The potential of the Black Industrialist Programme established by the Government to further develop South Africa and set up the country for more industrialisation was researched by Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L) academic Dr Mlondi Vilakazi.
The study, which secured Vilakazi a PhD, was titled: Investigating the Progression of South Africa’s Developmental State through the Black Industrialist Programme. It was inspired by Vilakazi’s fascination about how East Asian countries managed to model themselves in a short time out of poverty after World War 2 to become among the world’s wealthiest nations.
‘Compare that to our country which has faced similar developmental challenges for 27 years. With our history of apartheid and slow economic redistribution, of course this was going to be a fruit bowl of challenges,’ said Vilakazi, who joined the Business School as part of UKZN’s Accelerated Academic Development Programme (AADP).
Vilakazi – credentialed as a lecturer in 2020 – says he will use his PhD to propel his academic career.
‘A PhD is important in an individual’s growth and research potential,’ said Vilakazi. ‘It gives one the edge on a journey to being a successful academic, especially as a Black academic. It is also a ticket to show that it is doable and inspires others and contributes meaningfully to the nation’s affairs.
‘As a young learner in 2002, I had an opportunity to attend winter and summer school at the former University of Durban-Westville (UDW). From then on, I loved the idea of going to university and could not shut my mouth about it. I think I have just come full circle in that I’m graduating with a PhD from the same institution that taught me to dream. It can only be my ancestors and the universe… and, of course, God,’ added Vilakazi.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Supplied
The study, which secured Vilakazi a PhD, was titled: Investigating the Progression of South Africa’s Developmental State through the Black Industrialist Programme. It was inspired by Vilakazi’s fascination about how East Asian countries managed to model themselves in a short time out of poverty after World War 2 to become among the world’s wealthiest nations.
‘Compare that to our country which has faced similar developmental challenges for 27 years. With our history of apartheid and slow economic redistribution, of course this was going to be a fruit bowl of challenges,’ said Vilakazi, who joined the Business School as part of UKZN’s Accelerated Academic Development Programme (AADP).
Vilakazi – credentialed as a lecturer in 2020 – says he will use his PhD to propel his academic career.
‘A PhD is important in an individual’s growth and research potential,’ said Vilakazi. ‘It gives one the edge on a journey to being a successful academic, especially as a Black academic. It is also a ticket to show that it is doable and inspires others and contributes meaningfully to the nation’s affairs.
‘As a young learner in 2002, I had an opportunity to attend winter and summer school at the former University of Durban-Westville (UDW). From then on, I loved the idea of going to university and could not shut my mouth about it. I think I have just come full circle in that I’m graduating with a PhD from the same institution that taught me to dream. It can only be my ancestors and the universe… and, of course, God,’ added Vilakazi.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Supplied