Leadership within an academic institution is a complex and multifaceted endeavour, requiring expertise in one's field and a profound commitment to guiding others and shaping the future. The Chair of the Department of Business Management at Unisa, Prof Kgaugelo Boya, exemplifies this blend of qualities, viewing his role as a calling rather than a mere position.

"Being the chair of a department is not just about administrative duties; it's a calling to lead with empathy, integrity and a genuine love for humanity," Boya reflects. "It's an act of servant leadership that demands sacrifices and a deep commitment to providing hope and guidance wherever possible."

This perspective shapes his approach to leadership, where the focus is on empowering others and creating an environment conducive to personal and professional growth. His leadership style is characterised by humility and a genuine concern for the well-being of his colleagues and students.

Prof Kgaugelo Boya's approach to leadership in the Department of Business Management prioritises student and staff empowerment and growth.

Boya's academic credentials are robust, reflecting a deep commitment to his field. He holds a PhD in Management Studies focusing on entrepreneurship, an MCom in Management, Honours and BCom degrees in Logistics and Business Management, and a BCom in Business Management and Transport Economics. His dedication to continuous professional development is evident through his completion of programmes in supply chain management, human-centred design thinking, and assessor and moderator training.

His contributions to the field have been recognised with awards such as the Best Track Paper at the Centre for Business and Economic Research, Oxford (2023), and the Dean's Best Male Emerging Researcher Award (2022).

Strategic vision for academic and research excellence

Guided by the Unisa 2030 framework and key institutional performance indicators, Boya's approach to enhancing the department's academic offerings, research initiatives and industry collaborations is both strategic and inclusive. "I believe in collective wisdom and the importance of being guided by policy while remaining open to innovative ideas from my colleagues," he says.

The department is on the brink of launching new qualifications and research flagships that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting a commitment to addressing global challenges through academic excellence. Boya highlights the valuable contributions of four industry-vested adjunct professors who are instrumental in ensuring that the department's offerings remain relevant and responsive to industry needs. Additionally, four engaged scholarship projects keep the department closely connected to real-world challenges, reinforcing its impact beyond the academic sphere.

Boya's leadership style is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Atteridgeville, Pretoria West, within a family of church ministers. "Growing up in a Christian family instilled in me a strong moral compass and a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those around me," he remarks.

This foundation informs his approach to leadership, which is characterised by a commitment to ethical conduct, integrity and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. His leadership is not just about managing a department, but about nurturing a community of scholars and students who are dedicated to making a difference in the world.

Looking ahead, Boya is focused on further integrating his expertise in strategy, entrepreneurship and logistics into the department's contributions to the academic and professional communities. His passion for supporting not-for-profit organisations, particularly in the areas of blue ocean strategy, bootstrap financing, social entrepreneurship and humanitarian logistics, reflects his broader commitment to using his skills for the greater good.

Boya advises those aspiring to leadership roles within academia: "Follow your passion and strive to be the best version of yourself. Integrity is paramount – never take what does not belong to you, and never envy others. Remember, your mindset shapes your reality; believe in your success, and it will come to pass."

The Department of Business Management continues to thrive as a hub of academic excellence, research innovation and industry relevance under the guidance of a leader who views his role as both a responsibility and a privilege.

* By Tebogo Mahlaela, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Economic and Management Sciences