2012 Graduates
Graduation ceremonies are not usually known for their creativity but TSiBA is not your average business school. With two MC's, a marimba band, a singer and a national planning commission minister - it was an event to be remembered! The ceremony began with a minute of silence as guests were asked to respect the auspicious occasion and the incredible journey it has been for the 31 graduates. Paul Boynton of Old Mutual welcomed everyone and gave some background into the partnership between The Old Mutual Foundation and TSiBA. Guest speaker, Minister Trevor Manuel, gave the graduates some food for thought as they embark on the next chapter in their lives. Leigh Meinert, a founding member of TSiBA, reflected on the journey that each student has embarked upon to become a TSiBA graduate; someone that is confident and acquired the values, attributes and behaviour of a leader and who is grounded in themselves, their community, country and world.
Nodumo Kuse with Minister Manuel
Each graduate was capped by Professor Fatima Abrahams, TSiBA's chairperson, whilst Adri Marais, TSiBA's CEO, shared some appreciations for each graduate. The appreciations really added that something extra as it became clear just how many challenges some students have faced in reaching their goal. Each graduate had a picture taken with Minister Trevor Manuel. Minister Manuel expressed his thoughts, "It's so wonderful to see an organisation like TSiBA grow and flourish. TSiBA students are so committed to making South Africa better, they are conscious citizens and walking examples of 'paying it forward'. I applaud you!" Adri also shared her views, "Friday was certainly the most amazing graduation we have ever had - it was just wonderful to be there with our beautiful graduandi, their family, friends, mentors - and so many of our unique TSiBA relationships. To now have a total of 77 TSiBA graduates out in the world is such a wonderful feeling and sense of achievement. To think that these graduates will add R5.5bn to the economy between now and when they are 60 years old, is simply phenomenal." The event was co-ordinated by Ntombiza Lingani; TSiBA's marketing co-ordinator and a TSiBA graduate herself. She says, "Graduation ceremonies celebrate the efforts of so many special people and I wanted to give a little something back to fellow TSiBA graduates by giving them a graduation they would always remember!" The event was co-sponsored by The Old Mutual Foundation, a platinum partner.
TSiBA Education NPC is a non profit business school that was founded in 2004 and is registered and fully accredited with the Department of Higher Education as a private higher education institution. Students are not required to pay for their education monetarily, but rather to "pay it forward" by transferring the knowledge, skills and resources that they gain at TSiBA into their communities. In this way, TSiBA's vision of "Igniting Opportunity" is realised.
TSiBA's academic programme consists of an accredited Certificate in Practical Business Administration and a Higher Certificate in Business Administration that act as a bridge into TSiBA's accredited and enriched Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) in Entrepreneurial Leadership. The curriculum uniquely integrates knowledge, skills and attitude. TSiBA's Profile of Graduateness has been carefully designed to match the needs of employers/or the competencies needed to be a successful entrepreneur. TSiBA has two campuses in the Western Cape - an urban campus in Pinelands, Cape Town and a rural campus, TSiBA Eden, in the town of Karatara, near Knysna. A replication in Botswana is planned for 2013. TSiBA also has Ignition Centres which assist grassroots entrepreneurs who are linked to TSiBA Education. To date, over 200 entrepreneurs have been received financial, business, management and marketing assistance on a pro bono basis.
