14 AUG 2025

WBS launches corporate governance centre

Wits Business School (WBS) recently announced the launch a new centre of research dedicated to ethics, corporate governance and environmental sustainability.

The Wits Mervyn King Centre for Corporate Governance and Sustainability will form an integral part of WBS, advancing knowledge and research on the integration of corporate governance and sustainability into business and societal transformation.

The Centre, a strategic initiative of the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (CLM), will undertake research into areas such as conscious leadership, outcomes-based governance, integrated thinking and reporting, and sustainable value creation, with the objective of creating world-leading skills development through postgraduate diplomas, MBA modules and executive education courses at WBS.

In addition, the Centre will feed into the Margo Steel School of Accountancy through its postgraduate diploma qualification in specialised accountancy, integrated thinking and value creation, the first of its kind, based on Professor King’s thesis laid out in his book Chief Value Officer – Accountants can Save the Planet (Routledge).

Professor Mervyn King is a senior counsel, former judge of the Supreme Court of South Africa, and a world authority on corporate governance. The King Codes of Corporate Governance have revolutionised governance and reporting structures around the world.

Speaking at the official launch of the Centre, Wits Vice-Chancellor Professor Zeblon Vilakazi said: "Judge King’s contribution to modern corporate governance and responsible reporting reflects an immense passion for, and commitment to, our planet and its people. Wits University and the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management are immensely privileged to have a close connection with a global role model such as Judge Mervyn King. This Centre is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary thought leader and will honour his legacy for generations to come.”

An alumnus of Wits University, Professor King holds an honorary professorship at WBS and is patron of the Good Governance Academy, housed at WBS.

“The launch today of the Wits Mervyn King Centre for Corporate Governance and Sustainability is a highly significant and historical moment for WBS. Businesses, locally and globally, are grappling with the complexities of technological, social and regulatory change and it is critically important that the principles of governance, ethics, and sustainability are integrated into business education curricula,” said Professor Maurice Radebe, Head and Director of WBS.

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