Simphiwe Petros, 2024/25 GSB MBA student and GSB Foundation scholar // The scholarship from the Foundation changed my life because it exposed me to this massive opportunity. I don’t think I would have been able to come and do the MBA – being a teacher trying to do my MBA; I didn’t see how that was going to work out financially. But I wanted to do the MBA. I felt that I needed to upskill and challenge myself – to do more and become more. Now, I’m here in the GSB, engaging with people from different industries, different backgrounds and different countries and learning a lot. There are many GSB Alumni who are doing great things in and around the world. It makes me proud to be a part of that network. It also makes me understand the fact that I have the capacity, too, to do great things. And I know that I don’t have to solve a problem alone; I’ve got a whole network of people that can provide insights into addressing, engaging and solving it.
Refentse Masha / GSB MBA student 2023 and GSB Foundation scholar // My initial curiosity to pursue an MBA was sparked last year. I did an executive course similar to the MBA, which touched on strategy, financial management, talent management and those subjects. I applied what I had learned to my business and found it to be quite useful. With six years of experience scaling and selling my own start-up, I’m now eager to explore what the next step for me is. I chose GSB because I wanted a programme that was located in Africa, focussing on Africa – that’s where I want to operate going forward. I’m still very open-minded to what might happen after the MBA, but I know that I won’t have to start from scratch – I know the kind of structures that I need to have and what I’m learning here at the GSB. So when I return to the business world or decide to venture into corporate, I’m well equipped for my journey.
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.”
Vishal Patel / GSB MBA student 2022 and GSB Foundation scholar // I knew full-heartedly that I wanted to go to the GSB, so when I received the email that I got the scholarship, I was beaming with joy that I actually could attend the school I wanted to go to, come down to Cape Town and to fully immerse myself in this experience. The one thing I was amazed about when I came to the GSB – and I kind of heard stories about it but never put much thought into it – is that the alumni network is very strong. It is incredible how willing GSB alumni are to step up to the plate and say, “Listen, I’ll be keen to participate.” or “How can I help?”. The school is the best on the African continent, but it’s also this rich body of people who are willing to interact, share and help. So knowing that I’m part of a bigger network out there that takes my MBA journey and brings it post-MBA, that’s quite exciting and I’m looking forward to it.
Steven van Rheede, a distinguished GSB MBA 2020 graduate and recipient of the GSB Foundation Scholarship, shares his experience pursuing an MBA during the challenging COVID-19 lockdown. In an interview with the GSB Ideas Exchange, the online platform of the UCT GSB Press Office, Steven reflects on the unexpected benefits he gained from transitioning to online learning.
As a member of the 2020 MBA class, Steven initially anticipated a break from work distractions and an opportunity for self-reflection. The program began with great enthusiasm, exceeding his expectations. However, the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 forced the program to shift entirely online, presenting unforeseen challenges which the UCT GSB effectively navigated despite initial difficulties.
While the pandemic brought about significant changes, Steven found himself with abundant time for introspection. “I had the time to figure out who I am and what I wanted to do in the world, and what kind of leader I am. So it was very much a year of meditation.” he describes the experience as a period of profound self-discovery, enabling him to delve into his identity, aspirations, and leadership style. It proved to be a transformative year of personal growth.
Shadi Lekgoathi / GSB MBA student 2021 and GSB Foundation scholar // I’ve had quite a number of opportunities to work abroad. After my training in accounting, I went to New York for three months. During that time, I missed everything about home – the sound of the birds, the hooting of taxis and just how we as people interact. I was making good money, but it didn’t hit home for me. I knew then that – in terms of establishing myself and my career – it’s definitely going to be in Africa. Yes, we have a lot of issues, but there isn’t anyone coming to save us. If we want to see a better continent, a better country, we need to start taking the initiative and make an effort to contribute. I think we are very, very capable if we just look deeper. We understand our problems far better than anyone from abroad. We live here – who is in a better position to address the issues?
Asanda Manina / GSB MBA student 2019 and GSB Foundation scholar // The GSB Foundation scholarship affords me the opportunity to be here on campus, full-time, and 100% focused on the MBA, an opportunity that I wouldn’t otherwise have had. But getting the scholarship is more than the financial windfall. It’s also about the fact that someone looked at you and they had this belief that firstly you deserve this and also that you’ll do it justice, you know? It’s like a pat on the back, a confirmation of “Yes, you can do this” – and to get that from people you don’t know is really amazing, it’s an amazing feeling.
Linda and Peter extended a warm welcome to the 2019 scholars of the GSB Foundation. Nobukhosi, Jane, Asanda and Euston will be studying for the MBA on a full-time basis this year, supported by the Foundation.
The scholars, each in their own right, are seasoned professionals ready for the next challenge. Nobukhosi carved out her career in construction and Jane in retail marketing; Asanda climbed the ranks in accounting and financial services, and Euston in geoscience and mining.
The GSB Foundation scholarship provides for tuition fees, mentoring, and other non-financial support of scholars throughout the year; the assistance is enabled solely by the contributions of time, treasure and talent by GSB Alumni. Candidates for the scholarship have passed all UCT GSB entry requirements and been offered a place on the GSB MBA Programme prior to applying to be considered for a scholarship.
Congratulations on your amazing achievements thus far and wishing you a great start on campus! We look forward to being a part of your journey this year.
