Thembile Gule
Nyiko Pilusa, an Accountant at the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), has celebrated completing her Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) in Public Sector Management from Regent Business School — a qualification that culminated in a research paper now available for future academic citation.
A dedicated JRA employee since January 2020, Pilusa balanced her professional duties with the rigorous demands of the two-year postgraduate programme.
She emphasises the significance of her MBA, describing the experience as transformative. “The fact that there’s a book out there with my name as an author, which another student can cite in future research, is a big deal for me,” she says.
Her MBA covered core disciplines including accounting and finance, operations and supply chain management, strategic and change management, leadership and human capital development, governance and sustainability, along with a substantial dissertation. The qualification required prior postgraduate study, relevant work experience, and independent research.
Pilusa expresses gratitude to the JRA for allowing her to conduct research within the organisation and for supporting her throughout the data collection process. She acknowledges the significant time commitment, discipline, and personal financial investment required to fund her studies.
Her motivation for pursuing the MBA was twofold: personal growth and the development of enhanced leadership capabilities. “I believe in testing my limits and learning new things, and the demands of an MBA allowed me just that, while teaching me emotional intelligence and the ability to inspire and motivate others,” she explains.
She anticipates that her qualification will equip her with the skills and knowledge needed to lead teams effectively and make strategic decisions within her current role at the JRA. Looking ahead, Pilusa plans to pursue a PhD after a period of rest. She recognises the financial implications but remains determined to realise her doctoral aspirations.
Her MBA directly aligns with her responsibilities at the JRA, offering a comprehensive understanding of business operations, strategy, and management, while also enhancing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. “An MBA teaches accountants to think strategically while making informed decisions,” she asserts.
Before embarking on her MBA journey, Pilusa earned a BCom Accounting from the University of Limpopo, an Honours from Regent Business School, and certification in the Municipal Finance Management Act. Her experience includes roles as an Accountant at Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, Senior Accountant at Mac P Group Construction and Accountant at Sasol.
Pilusa, a married mother of two, expresses gratitude for the unwavering support of her family, especially her sons, Phenyo and Kabo, for their understanding during her intensive study periods. She is driven by a passion for making a positive impact and believes personal growth and collaborative efforts are fundamental to both her professional and personal life.
SOURCED FROM JOBURG WEBSITE.
