In the heart of Johannesburg, Tumelo Chaka’s experience with the GIBS MBA program shows the power of African diversity in shaping global business leaders. From fostering ethical leadership to navigating complex consumer markets, this program is more than a qualification.
Africa is the cradle of humanity, a continent rich in history, cultures, languages, and perspectives. Tumelo Chaka, a marketing executive at First National Bank in South Africa, believes that the continent has a lot to teach the world about working with diversity.
Reflecting on his experiences, Tumelo shares, “Traveling around the world and looking at different industries, different markets, and different cultures built me as a marketer, as an innovator. Context is important, where you are is extremely important.” (04:54)
Much of Africa still bears the scars of the transatlantic slave trade and European colonization, and socio-political disruptions, economic disparities, and high unemployment plague parts of the continent. This context emphasizes the importance of higher education to build a brighter future for Africa.
By equipping business leaders with the expertise to manage Africa’s distinct challenges, business schools are a catalyst for positive change.
The University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) fosters business leadership and innovation on a global scale. GIBS equips professionals to navigate challenges and promotes inclusive development through locally rooted solutions.
The school’s ethos fosters an environment where diversity is celebrated and creativity is nurtured which is what attracted Tumelo to GIBS for his MBA.
“As a thinker, I’m different. I think out of the box. I live actually out of the box. And I was looking for a business school that could accommodate that,” Tumelo explains. (02:00)
Tumelo’s experiences and achievements solidified his position as a thought leader in finance marketing. Twice Tumelo was invited as a speaker at Advertising Week in New York. The platform enables him to showcase what Africa has to offer the rest of the world.
Tumelo’s aspirations transcend personal success and encompass driving a pro-African agenda on a global stage.
Africa’s diversity and complexity offer a unique learning ground for understanding various buyer behaviors. Studying Africa’s diverse consumer markets can give students rich, real-world insights into customer relations and marketing strategies. (07:46)
GIBS, too, is primed to lead this charge, fostering leaders who understand the power of Africa’s narrative in the global business landscape. A key highlight of the GIBS MBA is its global module experience, designed to enhance competitiveness in dynamic markets.
This unique element involves immersion in various global destinations like Brazil, Chile, China, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, the US, and Sub-Saharan African countries. These experiences offer students invaluable international exposure and insights.
Tumelo champions the ethos of ethical leadership in Africa, underscoring the necessity for corporate integrity. He advocates for a leadership style that not only seeks mutual benefits but also propels collective growth. His vision is one where individual ambitions align with the broader goal of national prosperity, ultimately steering the continent toward becoming a hub of intellectual prowess.
“Within no time, Africa will be that hub where the world will come to create intellectual property and capacity to be able to then contribute globally,” he says. (09:08)
Tumelo’s international engagements, fostered by the global perspective he gained at GIBS, allow him to showcase the complexity and vibrancy of the African consumer to a worldwide audience.
Sharing his passion as a marketeer and advocate for change internationally is important to Tumelo. He has twice been invited to speak at Advertising Week in New York, an international gathering of professionals in marketing, advertising, technology, and branding.
New York is a hub of economic and cultural activities. Additionally, its diverse population represents various ethnic, religious, and socio-economic groups, making it a focal point for social discussion.
“It gives me that market validation to say that people are seeing what we’re doing, not only in South Africa, but in Africa,” Tumelo says. “And that we are also able to communicate with the world about the African consumer, which is complex and different, but once understood, you are able to create shared value with them.” (09:57)
Tumelo’s vision for a pro-African agenda finds a strong ally in GIBS. The school understands and actively promotes the power of Africa’s narrative in the global business arena.
Nestled in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa, GIBS is renowned for its global perspective and commitment to social responsibility. The institution is a premier destination for those seeking to redefine their career trajectories and make a lasting impact.
Imagine a world where your MBA program isn’t just about acquiring knowledge, but about immersing yourself in the rich diversity of an entire continent. This is the reality at GIBS.
“When you’re doing an MBA, in fact, don’t go to get a qualification, go to get an education,” Tumelo advises. “The qualification is an official paper you’ll get after two years of going through the process. Education is you learning from your peers, learning from people around you, but also testing your own assumptions.”
He continues, “My friend from Namibia always said, ‘If you haven’t traveled, you think your mom is the best cook.’ An MBA will give you worldly perception and worldly perspective where you can see things broadly.”(10:53)
Through a curriculum designed to cultivate critical thinking, leadership, and adaptability, GIBS empowers its students to become change agents in their industries. The GIBS philosophy encourages students to fully engage with the program, resulting in a lasting transformation of their career paths.
In his position at FNB, Tumelo brings a renewed emphasis on ethical leadership, community engagement, and innovative solutions. His approach resonates with the aspirations of modern marketing.
He is passionate about collaborating with those interested in promoting the richness of African diversity to the wider world. If that sounds like you, you can contact Tumelo directly to learn how GIBS can increase your impact.
