Lengana Mashaphu
- Programme: Global Masters in Management
- Nationality: South Africa
Originally from South Africa, Lengana Mashaphu has shaped his academic journey around understanding how culture influences business. Through the Global Masters in Management (GMiM) — a joint programme between London Business School and the School of Management, Fudan University in Shanghai — his studies have taken him from the UK to China, where he continues to develop the cultural fluency and global perspective necessary to operate across borders.
What inspired you to study outside South Africa?
Moving from South Africa to the UK for my studies opened me up to new cultures and ways of thinking. Having been an exchange scholar at Eton College in 2018, I became open to the idea of pursuing education outside of South Africa full-time. And so, when the time came for me to go to university, I chose to pursue my BA in Business and Management at Durham University.
I quickly realised that immersing oneself in a completely different society, navigating a new culture and unfamiliar norms, can accelerate personal and professional growth in the most authentic way.
Choosing a truly global classroom
I was impressed by London Business School’s ability to assemble a cohort of the most ambitious and curious minds, all eager to interact with and learn from one another. But it was my fascination with China and the profound impact of its unique societal norms on business that led me to choose the Global Masters in Management (GMiM) programme.
Now in my second year at the School of Management, Fudan University in Shanghai, I’ve been able to extend my network into an entirely new region. By studying and engaging with business in China and the broader Southeast Asian region, I'm gaining exposure to new perspectives, business practices, and opportunities that are shaping my outlook and enhancing my ability to operate effectively in global markets.
"I’ve been able to extend my network into an entirely new region."
What does belonging to the London Business School community mean to you?
Belonging to the London Business School community means being part of a network that brings together people from incredibly diverse backgrounds, with a common passion for business and impact.
A memorable experience that truly captured this for me was attending the Alumni Council Honours List Award dinner hosted by the Dean. The evening was filled with thoughtful conversations about global issues and business, spirited debates, and the exchange of personal stories that highlighted the value of varied perspectives. What struck me most was that, despite having been at London Business School for only a few months, we already felt a deep sense of belonging. And with it, a shared responsibility toward the School.
We discussed how we could help attract exceptional talent, remain actively engaged as alumni, and support future admissions through candidate interviews. For me, the Alumni Council Honours List dinner crystallised the culture of stewardship and ongoing contribution that London Business School inspires: a community where belonging naturally evolves into responsibility.
How is the GMiM helping you explore economic and cultural ties between China and Africa?
Exploring the relationship between China and South Africa was the primary reason I chose the GMiM, and it is now the focus of my thesis. Through both the Fudan University and London Business School networks, I have been able to connect with business leaders operating across China and South Africa. Hearing their perspectives has been both insightful and empowering. Again and again, they emphasised the value of cultural and economic fluency and the unique opportunities available to those who can move confidently between both contexts.
How has living in Shanghai contributed to your growth?
One of my goals this year is to achieve fluency in Mandarin. I began lessons during my first year in London, but living in Shanghai has transformed that foundation into practical confidence. Being able to hold short conversations with locals, immersing myself in Shanghai’s culture, traditions and cuisine has been incredibly rewarding. These lived experiences have added an essential dimension to my academic learning, shaping my understanding of global markets in a far more tangible way.
At the end of my first term, while waiting for a connecting flight home, I found myself in a two-hour conversation conducted entirely in Chinese with a gentleman from Shenzhen, without the help of Google Translate, a tool I had relied on for months. I realised that stepping into a conversation, even without full confidence in my language skills, was not something to fear.
