From Farmlands to a Doctorate: Environmental Coach Dr Philip Ramphisa Graduates

Dr Philip Ramphisa has graduated with a Doctorate in Business Administration. His study, co-supervised by Professor Cecile Gerwel-Proches and Dr Simon Taylor, was titled: “A Phenomenological Study on Leaders’ Experiences of Sustainability in the South African Mining Industry”.

‘The research investigated sustainability leadership experiences of leaders in the South African mining industry,’ he said.

He explained that sustainability is a critical issue impacting both communities and the environment. Yet, there are few studies that have explored sustainability leadership specifically within the mining sector.

‘The findings revealed that leaders make meaningful contributions when they implement projects that balance economic growth with environmental rehabilitation and social upliftment, particularly through employment creation. A leadership framework was developed from the study to help guide leaders in implementing sustainability more effectively,’ said Ramphisa.

On both a professional and personal level, Ramphisa said he is proud of achieving this qualification.

‘For someone who wants to be an industry leader, this qualification is an important one to have,’ he said. ‘I come from a family of nine children who all grew up in poverty. None of my siblings had the opportunity to pursue a university education. My grandparents and parents worked for farmers, toiling in fields under the hot sun. This is what inspired me to reach the highest level of academic achievement – to honour their hard work and sacrifice. To bring respect and recognition to those who came before me.’

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini