Media personality and model Ayanda Thabethe has proudly shared that she has completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA), marking the end of a long and emotional journey. Ayanda first announced in June 2021 that she had been accepted into the Henley Business School’s Flexible Executive MBA Programme. At the time, she posted her acceptance letter, which read:
“The Henley Flexible Executive MBA Programme: Intake SA48-June 2021. Thank you for your recent application. After careful consideration, we are pleased to offer you a place on the Henley Flexible Executive Master of Business Administration programme commencing on 28 June 2021.”
Nearly four years later, Ayanda took to social media again to share the news that she had completed the programme. In her heartfelt post, she reflected on the challenges and victories along the way:
“In June 2021, I shared with you all that I was starting an MBA journey — and today, nearly four years later, I’m so proud to say: I did it!”
She explained that while many people prefer to only announce goals after achieving them, she chose to speak about her journey from the beginning. This public declaration gave her the motivation to keep going — not just for herself, but also for others who might need encouragement to tackle tough goals.
Ayanda’s journey wasn’t a typical one. The Henley Executive MBA usually takes about two and a half years to complete, but Ayanda’s took four. During that time, she gave birth to two children and faced several personal challenges.
“With every pause, every return, came with its own mountain to climb. But with determination and the best support system both personally and from @henleyafrica, I never lost sight of why I started,” she shared.
Despite the challenges, she successfully completed her thesis and graduated with distinction.
“I give all glory to God for carrying me through,” she added.
Ayanda thanked God, her family, her fiancé, her friends, and her academic mentors for helping her make it through. She shared a moving dedication to her late father, who passed away in November 2024.
“This degree is dedicated to my late father… We left so much unsaid dad, but I hope you are proud of the woman I have become.”
She also thanked her fiancé and children, aged three and one, for their love and support, even when it meant missing special moments with them.
“You are the reason I strive to become better,” she wrote.
She hopes her thesis will help formalise influencer marketing in South Africa and inspire others in the industry to also pursue higher education. “We can both practise and contribute knowledge in ways that set us apart and elevate our profession,” she said.
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