The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) celebrated its 25^th Anniversary on Friday 28 March with a gala event on its campus in Sandton. The event focused on the remarkable accomplishments of GIBS that has achieved global status as one of the top business schools in the world; all in a short period of time. The event was hosted by Dean Prof. Morris Mthombeni with a programme including people that played a key role in the establishment of the Institute including past Vice Chancellor of the University of Pretoria Dr Johan van Zyl, and GIBS’ first Dean Prof. Nic Binedell. Many past MBA graduates including FABI team member Dr Osmond Mlonyeni attended the celebration that focused strongly on networking opportunities and research excellence.  The establishment of GIBS shares a history with many similarities to FABI. The vision for their establishment occurred at more or less the same time and both were initiatives spear-headed by Dr Johan van Zyl at the time that he led the University of Pretoria. While very different in focus, in both cases these institutes have gained global prominence and become icons of academic excellence.

Attached photos include: Dr Osmond Mlonyeni (with his MBA class mates Bongani Luvuno and Hope Modise); UP Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Francis Petersen cutting the anniversary birthday cake with Dean Mthombeni; Prof Nic Binedell with past GIBS Dean, Prof. Nicola Kleyn; Dr Johan van Zyl (previous UP Vice Chancellor) in conversation with Mr Hylton Appelbaum (Donald Gordon Foundation); FABI Prof. Mike Wingfield with Prof Edwin Smith (UP Manager of Campus Operations).