The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Business Rescue Unit (BRU) reaffirmed its position as a leading centre for research and professional engagement when it successfully hosted the Fourth International Conference on Business Resilience, Continuity and Regeneration in Durban recently.
Held under the theme ‘Rethinking Financial Market Resilience and Business Continuity in an Era of Global Fragmentation’, the conference attracted academics, researchers, business rescue practitioners, policymakers, postgraduate students and industry leaders from South Africa and abroad.
More than 80 peer-reviewed research papers were presented, reflecting the growing international significance of the event and its contribution to advancing knowledge in business resilience and organisational sustainability.
The conference was co-chaired by Professor Paul-Francois Muzindutsi and Dr Kajal Ramnanun and featured a programme of keynote addresses, panel discussions and parallel research sessions. Delegates heard from UKZN Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Law and Management Studies, Professor Ernest Nene Khalema, while internationally renowned futurist Professor Jonathan Calof of the University of Ottawa delivered the keynote address, encouraging organisations to embrace strategic foresight in navigating an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Delegates benefited from industry expertise shared by Advocate Andrew Donnelly, Consultant at Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys, who presented a session titled ‘Business Rescue: Is it Working?’, examining the effectiveness and practical impact of South Africa’s business rescue framework.
Research presentations covered a wide range of topics, including business rescue and corporate restructuring, financial resilience, sustainable finance, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, environmental, social and governance (ESG), financial inclusion, governance, climate risk and business continuity. The conference also provided valuable opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, networking and mentorship, enabling emerging researchers to present alongside established scholars.
Conference co-chair Professor Paul-Francois Muzindutsi said the conference’s continued growth demonstrated the increasing importance of collaborative research in addressing complex global challenges.
“This conference has evolved into an internationally recognised platform that brings together researchers, practitioners and policymakers to generate innovative solutions for organisational resilience and sustainable economic development. The quality of the research presented and the diversity of participants reaffirm UKZN’s growing influence in this important field and our commitment to producing knowledge that has meaningful impact on society,” said Muzindutsi.
The conference concluded with a gala dinner celebrating the achievements of the Business Rescue Unit, followed by a cultural excursion to uShaka Marine World. The organisers expressed their appreciation to the organising committee, presenters, delegates, sponsors, reviewers, student volunteers and support staff whose collective efforts contributed to the event’s success.
The Business Rescue Unit is now looking ahead to its Fifth International Conference, building on the momentum created by this year’s gathering. The event further reaffirmed UKZN’s reputation as a hub for impactful, interdisciplinary research that informs policy, strengthens industry practice and contributes to resilient organisations and sustainable economies across Africa and beyond.
Words: NdabaOnline
Photograph: Hesper Media