Our Flagships

The Gordon Institute
of Business Science

An entrepreneurial institution, with deep connections to the African continent.

Gordon Institute of Business Science

S
ir Donald was always keenly aware of the transformative nature of education and had a natural affinity with business education. In 2000 the DGF was approached by University of Pretoria Professors Nick Binedell, June Sinclair and Johan van Zyl with a compelling vision for a new business school with an entrepreneurial flair and unique approach. Pioneers in finding and encouraging economic sustainability in the Developmental arena, we provided the funding that enabled the University of Pretoria to build The Gordon Institute of Business Science (“GIBS”) in Illovo, Johannesburg.

As an entrepreneurial institution, with deep connections to the African continent, GIBS has evolved from being a business school for business, under founding Dean Professor Nick Binedell, into a world-class African institution and research centre, under former Dean Professor Nicola Kleyn. Long regarded as a business school with impeccable international credentials, GIBS under the current leadership of Dean, Professor Morris Mthombeni is now leading the way among its global peers thanks to a progressive focus on quality blended learning coupled with a commitment to meaningful experiential exposure.

Gordon Institute of Business Science

U
nderpinning their approach is their commitment to life-long learning, a dedication to high-quality and innovative teaching methods, the pursuit of ethical and sustainable values, and a forward-looking view of business and its role in the world. Access to both local and international faculty ensures that GIBS is globally relevant and opens doors to prized global networks.

GIBS equips general managers to start and run successful organisations in the African context. It prides itself on producing leaders who can proactively manage cross-functional teams in a digital world, who understand diversity, who appreciate the societal impact of business and who engender a sustainable approach.
These leaders are agile, inclusive and global in their thinking and attitudes; but their roots are firmly in Africa.


According to the UK Financial Times in May 2023 GIBS secured a prestigious position as one of the leading business schools in the world in the provision of executive education, ranking within the top 50 globally in its Executive Education Rankings.

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n 2023, the GIBS MBA was ranked as having the best reputation among employers and the first choice for students looking to pursue an MBA in the country by the Financial Mail Top MBAs Ranking. Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings: Global Executive MBA 2023 ranked GIBS at 65, placing the School’s MBA in the top 30% globally. In addition, in 2023, US-based CEO Magazine ranked GIBS 18th in its Global MBA Rankings, highlighting the School as a Tier 1 business school.

GIBS is Triple Crown accredited, holding EQUIS accreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), as well as accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA), and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). GIBS is the 113th business school worldwide to achieve Triple Crown status. In addition, the School is also accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), is a member of the South African Business Schools Association (SABSA), and the Association of African Business Schools (AABS). GIBS is a United Nations Principles for Responsible Management (PRME) Champion and is an affiliate
of the Central and East European Management Development Association (CEEMAN).


Today GIBS stands as a beacon of excellence, committed to shaping the future of business education.

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