Wits Business School (WBS) has joined forces with the Transport Education & Training Authority (TETA) on an exciting journey to transform South Africa’s transport sector. 

Fifteen senior managers and executives from the sector convened at WBS for the recent launch of a new sector-specific International Executive Development Programme (IEDP), delivered by WBS Executive Education.  The delegates, representing the rail, aerospace, maritime, road freight, taxi, freight handling, and the forwarding and clearing subsectors, were hand-picked after a rigorous selection process. Their IEDP will see them embark on a world-class eight-month learning programme incorporating an immersive tour to Spain and Morrocco. 

TETA is one of the 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) mandated to drive skills development towards economic growth and job creation in South Africa in line with the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP).  

Speaking at the launch of the programme, the CEO of TETA, Maphefo Anno-Frempong underscored the crucial role that the SETAs are playing in filling the gap in sector-specific learning programmes in South Africa. Since they came into being in 2000, the SETAs have developed a skilled and competent workforce across all occupations, she noted.

"As SETAs, we bridge the gap between formal education and training by funding learning programmes that build the skills required in each industry. At TETA, we take our mandate seriously, fully aware of the challenges facing the transport sector within the broader context of slow economic growth and unemployment. If we are to transform the transport sector, we must focus on leadership at all levels, ensuring that our skills are on par with the best in the world. True leadership is not just about occupying positions of power; it is about vision, responsibility, and the ability to inspire meaningful change."

She impressed upon the delegates the responsibility that TETA has placed upon them to bring back to the local context workable solutions from global best practices, emphasising the importance of reinvesting their knowledge into the industry.

"We entrust you to deliver returns on our investment by sharing what you learn and bringing back home solutions that can be scaled up and implemented for the growth of our industry. Remember to always mentor and uplift others as you rise, becoming ambassadors for the SETAs and advocates for lasting change."

As the delegates embarked on their first week of classes, Prof Mills Soko, Director of Partnerships and Development, formally welcomed them to WBS. 

“The transport sector is the lifeblood of the South African economy but has faced serious leadership challenges over the past decade or so. For it to become vibrant, efficient and profitable requires a new breed of leadership, individuals who are both highly skilled and ethical. WBS is passionate about ethical leadership and so we are really thrilled that TETA has chosen to partner with us in this ground-breaking programme,” says Soko.

Wits Business School has also partnered with the Gautrain Management Agency and Transnet, both of whom are prioritising knowledge management and skills development throughout their organisations.  

WBS’s long-standing relationship with Transnet has seen over 70 women from the organisation graduate from its customised Executive Leadership for Women programme. At its most recent graduation of 51 women from Transnet in February 2025, Leoni Grobler, Director of Executive Education, said that she was thrilled that WBS’s partnership with Transnet is having a tangible impact on the careers of female leaders in the transport sector. 

“We design our programmes to disrupt and challenge old ways of thinking, and thanks to the vision and support of our partner organisations we are transforming gender norms and attitudes. It has never been more important for the transport sector to develop leaders who lead with purpose and integrity for the common good.”