Regent Business School Celebrates Second DBA Cohort. Regent Business School continues to make remarkable strides in higher education, affirming its role as a leader in business and academic innovation in South Africa. With the graduation of its second Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) cohort, the institution once again demonstrates its unwavering commitment to producing scholar-practitioners equipped to address real-world challenges.
Significant Milestone for Regent Business School
The graduation of the second DBA cohort marks a milestone for Regent Business School, showcasing the institution’s dedication to excellence in doctoral-level education. This latest achievement reflects not just academic success but the school’s broader mission to foster thought leaders who can drive innovation and transformation across sectors.
At the heart of this success is the belief that education is a transformative force. Regent’s DBA programme provides a platform for mid-to-senior-level professionals to conduct impactful research, combining scholarly rigour with practical industry insight. This unique approach empowers graduates to bridge the gap between theory and practice, shaping both academic discourse and business strategy in South Africa and beyond.
Dr Busi Alfred Marumo: A Trailblazer in Mining Safety
Among this year’s standout graduates is Dr Busi Alfred Marumo, whose doctoral research stands as a beacon of change in the high-risk mining sector. His thesis developed an innovative learning framework for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in South African mines, a sector that remains critical to the country’s economy but fraught with safety concerns.
Dr Marumo’s research supports the mining industry’s pursuit of “zero harm,” aligning with national and global goals to safeguard worker wellbeing. By designing actionable strategies that can be implemented on the ground, his work delivers tangible solutions to an industry operating under immense pressure.
“Education is the great engine of personal development,” Dr Marumo remarked. “Regent Business School provided me with seasoned supervisors and a research-focused environment that reflected the realities of my field. The guidance I received was instrumental in producing research with both academic integrity and real-world application.”
Linking Corporate Social Responsibility to Community Wellbeing
A key element of Dr Marumo’s research was its emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a mechanism for broader community upliftment. His findings demonstrate how OHS practices, when integrated with social and labour plans, infrastructure development, and enterprise initiatives, can become tools for long-term community sustainability.
This approach situates the DBA programme at Regent as more than just a qualification—it’s a vehicle for systemic change. By aligning academic research with community impact, graduates are empowered to lead not only in boardrooms but in society at large.
Community of Scholar-Practitioners
Dr Kriyanka Moodley, Head of the DBA Programme at Regent Business School, commended the perseverance, intellect, and professional integrity of this year’s graduates.
“Every DBA graduate brings a unique blend of professional experience and academic dedication,” said Dr Moodley. “Our students represent diverse industries, yet share a common goal: to create meaningful, research-backed solutions that serve society.”
The graduates of the second DBA cohort are more than researchers—they are agents of change. Their dissertations contribute to an expanding body of knowledge across various disciplines, including finance, leadership, entrepreneurship, and public policy. These contributions reflect not only academic rigour but also a sincere commitment to driving impact in both academia and industry.
Demanding Yet Rewarding Journey
Pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration is no small feat. It requires significant dedication, personal sacrifice, and intellectual commitment. The journey is demanding, but also deeply rewarding. For many candidates, it is the culmination of a lifelong dream to contribute to knowledge, solve pressing challenges, and establish themselves as experts in their respective fields.
Regent Business School’s DBA graduates have proven that the programme is more than just an academic exercise. It is a transformative journey, offering students the opportunity to redefine their industries, reimagine their careers, and impact their communities.
October 2025 and Beyond
With the third cohort already well underway, all eyes now turn to October 2025, when Regent Business School will proudly confer degrees upon its fourth group of DBA graduates. As these scholars progress through their own research journeys, the achievements of those before them serve as a guiding light.
This ongoing evolution of the DBA programme reaffirms Regent’s status as a hub for doctoral excellence in South Africa. As new students enrol and more research is published, the ripple effects of the programme will continue to shape policies, influence industries, and drive sustainable development.
Power of Transformative Education
Ultimately, the success of Regent Business School’s DBA programme lies in its ability to foster transformative education. This education goes beyond the lecture hall and into the heart of social, economic, and industrial challenges. It encourages students to think boldly, act ethically, and lead courageously.
As Dr Marumo and his fellow graduates have shown, a doctorate is not simply a title; it is a responsibility to contribute to society through informed decision-making, innovation, and leadership.
Conclusion
The graduation of the second DBA cohort is a proud moment for Regent Business School and a powerful testament to its vision of bridging scholarship with real-world relevance. Through academic excellence, social responsibility, and transformative learning, Regent continues to shape the future of leadership and business in South Africa.
