MANCOSA’s Executive Education recently hosted its inaugural Leadership Development Programme (LDP) at the newly established MANCOSA Graduate School of Business (GSB).
Business leaders from South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Norway converged at the business school to participate in the five-day programme aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of delegates. The LDP was a holistic programme with a blend of theoretical knowledge gained through lectures, interactive tasks and feedback sessions that encouraged dialogue around leadership matters.
MANCOSA academics Professor Anthony Rippon and Dr Emmanuel Mutambara; prominent industry leaders namely, legal expert, Advocate A Vahed; Dr Pascal da Rocha, a political advisor and mediation expert; and Dr Preeya Daya, an associate at the University of Cape Town’s GSB facilitated a series of lectures. Topics addressed included: ethical leadership; perceptions and managing the ego; curiosity and the myth of multi-tasking; strategic change and strategic African leadership and managing stress.
Delegates participated in a series of company visits, discussion sessions; took advantage of networking opportunities and enjoyed some of Durban’s tourist sites with visits to the Ushaka Marine World, the Botanic Gardens and the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The practical component of the programme presented insights on business practices and informed delegates of leadership styles evident at various institutions that could be implemented at their own companies.
The Head of Executive Education, Mr Abdulla Sardiwalla said the LDP was hosted in response to an urgent need for managerial and leadership skills in sub-Saharan Africa. “The LDP went beyond the transmission of skills and theories, it also provided applicable lessons in the class that can be implemented successfully within companies,” said Mr Sardiwalla.
Delegates of the LDP responded positively to the initiative and said the following:
“It was great for being part of this workshop. I enjoyed the LDP and the company of the other participants. Thanks again for taking good care of me.” – Samuel Asamoah of Norway.
“Indeed the LDP was the greatest thing to ever happen to me and the organisation at large. I am a changed man and all my colleagues made a confession that the LDP was an awesome experience for them in many regards.” – Uyapo Nkebeto, Botswana.
“I arrived safely in Zambia. Thanks for your kindness together with the whole MANCOSA team – you have been very wonderful to us. Personally I felt Durban was home.” – Remyson Majuba.
“I sincerely appreciate the warm reception and the treat you gave us throughout our stay in Durban. It was a moment worth reliving.” – Innocent Monyadzwe, Botswana.
MANCOSA’s Executive Education plans to deliver the next LDP in February 2015.
