Dennis Mqadi's Journey to Becoming a CEO with Milpark's MBA

Juggling work, limited family time, and full-time study meant late nights and long weekends. A change in leadership at work meant adapting quickly. His dissertation took him all the way to Brazil. And then COVID-19 arrived in 2021, adding a whole new layer of uncertainty.

He still laughs about one particular night sitting in his office near Kingsmead Stadium at 10pm, trying to study while Diwali fireworks were going off. He finally left around 2am. It’s a memory he shares with humour, often joking that “if you need lots of sleep, an MBA might not be for you.”

But the story also reveals something deeper. The programme requires full commitment — the kind where, as he puts it, you “eat, sleep and breathe it.” And while the academic content is strong, he believes the MBA truly clicks when you combine it with real-world experience. “You can’t rely only on theory — you need the practical experience,” he says.

Even during the toughest periods, he never felt alone in the process. “Overall, I’d rate the support as nine out of ten.” Live online lectures, chat-based interaction, group work, and recorded sessions all made the experience manageable and engaging. He claims, “The more questions you ask, the better. And being able to rewatch lectures helps a lot.”

Some components were in person — like strategy presentations and writing exams — which strengthened collaboration and real application. Regular supervision during his dissertation also helped him stay on track and access the right expertise.

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What stands out most for Dennis is how the Milpark MBA shows up in everyday leadership. He says, “It taught me to make decisions under pressure and to think quickly. MBA people think on their feet — they don’t sit down.”

His colleagues often comment on his ability to move confidently between conversations about supply chain, finance, operations, or people management. That versatility, he believes, comes directly from the MBA’s broad, integrated approach. “It helps you know when to push for results and when to be empathetic. People management is a huge part of leadership — especially at senior level,” he says.

Today, as CEO of SAMSA, he steps into a role that requires calm navigation, sharp decision-making, and strong people leadership — strengths he believes were sharpened through the MBA.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Leadership Journey? If you’re aiming for senior management, executive responsibility, or simply a bigger leadership footprint, the Milpark MBA can help you get there — just as it did for Captain Dennis Mqadi. Apply now and start shaping your leadership future.