Intensifying societal pressure, investor expectations, and new regulations are pushing companies to disclose how they manage their impacts on society and the natural environment. To be credible, companies must articulate a clear strategy to address their impacts, risks, and opportunities. They must do this in a manner that is material, transparent and, where possible, backed by verifiable data.
As simple as this sounds on paper, in practice companies find themselves navigating competing priorities to simultaneously plot a more sustainable course while growing their businesses and making a profit. These demands are not easily reconciled.
This new course aims to equip South African business professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders with a deeper understanding of complex systems and the multiple environmental and social crises that shape the new normal. This understanding, paired with a set of practical tools for positive change, will help participants better understand how they can contribute to solutions through their organisations, regardless of their department or role.
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Dates
Facilitators
Makha Baloyi
Makha has over seven years experience in the higher education sector and is passionate about research and teaching. She is a course facilitator for the PGDip in Development Finance programme at the GSB. Her research is focused on financing for socio-economic development, and after winning the Oxford Map the System competition in 2022, she was inspired to delve deeper into strategy development and institutional reform; utilising a systems-thinking approach to promote social and economic change.
Dr Jess Schulschenk
Jess has led teaching and consulting programmes in corporate governance, sustainability and community development for the public and private sectors. She is the Research Director for the Embedding Project, a global public-benefit research project that helps companies embed sustainability across their operations and decision-making. She holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration with the Graduate School of Business at the University of Cape Town, and an MPhil in Sustainable Development from Stellenbosch University.
5 May – 30 June 2025
Six modules over six weeks, fully online
Modules cover an introduction to the global landscape and scientific consensus, a deep dive into the South African business context, complexity & systems thinking, the role of business and innovation, strategic partnerships, and personal strategy.
Requires 8-12 hours per week
A blend of live sessions and self-paced learning
R34 200 incl VAT*
(R28 500 when applying before 6 December 2024; R30 780 for early bird applications between 7 December 2024 and 5 March 2025; *Additional discounts available for group bookings – please enquire for more information.)
8 September – 3 November 2025
Six modules over six weeks, fully online
Modules cover an introduction to the global landscape and scientific consensus, a deep dive into the South African business context, complexity & systems thinking, the role of business and innovation, strategic partnerships, and personal strategy.
Requires 8-12 hours per week
A blend of live sessions and self-paced learning
R34 200 incl VAT*
(R28 500 when applying before 6 December 2024; R30 780 for early bird applications between 7 December 2024 and 8 July 2025; *Additional discounts available for group bookings – please enquire for more information.)