School (USB) started its countrywide and Africa- wide MBA information sessions on Monday, 15 August, in East Africa, with Nairobi in Kenya as the first stop. Here close to 60 people attended the information session including USB alumna Belinda Mula who gave the audience her first- hand experience of studying at this school.

information session. Windhoek, Namibia, was next, where about 50 people came to listen to what the USB can offer. In Pretoria 112 people pitched.

In Harare, Zimbabwe, 65 people attended the

USB continues Africa-wide MBA info sessions The University of Stellenbosch Business

“The USB has for the past few years extended its information sessions to more and more African countries. With an increasing number of students from the rest of Africa, particularly from Kenya, Zimbabwe and Namibia, it makes sense to visit cities and centres personally to meet students who are interested. In some of these cities we also have representatives, who are our ears on the ground. It gives us the opportunity to hear valuable feedback about the specific need for management training in those countries.

USB’s deputy director (Business Development, Marketing and Communication), Marietjie Wepener, and senior admissions personnel received positive feedback from, prospective students, alumni and the business community across Africa. This is the first time that such an extensive

The director of the USB, Prof John Powell, the

African tour is being conducted, local sessions have covered South Africa’s largest centres and one Open Day lies ahead on 14 October ., Marietjie Wepener told Management Today

80 Management Today | September 2011

“Judging from the turn-out at these information sessions, the local students are indeed very receptive,” says Prof Powell. “They accept our high standard and stringent selection criteria, and that we stand for the development of critical thinking skills. More importantly than the number of people that turn up is the quality of potential students who come and speak to us at these sessions. That is what we’re excited about: managers, with some experience wishing to take their careers to the next level.”

Responding to the question why students should choose USB in a competitive marketplace with a range of MBAs on offer, he explained: