In an inspiring move towards social and economic transformation, Regent Business School (RBS) has joined hands with the uMhlanga Business Network (UBN) and various non-profit organisations to launch a powerful initiative that promises to redefine social entrepreneurship in South Africa. The collaboration, announced at a breakfast workshop at Durban’s Pavilion Hotel, focuses on leveraging education and business acumen to support non-profits in addressing pressing societal needs.
This unique partnership, affectionately known as the Tri-Partnership for Good, has been structured to bring meaningful, lasting change to the non-profit sector by equipping it with entrepreneurial skills and sustainable operational strategies. The initiative centres on capacity-building for non-profits, enhancing their operational efficiency, managerial expertise, and governance capabilities to foster self-sustaining, community-driven projects.
Through this collaboration, RBS staff and students will work closely with UBN professionals to identify and address critical needs within participating non-profits, creating a model for social entrepreneurship that prioritises local impact and empowerment. This approach will provide much-needed support in areas such as training, mentorship, and capacity-building for community leaders, ultimately benefiting the most vulnerable communities.
Building Lasting Impact through Education and Innovation
Dr Ronel Blom, Dean of Research at Regent Business School, underscored the institution’s commitment to social impact by saying, “At Regent Business School, we believe in the power of education as a transformative tool, not just within the classroom but across society. Through this partnership, we are eager to equip non-profits with the skills and resources needed to operate as self-sustaining entities. Our students and faculty are eager to support these organisations through practical training and development, which will help generate innovative, impactful solutions to the social challenges they face.”
The workshop at the Pavilion Hotel was attended by a respected panel of experts, including Dr Ronel Blom (Dean of Research: Regent Business School), Dr Anthony Diesel (Regent Business School DBA Alumnus and Director of Southern Africa Partners SA [SnAPSA] an international non-profit organisation), Devan Munien (Chief Quality Officer at Regent Business School), Ashok Sewnarain (Founder and Vice President of UBN), Dr Suren Lutchminarayan (Founder and President of UBN), and Ravin Rajoo (Founder and Vice President of UBN). Discussions focused on developing practical pathways to self-sufficiency for non-profits, such as data-driven decision-making, effective financial management, and the integration of technology to streamline operations.
Empowering Non-Profits to Maximise Their Social Footprint
With South Africa’s non-profit sector often constrained by limited resources and funding, the Tri-Partnership for Good offers a holistic support structure aimed at enhancing the impact of these organisations on the communities they serve. RBS’s involvement signals an investment not only in skills development but in instilling a sense of social responsibility among its students, who will engage in internship and volunteer opportunities within participating non-profits starting in the new year.
This initiative also supports RBS’s broader mission to create socially conscious business leaders. By guiding these students through real-world challenges in the non-profit sector, the programme cultivates an understanding of sustainable impact, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Future Workshops and Expanding Reach
The partnership will continue its work through ongoing workshops designed to increase knowledge-sharing and collaboration between profit-driven and non-profit entities. These sessions will further empower non-profits by introducing innovative approaches, building alliances, and driving community engagement, reinforcing the commitment of RBS, UBN, and other involved stakeholders to a socially inclusive future.
For further information on this initiative or to arrange interviews with spokespersons, please call +27 31 304 4626 or send an email to study@regent.ac.za
Image Caption:
From left: Deputy President of UBN and practicing attorney Ravin Rajoo, Chief Quality Officer at Regent Business School Devan Munien, Dr Anthony Diesel, Founder of UBN Ashok Sewnarain. Seated: Founder of UBN Dr Suren Lutchminarayan and Dean of Research at Regent Business School Dr Ronel Blom.
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Exciting news… @REGENT_BSchool is partnering with uMhlanga Business Network & non-profits to drive social impact through #SocialEntrepreneurship. Together, we’re empowering communities and building sustainable change! Learn more about this transformative initiative: [insert link] #TriPartnershipForGood #CommunityImpact #RBS #EducationForImpact #BeTheFuture #FutureOfLearning
