Program Overview

Course in the Introduction to Corporate Governance

Overview

The Course in the Introduction to Corporate Governance is a semester-long program designed to equip students with knowledge of, and insight into, the formal systems and elements of corporate governance as well as current corporate governance thinking.

Target Group

The target group for this course includes individuals involved in governance roles within organisations, employers, employees, and society as a whole. Specifically, it is geared towards individuals at middle management level within both private and public sector organisations, as well as persons aspiring to become board or committee members within organisations, corporate secretaries, and entrepreneurs.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for this course, applicants must have a Senior Certificate or the equivalent of a NQF level 4 qualification and at least three years of working experience.

Course Details

• Qualification code: 71978
• Duration: Semester course
• Language medium: English

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this course is to equip students with knowledge of, and insight into, the formal systems and elements of corporate governance as well as current corporate governance thinking. High-profile local and international corporate governance failures have focused the world's attention on corporate governance and emphasised its critical role in business sustainability and economic growth. A person credited with this module will be able to identify the linkages between corporate governance, the Companies Act 71 of 2008, and King Reports on Corporate Governance.

Modules

CICG01E - Introduction to Corporate Governance

Content:

• Introduction to corporate governance
• The importance of corporate governance and the South African regulatory framework
• Formation, types, and characteristics of companies
• The role of shareholders in corporate governance
• The role of the board of directors in corporate governance
• Individual directors and corporate governance
• Reporting, auditors, and risk management
• Corporate social responsibility, ethical leadership, and responsible investment
• The implementation of good corporate governance

Course Leadership

• Course leader: Dr. V Madlela, Department of Mercantile Law
• Programme administrator: Admin Officer, Unisa Centre for Lifelong Learning