenging conditions and we also want to take this opportunity to thank our donors and partners for their generous support. Your contributions allow us to help students rise to their potential by benefiting from a world-class MBA programme at the GSB.
Best wishes for a happy holiday and a prosperous new year. Please stay safe and go well.
On behalf of the GSB Foundation trustees and team,
