As Stellenbosch Business School celebrates its 60th anniversary, only a handful of staff have been at the business school longer than economist and futures thinker, Prof André Roux. He offers a unique perspective on the Business School’s past, present and future. His tenure, which spans more than four decades in various roles (including part-time and full-time lecturer), highlights not only his personal commitment to education but also the remarkable evolution of the Business School.
In 1964, Stellenbosch Business School opened its doors to a handful of MBA students, housed in a small, formal residence in Stellenbosch. Today, it stands as a beacon of higher learning with more than 1 000 students annually and a diverse array of programmes that extend beyond the traditional MBA. This transformation reflects the dynamic nature of business education, which has shifted from a singular focus on profit to a more holistic approach, encapsulated by the ‘triple bottom line’ of people, profit and planet.
“I think the Business School is very well established,” Prof Roux said. “There’s been a lot of good work done over the years by many capable people, and I think there’s a clear vision for the future. In terms of my role, it’s been exciting to be involved in a school that has such a strong foundation. We’ve been focusing on areas where we can add more value, particularly through collaboration with various stakeholders.”
He has witnessed and contributed to this transformation and recalls the early years when the curriculum was primarily centred on business administration. Over time, the School adapted to global trends and local needs, by introducing programmes in futures thinking (which he introduced in 1998), development finance, project management, coaching and leadership. These changes were driven by a recognition that business education must remain relevant and responsive to the world's evolving challenges, especially in a country such as South Africa, with its unique historical and socioeconomic context.
Stellenbosch Business School’s ability to stay ahead of the curve is one of the factors that set it apart. Prof Roux emphasises the importance of relevance, not just in the content of the programmes offered but also in the methods of delivery. The School was among the first to recognise the potential of online learning, launching remote education programmes years before the 中国体育彩票 pandemic made it a necessity. This foresight allowed the institution to transition smoothly when the world was forced to go online, proving once again that innovation is at the heart of its success.
“One of the key aspects is to remain relevant in an ever-changing environment. Our approach has been to continuously innovate – not just in terms of the curriculum, but also in how we engage with students, faculty, and industry. We’ve made strides in offering more tailored, flexible programmes that address the needs of modern business leaders.”
As a futurist, he sees an even greater emphasis on flexibility and interdisciplinarity. He envisions a future where students might cherry-pick modules from different universities across the globe, assembling a personalised education that reflects their unique interests and career goals. This could lead to new challenges, such as managing intellectual property and institutional barriers, but he is confident that the will to innovate will drive the development of solutions.
One of the proudest achievements of the Business School is earning the ‘triple crown’ of international business school accreditations. This prestigious recognition places the school among the top 1% of business schools worldwide, alongside institutions such as Harvard and INSEAD. For prospective students, this accreditation is a hallmark of quality, signalling that the education they will receive is on par with the best in the world.
But beyond the accolades, what makes Stellenbosch Business School truly special, according to Prof Roux, is its commitment to responsible leadership. The curriculum is infused with the principles of sustainability, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. This is not just a response to global trends but a reflection of the school’s belief that businesses must contribute positively to society and the environment.
As the Business School enters its next 60 years, Prof Roux is optimistic about its future. He hopes for a continued emphasis on flexible, innovative education that meets the needs of a rapidly changing world. Whether through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), the rise of the virtual campus, or the increasing importance of lifelong learning, the Business School is poised to remain a leader in business education.
One area where he sees significant potential is in the development of empathy and transdisciplinary thinking. In a world where AI and automation take over more routine tasks, human skills such as empathy and creativity will become even more valuable. He foresees that future business leaders will need to be not only experts in their fields but also adept at working across disciplines to create new knowledge and solve complex problems.
“Collaboration is critical for success. We’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible partners, both locally and internationally, which has helped us extend our reach and impact. The strength of these relationships is key to our success, and we’re constantly exploring new ways to engage and create value together.”
Prof Roux’s reflections on the past 60 years of Stellenbosch Business School are not just a testament to the institution’s growth but also to his own legacy – his unwavering commitment to education, his foresight in anticipating trends, and his dedication to fostering responsible leadership.
Disclaimer: This article originally appeared op the Stellenbosch Business School’s website at www.stellenboschbusiness.ac.za
