The University community is saddened to announce the passing of Conrad Viedge, Academic Director of the Johannesburg Business School (JBS) at the University of Johannesburg.

Conrad was one of the founding members of the JBS since its inception in 2018, helping to establish JBS as one of the leading South African business schools with a specialised focus on enterprise development.

His innovations in the pedagogy, in particular, leadership development (with dedicated coaching for MBA students) and the shift to blended modes of delivery during the pandemic, ensured that the JBS’ persistence rates remained over 90%, with an anticipated 94% graduation rate of the very first JBS MBA class of 2020. His outstanding contribution paved the way for the shift of focus of JBS from an SME focus towards digital transformation through new curricula as well as teaching and learning innovation, facilitating the realistic adoption of the JBS mantra of “preparing leaders fit for the future”.

Prior to joining JBS, Conrad worked for the Wits Business School for over 25 years, where he held a number of posts, culminating in his appointment as MBA director.

Conrad was committed to business education and the positive role it plays in people’s lives. Throughout his career, he was involved in the design of management and leadership development programs to fast-track people’s careers. Conrad held a Master of Arts in psychology, was registered as an industrial psychologist and published articles on behavioural psychology, mentorship, and coaching. Other areas of interest included leadership development, interpersonal skills, performance management, executive coaching, team building, self-management and creative problem-solving.

Conrad was an exemplary gentleman and epitomised everything good about a servant leader. He was legendary in motivating and mentoring students to reach levels beyond what they thought possible. The staff looked up to him; he was a respected father figure they could confide in, share their innermost thoughts, and lean on. His quiet yet determined disposition, sage wisdom and exceptional expertise, knowledge and professional experience of business schools, friendly smile, gentle nature and great sense of humour will be severely missed by all of us.

May we all find strength during this difficult time as we keep those close to him in our prayers.

Conrad Viedge’s memorial service detail will be shared in due course.

Professor Randall Carolissen

Dean: Johannesburg Business School and Professor of Practice