On 19 February 2026, the academic community of The DaVinci Institute gathered for its formal Academic Opening, marking the start of the 2026 academic year under the theme “Co-Creating for the Greater Good.” The ceremony signaled a collective commitment to purpose-driven education, collaborative leadership, and the ongoing evolution of the institution’s academic, research and technological agenda.
Tradition and Purpose
The morning began with the academic procession, accompanied by Jozi Opera, setting a tone of reflection and anticipation. The ceremony included the flag hoisting, symbolising institutional identity, national responsibility and the shared values underpinning DaVinci’s learning community.
The congregation was formally constituted by Dr Gavin Isaacs, acting in his capacity as Chairperson of Senate, establishing the gathering as a lawful academic congregation of the Institute.
Leadership voices frame the year ahead
Programme Director Prof Benjamin Anderson guided the ceremony, introducing institutional leaders, governance structures and the wider learning ecosystem, including Board members, Senate, faculty, students, industry partners and convocation.
Institutional leadership, including President Edward Kieswetter and Board Chair Ndumiso Khubeka, reinforced the Institute’s strategic focus on responsible leadership and societal contribution.
Articulating the meaning of the Greater Good
The central moment of the ceremony was the keynote address delivered by Ndumiso Khubeka, which explored the underlying principles of the Greater Good, positioning education not only as capability development but as a platform for impact.
The address highlighted:
- Leadership as stewardship
- Innovation as a societal responsibility
- Collaboration as the foundation of complex problem-solving
- The role of higher education in shaping ethical decision-makers
This framing aligned closely with DaVinci’s long-standing emphasis on systems thinking, transdisciplinary learning and organisational transformation.
Institutional achievements unveiled
The Academic Opening also served as a platform for key institutional launches. The Unified Technology Upgrade, introduced by Executive: Information Technology Riaan van Niekerk, highlighted continued investment in the digital learning environment and infrastructure supporting hybrid, practice-based education. The launch of the DaVinci song further strengthened institutional identity and community culture.
In addition, the research report launch, presented by Executive Dean Dr Gavin Isaacs, reflected the Institute’s growing postgraduate scholarship footprint and its commitment to applied, industry-relevant research.
Setting the tone for 2026
The Academic Opening reaffirmed The DaVinci Institute’s positioning as a learning institution oriented toward purpose, partnership and impact.
Under the theme Co-Creating for the Greater Good, the ceremony did more than open an academic calendar. It established a shared intention: that education, research and leadership development must actively contribute to organisations, communities and society. In this way, the event marked both a beginning and a reaffirmation of a continuing institutional journey.
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