We are thrilled to extend an exclusive invitation to you for the upcoming UCT GSB Alumni Weekend.
This year’s reunion will include impactful keynote presentations from esteemed professionals.
Africa Now – Reunite. Reimagine. Rise. Join us at the UCT Graduate School of Business for an inspiring Alumni Reunion Weekend. Reconnect with fellow graduates and faculty, reflect on your journey since leaving the UCT GSB and relive the unforgettable UCT GSB experience. Read more
PS: This event is exclusive to UCT GSB Alumni who completed an open academic programme at the GSB.
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.
We are thrilled to extend an exclusive invitation to you for the upcoming UCT GSB Alumni Weekend.
This year’s reunion will include impactful keynote presentations from esteemed professionals such as Dr Catherine Duggan, Director of the GSB and Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of Gift of the Givers.
Speakers:
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
Reconnect, Reflect and Reimagine – Join us at the UCT Graduate School of Business for an inspiring Alumni Reunion Weekend. Reconnect with fellow graduates and faculty, reflect on your journey since leaving the UCT GSB and relive the unforgettable UCT GSB experience. Read more
PS: This event is exclusive to UCT GSB Alumni who completed an open academic programme at the GSB.
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
The annual GSB Alumni Reunion Weekend is coming up. If you are a graduate and have not received an invitation yet, please get in touch with the organisers (see the event for contact details).
We wish you a wonderful gathering and will see you there!
Join us for the GSB Alumni Reunion Weekend from 20-22 October 2023. In our world today, we realise that amidst these changes and crises lies the opportunity to build, reframe, and reimagine critical and complex issues. Through the lens of possibility, we explore the theme: A look at an extraordinary world. Read more
PS: This event is exclusive to UCT GSB Alumni who completed an open academic programme at the GSB.
Masterclass
One of the sessions can be attended virtually:
20 Oct 2023, 14:00 – 15:30
Case study: Doing Business in Africa
Dr Catherine Duggan, Director of the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (GSB)
Attend via Zoom:RSVP now
The UCT GSB 2021 Alumni Reunion Weekend took place 22–24 October 2021. “Knowledge across disciplines” was the theme of the weekend and invited speakers shared how leaders are responding to global challenges with a multi-disciplined approach. Of course, staple social activities like a Brig session and the 3Peaks Challenge were also on the agenda.
See here the highlights of the Alumni Reunion Weekend 2021:
It’s been that time of year again where UCT GSB Alumni of all programmes and graduating years gathered to enjoy the annual Alumni Reunion Weekend, held virtually for the second year in a row.
This year’s theme is “Knowledge across disciplines“. The speaker line-up included:
Ralph Mupita, CEO MTN;
Aidan Kearney, Strategy Director, EMEA Nike; and
Buhle Goslar, Jumo World CEO for Africa Region and Pakistan.
They were discussing how we can leverage technology to meet and find new customers and how to develop and build new leadership practices to maximise the benefits.
The event ran from Friday 22nd October (16:00 – 19:00), Saturday 23rd October (12:00 – 16:00), ending on Sunday 24th October with the 3Peaks Challenge – a GSB tradition held annually for the past 42 years!
Join the UCT GSB 2021 Alumni Reunion Weekend, 22-24 October 2021, and find out how leaders are responding to global challenges with a multi-disciplined approach.
The annual GSB Alumni Reunion Weekend is coming up. Join the UCT GSB 2021 Alumni Reunion Weekend in October to hear expert speakers discuss how to remain relevant while navigating uncertainty under the theme “Knowledge across disciplines”. Save the date!
Annual Alumni Reunion Weekend to delve into how leaders are responding to global challenges with a multi-disciplined approach
Organisations the world over are increasingly facing challenges to their growth and sustainability. Understanding multiple areas and how they connect is critical when working towards solutions that address current and future challenges. Complex problems are rarely solved by a one-dimensional approach. They require skill sets that cross disciplines and build on combined knowledge. The interplay between the different disciplines and the rapid adoption of new technology and approaches in the workplace requires intentionality, perseverance, and increasingly, the need for relevance.
But what does this mean in practice and how are companies affected, both across Africa and globally?
Join the UCT GSB 2021 Alumni Reunion Weekend in October to hear faculty, alumni and industry discuss their response to these exponential changes and the challenges they bring, and what this means for optimising business functions and achieving goals with a clear purpose while navigating ongoing uncertainty.
This year’s event will once again be held virtually, enabling alumni from all over the world to gather and connect with each other. Dr Catherine Duggan, director of the UCT GSB, will kick things off on Friday 22 Oct at 16:00 with a welcome speech updating alumni on developments at the UCT GSB. This will be followed by a panel discussion on African economies and a fun-filled networking session before closing at 19:00.
Saturday’s programme, which runs from 12:00 to 15:00, gets underway with a stimulating panel discussion on the Leadership agenda for tomorrow, interspersed with lots of spot prizes and fun.
The weekend closes on Sunday 24 Oct with the traditional Three Peaks Challenge, starting at 06:00 sharp in Cape Town, with alumni joining virtually from wherever they are in the world.
Throughout the reunion weekend, alumni will be able to join sessions on the main stage, visit expo booths, learn about award-winning case studies and other exciting work UCT GSB faculty and students are currently working on, or simply catch up with friends at the Brig. With so much to see and do, this is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, reignite old friendships, and join in the robust discussions taking place.
The annual GSB Alumni Reunion Weekend is coming up. If you are a graduate and have not received an invitation yet, please get in touch with the organisers (see the event for contact details).
We wish you a wonderful gathering and will see you there!
How do we feel connected in a world that is increasingly physically disconnected? Remote and online working has become the rule rather than the exception. Join the first virtual UCT GSB Alumni Reunion Weekend from 23 to 25 October 2020 where a panel of speakers will explore the impact of our digital newly Connected World.
The programme gets underway on Friday evening from 17:00pm-18:30pm(SAST), with Professor Mark Graham who will introduce new UCT GSB Director Dr Catherine Duggan. Learn more about how Dr Duggan sees the UCT GSB playing a significant role in doing business in Africa and find out more about how she sees her role in leading the UCT GSB going forward… read more
Speakers include:
Professor Thuli Madonsela, former Public Protector of South Africa
Vusi Thembekwayo, entrepreneur and venture capitalist
Kirby Gordon (FT MBA 2010), Executive Manger & CMO of FlySafair
Professor Rasoava Rijamampianina, visiting faculty
