After nearly two decades of dedicated service to the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at Stellenbosch University, Goosain Solomon is stepping into a well-earned new chapter. Since joining the Department of Business Management in 2006, Goosain has been a committed lecturer and mentor, specialising in entrepreneurship and small business growth and development – areas that have shaped both his academic journey and his personal passion.

Recently completing his doctoral studies, Goosain’s PhD focused on the business incubation process in South Africa, further cementing his role as a scholar deeply invested in understanding and strengthening the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. His research interests span small business development and growth, entrepreneurship, innovation, business incubation and leadership – topics he explored not only in the classroom, but in communities and small business environments across the country.

Image by: Goosain Solomon

Mr Goosain Solomon with (f.l.t.r.) his eldest daughter, Yumna Solomon; his wife, Noorjhan Sasman and his youngest daughter, Faika Solomon.

From engineering to entrepreneurship

Goosain’s professional journey began far from lecture halls. With a background in Mechanical Engineering, he served as a plant manager at Clifford Harris, Civil Engineering Pty (Ltd) until 1986 before moving into teaching at the then Athlone Technical College (now College of Cape Town).

Yet, it was his shift in 1996 – leaving engineering education to pursue studies in management at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) – that set him on the path that would define his career. At UWC he discovered not only a growing academic interest, but also a deep conviction: small businesses are critical to South Africa’s economic future.

His passion translated into action when he joined UWC as a lecturer and manager of the Entrepreneurship Development Unit (EDU), an outreach arm focused on training, research, and development initiatives with local, regional, national and international reach.

“In South Africa, Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute 34% to GDP and 60% to employment, according to the Small Enterprise Development Agency,” Goosain explains. “If we are serious about building a more inclusive and resilient economy, then enabling MSMEs with the right capabilities and support is not optional; it is essential. Business incubation is a key mechanism for developing and promoting small businesses in South Africa and around the world.”

A lecturer who unlocks potential

Among the many roles he has held, teaching remains closest to his heart. Goosain describes the most rewarding part of his academic career as “unlocking students’ potential as best I can.” He did the same with his children.

He thrives on engagement and critical thinking, adding: “I love challenging students’ social construct of reality. It becomes really exciting when students participate in high-level discussions.”

His influence extends beyond the lecture room. To younger colleagues, his message is clear:
“Think hard and deeply about what you do. Don’t go for the quick solution; rather try and deliver standards of excellence. Don’t underestimate your capabilities – just go for it!”

Looking ahead

Retirement, for Goosain, is not an ending but a continuation. He hopes to remain involved in the small business sector, contributing his expertise, possibly as a consultant. His first task will be “setting up systems and putting himself out there in the market,” he laughs.

Beyond professional ambitions, Goosain is grounded by family. He and his loving wife of 42 years, Noorjhan Sasman, have three grown children and seven grandchildren. “My happy place is wherever my family is,” he admits. Their support carried him through the extensive demands of his PhD, and they will be proudly cheering him on at his graduation on 10 December 2025, an occasion for which his son will be travelling from the United Kingdom).

In his spare time, Goosain cycles socially and encourages others to join as a way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Before embarking on his PhD journey, he also enjoyed fishing – another hobby he may once again find time for.

A well-deserved farewell

As Goosain closes this chapter at Stellenbosch University, he leaves behind an enduring legacy: a belief in the power of small businesses, an insistence on excellence, and generations of students whose perspectives – and lives – have been shaped by his guidance.

The Faculty thanks him for his years of service and dedication, and wishes him every success in the exciting journey ahead.