30 May 2025 Cape Town, South Africa – Today, Business School Netherlands (BSN), the West Coast District Municipality (WCDM), and the Swartland Local Municipality signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking the start of a strategic collaboration to strengthen international ties, education, and action learning. As BSN partners with WCDM and Swartland, this agreement positions BSN as the municipalities’ designated International Academic Partner, International Education Partner, and Action Learning Partner. A standout element of this partnership is the joint effort to host the Weskus Innovation Study Tour 2025 in the Netherlands.
About WCDM
The West Coast District Municipality (WCDM) oversees a diverse region stretching from the Cape Town Metropole’s edge to the Northern Cape border. Partnering with five local municipalities, WCDM works tirelessly to ensure equitable access to resources and services, with a special focus on underserved communities. Dedicated to inclusive economic growth, it fosters job opportunities and supports small businesses across the West Coast. Sustainability drives its mission, delivering practical solutions to towns and villages facing challenges in funding, infrastructure, or staffing.
About Swartland Local Municipality
Swartland is one of the leading local municipalities in the Western Cape, well known for sound financial management and innovative governance. With a strong focus on community upliftment and infrastructure development, the municipality supports inclusive growth, sustainability, and public service excellence.
About BSN
From its base in Buren, the Netherlands, BSN stands out as a global leader in Action Learning, a hands-on approach that equips professionals to solve real-world problems. Far from traditional academia, BSN’s programmes—like its renowned MBA—blend theory with practice to cultivate innovative, decisive, and sustainability-minded leaders. With a presence across Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond, BSN brings its expertise to this collaboration as it partners with WCDM and Swartland.
“We’re delighted to see BSN partner with WCDM and Swartland, merging our strengths in innovation and sustainable progress,” said Juanita Bouwer, Director of BSN International. “This MOU sets the stage for a meaningful blend of academic rigour and action learning, and we’re eager to co-host the Weskus Innovation Study Tour 2025 to explore transformative ideas in the Netherlands.”
Johan Tesselaar, Chief Financial Officer of WCDM, added, “As BSN partners with WCDM and Swartland, we’re taking a concrete step toward our vision of growth and innovation. This collaboration leverages BSN’s expertise to enhance our capabilities, bringing valuable insights back to our West Coast communities and forging global connections.”
Joggie Scholtz, Municipal Manager of Swartland Local Municipality, shared, “This partnership opens exciting opportunities for Swartland. By joining forces with BSN and WCDM, we are creating space for our officials and communities to learn, grow, and implement ideas that make a difference on the ground.”
The partnership ties into both municipalities’ long-term strategic plans, promising a future where innovation meets real community impact.
Contact:
West Coast District Municipality
Email: info@westcoastdm.co.za
Phone: +27 (0)22 433 8400
Swartland Local Municipality
Email: swartlandmun@swartland.org.za
Phone: +27 (0)22 487 9400
Business School Netherlands
Email: international@bsn.eu
Phone: +31 (0)344 579 054
