20 years of MSC Business College success
In 1991, Cobus Potgieter founded MSC Training Centre, to address the lack of practical hands-on training in South Africa. The FET college has now evolved to the successful MSC Business College (MSC), with 22 campuses in 7 of the 9 provinces in South Africa that maintain the high standards of quality and excellence MSC has established a reputation for.
“I am passionate about education and empowering the youth, and so starting a college was the natural path for me,” says Cobus Potgieter, Founder and Managing Director of MSC Business College. The first franchise was sold in 1993, and was opened in Kempton Park.
As the company grew over the years, so did the accolades. MSC Training Centre East London was awarded the FASA (Franchise Association of South Africa) ‘Franchise of the Year’ award for 3 years in a row. And in 1998, MSC Training Centre changed their name to MSC Private College with the aim of further differentiating the college from other public institutions.
In 2002, MSC Holdings (Pty) Ltd was formed and a year later was repositioned as MSC College. With two more awards from FASA for ‘Franchise of the Year’ awarded to MSC College Queenstown in 2007 and 2008, MSC’s standing amongst its rivals rose and became a formidable force.
“After 20 years in the industry, we felt it was time for a fresh look and a name which related directly to what we do,” says Potgieter. And so, in 2011, the new name, MSC Business College, was introduced.
MSC has always been eager to differentiate themselves from the ‘fly-by-night’ colleges that can give FET colleges a bad name. “Our ethos and the quality we deliver are very different from the sort of colleges that continue to spring up all over. Quality is a core value at MSC, which is demonstrated in our experienced staff, registered courses and course material. It can also be seen by level of our campuses, where furnishings and equipment for each college have to meet stringent requirements to ensure a professional, comfortable and safe environment for our students,” says Potgieter. He continues, “Compliance with external accrediting bodies has always been essential to ensure the students are aware of what they are getting. It is a guarantee for them that we are trusted and recognised.”
“The courses offered at MSC are business focused, aimed at equipping students to enter the workplace with a solid portfolio,” says Potgieter. Every year, the National Skills Development Strategy is studied and new programmes are developed and introduced based on the needs of the market. Head office staff includes specialists in each area, including IT, HR, Finance, Quality Assurance, and Marketing, to provide support and guidance to franchised campuses,” says Potgieter.
Potgieter says the campus life offered by MSC also makes the college stand out from others. “With extra murals such as karate, dancing, chess, debating offered at campuses, the colleges help develop social skills as well as discipline and commitment.”
The success of MSC Business College not only lies in the way it addresses the particular needs of the students and provides affordable, quality education. Registrations take place throughout the year and classes are designed to allow for numerous entry and exit points, thus enabling a short break in studies without compromising the students. “At other institutions they may have to redo or repeat subjects, while we have structured the operations to prevent this from occurring,” says Potgieter. “In addition, we offer payment plans which are specifically designed to allow for affordable deposits and monthly instalments without any interest being charged.”
“MSC stands for Mind, Skill, and Character. That is exactly what we aim to instil and develop in all our students as they go on to have successful careers,” concludes Potgieter.
