The Launch of MANCOSA’s new flagship programme – the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree

As Africa continues to navigate towards a knowledge-based economy, increasing importance is placed on doctoral level education. South Africa’s development trajectory is hinged on, amongst other drivers, the production of 5000 doctoral graduates per annum, by the year 2030. However, enrolment and completion rates on doctoral programmes in South Africa are significantly lower than desired. Widening the provision and ensuring equitable access to doctoral programmes is a challenge that every higher education institution in the country must rise to in the coming decade.

On Monday, July 16th 2018, MANCOSA launched its new flagship offering, the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree at its Graduate School of Business [GSB], in Durban. The principal and founder of MANCOSA, Professor Yusuf Karodia, welcomed guests and potential students in his opening address and expressed his delight at the achievement of this milestone. The goal of offering the DBA programme had been in sight for some time, and much work had gone into its realisation. He congratulated the DBA team on its efforts and encouraged academic staff to continue their pursuit of stretching the boundaries of knowledge, in the face of rapidly evolving education demands.

Guest speaker at the launch, Mr Faisal Mkhize, a Managing Executive at ABSA, delivered the keynote address of the evening, touching on the history of doctoral studies in South Africa, the evolving need for research on changes in the macro and micro business and social environments within the African continent, and the need for strong ethical practice from academia. He applauded MANCOSA’s stand and the progress this signaled.

Professor Renuka Vithal, DBA Programme Director, emphasised the need for research at doctoral level in higher education in South Africa. She provided a comprehensive breakdown of the full research degree, based on a cohort model, and the scale of the research development support that candidates can expect to receive to ensure success. Dr Connie Israel, also a senior doctoral faculty member, outlined the thinking around the introduction of the DBA, as compelled by historic factors surrounding lack of opportunity, equity and access to all as well as the opportunities for improving the number of black doctoral graduates in

industry, academia and government. The event ended with an opportunity to network and light refreshments.

For further information to register on the DBA programme, those interested are encouraged to contact Ms H Mazibuko or Dr G Chapman at the DBA office dba@staging.mancosa.co.za