Johann P Rupert Scoops Manex Award at Wits Business School

Wits Business School hosted their 27th Management Excellence Awards Ceremony recently to acknowledge the top business icon in South Africa, as well as outstanding lecturers and students. This years' MANEX award was scooped by renowned business leader, Johann P. Rupert. The awards ceremony is sponsored annually by Standard Bank.

Acting Head of Wits Business School, Prof. Boris Urban congratulated all nominees who played a part in enhancing South Africa's economic landscape. Prof Urban also mentioned that whilst many African countries are moving towards globalisation, our competitive edge will come from enhancing our entrepreneurial arena. According to Prof. Urban, this will allow for us to compete with our international counterparts more effectively.

In his address as 2009 MANEX winner, Mr. Rupert highlighted the extreme situation within the unemployment arena in South Africa at present. He said that "We have got serious issues with unemployment as a result of inflation, (among other things) and we as a country can scarcely afford this. Our only way out is through economic growth."

Part of Mr Rupert's history includes being appointed as the Non-Executive Chairman of Gold Fields South Africa Ltd, restructuring the Rembrandt Group Limited and forming Remgro Limited and VenFin Limited. He was also appointed Chairman and Chief Executive of Compagnie Financière Richemont SA. This year Rupert was appointed "Officer" of the French "Ordre National de la Légion d'Honneur" by the President of the French Republic.

Among Mr. Rupert's achievements are: being awarded the 1999 Free Market Award by The Free Market Foundation of South Africa and being voted South Africa's Business Leader of the Year in 2008 by the CEO's of the Top 100 Companies, for the third time.

Prof Mthuli Ncube, Dean: Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, addressed guests at the MANEX awards. He said that, " This is a time of reflection. After an economic recession, it is imperative to reflect on the actions taken and consequences thereof. In this regard WBS has made essential strides to tighten their educational practices. Part of this includes changing the renowned MBA syllabus to incorporate ethics and governance in 2010 and introducing a Master of Management in the Field of Finance and Investment course."

Wits Business School was ranked the top business school in South Africa for five successive years according to the Sunday Times Markinor survey. The year ahead will be met with more vigor as the nominees and winners of 2009 have set a high benchmark despite gross economic challenges.