Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL) launches education programme for military veterans

Minister of State Security, Ms D Letsatsi-Dube (front second from right) surrounded by SBL staff reponsible for the programme and Military Veteran leaders.

The education of military veterans received a boost with the launch of management and leadership programme at the Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL). Initiated by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the programme was specifically developed for members and veterans of, amongst others, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police and the South African Safety and Security Agency, particularly senior leaders employed as executives in their respective deployments.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mandla Makhanya, said, “We are greatly honoured to have been chosen as a strategic partner for this important programme. One of the best attributes that any nation can develop is to never forget those who served it. The efforts made by the government in assisting military veterans to receive skills which they can use beyond their years of service should be commended. In doing so we join a host of other nations that re-skill their veterans. Because of their sense of organisation, focus and discipline, graduate military veterans have gone on to become great leaders in society.”

Makhanya added that he was excited about the case studies that Unisa SBL may develop resulting from the programme. “Many business schools all over the world use lessons from the military to articulate what may be best practices for the business world.”

The initiative will see 700 students taken through a range of postgraduate as well as customised executive education programmes over a three-year period. The Unisa SBL programme lead, Professor Noel Ngwenya, said: “It is encouraging to note that during our first intake we already had a significant number of students registered. While the programmes will initially be offered at the SBL campus in Midrand as well as in Durban, East London and Cape Town, the initiative will be expanded to other regions through the versatility of the Unisa model.”

Importantly, Ngwenya said, the programme would also include specific interventions targeted at women and young leaders. “In the second semester of 2019 the SBL will host a seminar for women leaders in the military, offering them tailor-made leadership training.” 

With the programme being launched in Gauteng it enjoys the full support and is being funded by the Office of the Gauteng Premier. Speaking at the launch, Ntombikayise Zulu, Chief Director in the Premier’s Office, said, “We commend all the military veterans that have decided to be part of the programme. I must say that it will be a difficult mission, but you’ll need to be mentally prepared and have a vision of what you want to achieve.”

Military veteran, General Leonard Rasegatla, concluded by highlighting the contribution military veterans have made to the growth of the country. “Military veterans have made a great contribution to get us to where we are today.  We have no doubt that they will continue to enhance their knowledge through this programme and make South Africa proud.”