The University was saddened to learn that Conrad Viedge passed away on 4 February 2022. A legend in his time at Wits Business School (WBS) and an integral part of the MBA programme for almost 35 years, thousands of students were taught, mentored and guided by Viedge and were inspired by his passion for education.

Viedge held various positions at the WBS, including MBA Director, Acting Head of Executive Education, Director of International Programmes, and Director of the International Executive Development Programme.

He was wholly committed to business education and the positive role it can play in shaping people’s lives and careers. During his time at WBS, he was closely involved in the design of several management and leadership development programmes and took a personal, deeply vested interest in the success of the students he taught.

Raised in the Eastern Cape, Viedge held a Master’s degree in Psychology from Wits University and was a registered industrial psychologist. He consulted in the areas of leadership, organisational effectiveness, performance management and self-management. He published articles on performance management, management development and group dynamics, and co-authored a number of case studies during his career. He was nominated for, and won, numerous awards during his tenure at WBS.

Other areas of interest included leadership development, interpersonal skills, executive coaching, team building, and creative problem-solving.

Besides his impressive teaching career, Viedge was well-known for his kindness and thoughtfulness. He has been described as a true gentleman and someone who always had the best interests of his students at heart.

The tributes flowing in from Wits staff and WBS MBA alumni, spanning decades and from all over the world, are testament to the impact that he had on their lives, with many suggesting that their own leadership ethos and impact on the world has been shaped for the better by Viedge’swisdom and mentorship. The list of MBA students taught by Viedge includes WBS’s own Head of School, Maurice Radebe, who describes him as diligent, wise and a great teacher.

The University of the Witwatersrand owes a huge debt of gratitude to Conrad Viedge and all that he did and stood for, and we are humbled and honoured that he made WBS his home for so many years. His legacy will endure for decades to come.

Please join us in extending our heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends, colleagues, staff, students, alumni, and all who knew and were impacted by his life.

Viedge leaves a son Roland, and a daughter Alison, and their families.

Details of his memorial service will be shared once they become available.