NMMU Business School Welcomes Second Group of Students on South Sudan Executive Leadership Programme

Juba, South Sudan, 18 April 2013 - To succeed as an independent country, the South Sudan government is faced with challenges of nation-building and post-war reconstruction, and therefore requires competent leadership at local, regional and national levels. For this reason Africa’s newest country is continuing its education and training partnership with NMMU Business School.

Last month, in South Sudan’s current capitol city of Juba, NMMU Business School commenced with the education and training of 88 students from key government positions. These students are the second intake of students admitted onto the South Sudan Executive Leadership Programme (SSELP). Last year in May the first group of South Sudanese received their qualifications at the Executive Education Certification Ceremony of NMMU Business School which was hosted in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Leon Mouton, Director of the Leadership Academy at NMMU Business School said that South Sudan needs competent leaders to make critical decisions on all levels, not only to initiate and facilitate developmental initiatives but also to ensure that peace and stability is maintained to create environments conducive for reconstruction, development and growth.

“Our programme deals with topics that relate to key competencies required in a post-conflict society such as ethical leadership, development, peace and reconstruction, security, conflict, international law, economics and human rights. In short, the programme aims to empower the members of the South Sudanese government to be world-class leaders.”

Mouton said following the successful completion of the programme by the first cohort of students, SSELP graduates have leapfrogged to positions that require significant degrees of leadership. Graduates were appointed to positions such as State Deputy Governor, State Minister, Director General in the Office of the President, Senior Diplomat in Asia and deputy head of HR in the Ministry of Defense.

Commenting on the latest intake of students for the South Sudan Executive Leadership Programme, Mouton said “there is an immense hunger for learning and education in South Sudan, students are disciplined, motivated and extremely positive towards programme content and lecturers.”

“A highlight of my visit to Juba was feedback from the Deputy Minister of Defense who indicated ostensible transformation amongst his staff, notably personal development, increased levels of confidence and enhanced decision-making. In addition, the career advancements of our first cohort of students are for us also a feather in the cap,” said Mouton.

Dr Savo Heleta, a lecturer in Post-War Reconstruction on the programme, indicated the relevancy of the programme within the current developmental context of South Sudan:

“In many aspects, South Sudan has started from zero in 2005. Due to the decades of war, neglect and underdevelopment, the country today needs construction rather than post-war reconstruction. In order to build the country and improve livelihoods of the citizens, South Sudan needs ethical, responsible and capable leaders. We are hoping our programme will contribute towards this.

“Our leadership modules focus on good leadership and ethics and try to instill this into the students. Other modules deal with ethical issues, good governance, good management of resources, provision of security and services to all citizens and eradication of corruption, both in theory and practice – all this is aimed ultimately at educating learners with the hope that they become ethical and responsible leaders in the future,” he said.

Mouton said that the programme is in line with the vision of NMMU to be a dynamic African university recognized for its leadership in generating cutting-edge knowledge for a sustainable future.