Timing wrong in UKZN plan

THE University of KwaZulu-Natal ( UKZN) should reconsider its decision to open a new business school in uMhlanga. For starters, the timing is all wrong. The university recently made the very unpopular announcement that it would increase fees by 8% next year to fund rising costs. It comes amidst growing calls and national-wide protests for free tertiary education.

So, if the university has access to R300 million from the private sector to fund a new business school, why is it not able to provide greater financial assistance to previously-disadvantaged students?

Furthermore, the new business school will be set up in uMhlanga where the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) will also set up shop.

A few months ago, research showed that when it came to business schools, GIBS enjoyed the highest reputation among employers. UKZN’s Graduate School of Business & Leadership came in at 11th place. Unless UKZN does something dramatic, it is likely most business executives would opt for GIBS rather than UKZN.

Finally, UKZN has built up a solid reputation as being an institution that has catered for the ordinary person. A move to uMhlanga would isolate this traditional base.

The university should therefore reflect on whether the proposed school makes business sense.