Sandton - Fedusa General Secretary Dennis George graduated with a degree in Doctor of Philosophiae in the Management of Technology and Innovation from the The Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management.
The union leader celebrated his achievement with a intimate graduation dinner hosted at Sasol Place in Sandton on Thursday.
“For me the most important thing is that philosophy and a doctorate in philosophy talks about the love of wisdom,” said George.
“Many people don’t realise that wisdom is there to answer very critical questions and very critical challenges in society.”
George’s doctoral thesis focused on implementing the mandate of advancing sustainable economic growth, achieving greater social equity and increasing participation at company, sector and national levels.
Independent Media executive chairman Dr Iqbal Survé honoured his friend by saying a few words of congratulations to George.
Dr Iqbal Survé with Dennis George. Picture: Nokuthula Mbatha/African News Agency/ANA
Survé said there are many sacrifices that need to be made to achieve a doctorate. He added that formal education can sometimes be underestimated.
“If you want to have a direct correlation between economic success of a country, then you just have to look at what China did in terms of educating and formalising a need to lead a country with structure in China itself,” he said.
“I think that’s why what Dennis has done is so important because it’s an inspiration to so many people.”
George interviewed President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan, former Minister of Finance Trevor Manuel, business leaders like Jabu Mabuza and billionaires for his thesis that took three years to complete.
“There is something in most South Africans… that they want to do something to make Mandela’s dream come through and we also move beyond party and political situations,” he said.
Notable people in attendance included Gordhan, Manuel, Fedusa President Godfrey Selematsela and DA leader Mmusi Maimane.
Manuel said it’s important that George’s dissertation is read and implemented.
Gordhan echoed Manuel’s sentiments and said it’s significant that George worked on his doctorate and also put it into practice.
“This is not just an academic that we’re celebrating tonight, it’s also a practitioner in writing and researching all the time and it’s a great privilege to be part of the process,” said the minister.
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