If you considering online education for your accredited qualification and paying for it yourself, you’ll want to get the most out of your investment. Here are a few ways to get ‘bang for your buck’.
Choose a programme that will add real value to your earning power
It may be tempting to do something relatively obscure because it interests you, but if you want your investment to pay off in terms of salary growth and promotability, you need to invest in a course that will directly benefit the business you own or are employed at. Courses focussing on, for instance, leadership or project management, build skills that are extremely valuable to a spectrum of industries and types of businesses.
Take your study time seriously to get the most out of your investment
Set goals, draw up a schedule, and find a place that is very conducive to study. Find a study buddy. Do what you need to do to make sure you get as much as you possibly can from the course you invested in.
Choose an accredited programme
A programme which is accredited is a lot more credible than one that isn’t and will be taken more seriously by prospective and current employers. The first prize is to choose a programme that will offer you a certificate from an institution which is accredited in South Africa.
If you are employed, but paying for the course yourself, let your employer know you are investing in yourself
No harm in making sure those who you work with know how seriously you are taking yourself as an employable asset. Knowing you have taken it upon yourself to invest in a course, for instance, in learning about emotional intelligence, will give deep insight into where you intend to take your career.
For more information on DaVinci Business School’s accredited programmes, click here.
NQF, SAQA, NLRD, CHE, QCTO… SA’s education quality assurance bodies and systems comprise a whole lot of acronyms that can be very confusing but that is where we can help. We are going to break it all down into bite size chunks and at the end of this article, you will be able to perfectly understand this sentence:
Essentially you want a qualification that is listed on the NLRD which is recorded with SAQA and registered with the DHET and depending on the NQF level must be quality assured by QCTO, SETA, CHE or other bodies.
For students, one of the biggest concerns when selecting what to study is whether the qualification is recognised by an official quality assurance body. This assurance gives peace of mind that a) the course is of a high standard and b) it may assist with securing future employment. All the different bodies and systems can be baffling so let’s start with the basics:
NLRD, SAQA and DHET
Any learner achievement is recorded on the National Learner Record Database (NLRD) through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). You want your academic record to be with the NLRD as this is the database with relevant details of every person who has completed qualifications. By having it recorded here, it ensures quality, credibility and permanently secured, no matter what happens to the qualification or the entity who provided it.
SAQA is the authority that lists all the valid qualifications in South Africa. However, before it can be listed with SAQA it has to be registered through the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) which is one of the departments of the South African government, the department that manages universities and post-secondary education.
National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) oversees the implementation of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The NQF system is a set of principles and guidelines which classifies a person’s skills and knowledge according to a certain level. This is recognized nationally in South Africa. It comprises ten levels of learning achievements.
General Certificate
Elementary Certificate
Intermediate Certificate
National Certificate
Higher Certificate
Diploma / Advanced Certificate
Bachelor’s Degree / Advanced Diploma
Honours Degree / Postgraduate Diploma
Master’s Degree
Doctoral Degree
Quality Assurance
All education providers must register with the relevant quality council else they will not be able to record the achievements of their learners on the National Learners Record Database (NLRD). This basically means that if your education provider is not registered, they are offering a programme that is classified as informal learning and that cannot be recognised as a formal qualification. Three different quality assurance bodies regulate each of SA’s three main kinds of education.
Umalusi
High school education is regulated by the Umalusi quality assurance body. These fall under the NQF levels 1-4.
Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) regulates all vocational (occupational) qualifications that fall in NQF levels 1-8. The QCTO also oversees qualifications that are offered through the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) which was prompted by the country’s Skills Development Act. The SA economy is split up into different sectors (collectively covering every industry and occupation in the country) and each one has its own SETA offering learnerships, apprenticeships, unit-based skills and internships. Examples include AGRISETA, BANKSETA, SERVICES SETA etc but you can view the full list here. The QCTO ensures that all SETA qualifications are centrally monitored as well as offering relevant trades through standard curricula.
Council on Higher Education (CHE)
The Council on Higher Education (CHE) regulates academic qualifications (at NQF levels 5 -10) that can only be offered through Higher Education Institutions.
Professional Bodies
Although professional bodies cannot offer qualifications themselves, it is worth noting them as one of the quality assurance providers. Essentially, they guide the curriculum (aka the content) for NQF levels 1 – 6 that are needed for professional designations. These include Project Management South Africa (PMSA), South African Board for People Practices (SABPP), South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and many more listed here.
FAQ About the Education System
What does it mean if a course is unaccredited? Some educational providers choose not to pursue accreditation through these bodies because it’s an admin-intensive process. The downside is that this means any skills students accrue through these organisations will be valid only so long as the provider is in existence. By getting a qualification recognised on the National Learner Record Database, there’s security that the qualification will always be valid, as assured by the South African Qualifications Authority. Non-accredited providers are also not allowed to offer degrees or other similar programmes.
What Does Accreditation Mean for Employment Prospects?
A valid and recognised NQF qualification is usually a prerequisite for advancement in South Africa currently. Employers typically look for people with recognised qualifications that can be verified to be valid. Sometimes, this means they can discount the validity of courses from non-accredited providers. From a promotion perspective, often having lots of certificates but no degree makes it difficult to ‘climb the ladder’.
Are SAQA-Registered Courses Recognised Overseas?
SAQA ensures that all programmes that are registered have a level of international comparability and the quality councils (CHE and QCTO) assure the public that the programmes being offered are comparable to equivalent qualifications globally.
What three questions should students ask before choosing what and where to study?
What’s the ROI? Students need to ensure that their programmes are leading to a certification that they will be happy with and that ensures longevity of their investment.
How does it position you for your chosen career
? Research shows that your first degree is a strong signal of your likely future career. Therefore, you need to choose a programme that positions you well professionally.
Is the course accredited? It is important to know that the programme is accredited in order to justify your investment in it.
From a first qualification to continuous learning opportunities, it’s wise to examine the expected return on study investment before picking a course to pursue. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – it’s important to understand exactly what you’re investing in.
By Prof Benjamin Anderson, Co-Founder & Executive Director
This September, interested individuals like Prof Magnus Karlsson, the co-founder and former Chairman of the Association for Innovation Management Professionals in Sweden, and others welcomed the publication of the much-awaited ISO 56001: Innovation Management Standard.
In this note, I wish to reflect on and share some of my experiences and expectations going forward.
Eleven years ago, I had the privilege of being invited by Mmakgabo Maheya from the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) to participate in an ISO 279 plenary session in Dublin. At that stage, 53 countries were already represented and cooperatively working on developing what is now referred to as the ISO 56001: Innovation Management Standard.
From the start, I became aware of an overarching sense amongst participants to “work together for the greater good”.
We were all in it to contribute towards the world of work becoming a more integrated and well-articulated system. Similarly, we were all concerned, in one way or another, about the “roughness” regarding innovation within organisations globally.
To achieve this milestone, there have been a lot of energy exchanges from different contexts around the world over the past years on what innovation should be and how it could be incorporated as an integral part of being at work.
The goal being to improve performance at work and to position innovation as a critical contributing factor to organisational success and sustainability.
The ISO 56001: Innovation Management Standard should, in my view, become an important key to unlocking and redirecting the innovation journey at work, both within developing and developed socio-economic contexts.
The world is becoming more “knowledgeable”, and I do hope that people at work will seize the opportunity to integrate, amongst others, the principles and guidelines related to innovation management at work.
At this point, I wish to thank colleagues from AFNOR and ISO TC 279 for guiding and assisting us as a global community in doing this work over the past 15 years!
The above reflections were adapted from a LinkedIn post by Professor Benjamin Anderson, Co-Founder and Executive Director of DaVinci Business School, on 10 April 2024.
ISO 56001: A Transformative Framework for Systematic Innovation Management
ISO 56001, the newly published certifiable standard for innovation management systems, represents the culmination of over 15 years of collaborative international efforts to establish a common framework for fostering innovation across diverse organisations.
This standard addresses the previously fragmented nature of innovation practices by providing a comprehensive, systems-based approach that integrates various elements such as creativity, strategy, leadership, and technology into a cohesive whole.
It offers a structured methodology for organisations to evaluate and enhance their innovation capabilities, bridging gaps and aligning efforts towards sustainable growth and performance. ISO 56001 is designed to be adaptable, supporting different types of innovations—from incremental to radical—and is relevant to both private and public sectors and small and medium-sized enterprises.
This standard sets the foundation for a shared language in the innovation management discipline.
It is a vital tool for organisations aiming to unlock their full innovation potential, paving the way for a more systematic and impactful approach to creating value and driving societal progress.
Pravin Gordhan was a true servant to our people. His unwavering commitment to South Africa’s democracy stands as a testament to his integrity and dedication. Throughout his distinguished career, he has exemplified selfless service, navigating the complexities of governance with a steadfast focus on the greater good.
His decade as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner (1999 – 2009) laid the foundation for a smart modern tax and customs administration. He was respected and charged with leadership roles, including Chair of the World Customs Organization, as a testament to his outstanding contribution to the international tax and customs stage. It was in his role as Commissioner that he gave measurable effect to the notion of SARS’s work as serving a higher purpose.
As a former Minister of Finance, Cooperative Governance and, more recently, Public Enterprises, Gordhan championed fiscal responsibility and transparency, ensuring that public resources were utilised to uplift the nation. His resilience in the face of adversity, particularly during challenging political times, has inspired countless South Africans to stand firm in their pursuit of justice and accountability. Gordhan’s tireless advocacy for economic reform and social equity has left an indelible mark on our society, fostering hope for a brighter future. His legacy is not just in the policies he implemented but in the values he instilled in others.
It was his fearless courage, unwavering commitment to justice, and a deep love for improving the lives of South Africans that singled him out as one of the most credible voices against state capture.
We embrace his family and wish them comfort during this terrible loss and bereavement. May you find peace in the knowledge that he lives an impactful life.
We honour Pravin Gordhan for his profound contributions and steadfast belief in a democratic South Africa for all.
Navigating the complexities of the global business landscape, it’s evident that employee development is becoming more of a priority than ever before. This trend provides an opportune moment for you to consider asking your company to sponsor your online studies. In an era where the competition for unique skills is intensifying and many organisations are using training and development as a lure to secure and retain top talent, the timing couldn’t be better for such an endeavour.
Interesting insights from Deloitte’s Human Capital Trends study reveal that 93% of companies are redefining work based on the skills that people need to performance. A degree is one of the most effective ways to build an integrated set of skills that will make you versatile in your job role. On a similar note, a survey from the Chief Learning Officer Business Intelligence Board shows that more than 64% of Chief Learning Officers (CLOs) foresee that upskilling and reskilling is more effective than hiring and that recently recruited employees depart at a rate of up to 29%. The opportunity for business is to find people with shared values and then to work on developing that talent to stay with the business.
The data suggests a potential trend of annual growth for learning and development budgets. This is particularly likely if the HR department is valued as an equal participant in boardroom discussions, contributing strategically towards the company’s goals. A notable challenge for companies is to establish clear objectives that exhibit the return on learning (ROL). Measuring ROL can be complex due to the gap that often exists between learning and its impact. As such, setting quarterly ROL metrics, for up to a year, is a useful way to evaluate changes in an individual’s productivity and growth.
If you’re setting out to persuade your company to fund your studies, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the Return on Learning (ROL) expectations and the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) you’ll need to meet. To get there, however, you first need to coax HR into sponsoring your development. So, how can you make a persuasive case? Here are eleven tips to get you into your degree of choice.
WIIFM (What’s in it for me)
Starting Your Workweek Off Right
The ‘me’ here refers to your company. The primary question any HR representative or line manager will likely ask is, “how will this training benefit the company?” It’s key to align the outcomes of your chosen course with both your personal KPA (key performance area) objectives and the company’s overarching objectives. Show them how your new skills could bridge existing skills gaps in the business and tackle key challenges. Don’t forget to reassure them that your studies will be grounded in the business, providing them with regular feedback after assessments.
Do Your Homework
Before you make your case, prepare a document or spreadsheet comparing your chosen course with others, highlighting the benefits. For instance, if you’re considering DaVinci Business School, mention its flexibility with multiple start dates a year, its likely affordability, the convenience of online study, and the absence of travel or office downtime. Moreover, the reputation of the institution and the immediate applicability of the skills learned can make a compelling argument.
Plan Ahead
Let your manager know of any potential conflicts between assignment deadlines and work deadlines. Show them you’re thinking ahead by suggesting solutions to handle your workload during these periods. 4. Network Participating in your course will expose you to a virtual classroom of likeminded individuals. This presents a golden opportunity to make business connections, discover new solutions, and collectively source ideas. Make it a point to update your manager about other participants and any potential value they could bring to your company.
Business Project
A sure-fire way to get the company interested is to identify a project that may be interesting for the company. That gives you three things that are vital to study success. The first is executive support for your career ambitions, the second is real learning to make you better at what you are doing and the third is access to data. The company is also more likely to invest in something that has a real return for them. DaVinci Business School specialises in supporting workplace-oriented projects and leveraging the learning from the workplace in the classroom. This creates a real time return for the company and a long-term strategic impact.
Share the Learning
Another way to pitch yourself is to commit to sharing the learning. Companies are constantly looking to create interaction and by committing to providing periodic feedback it also allows you to socialise yourself in the business while the company gains the benefit of bringing in innovation and new thinking. You can even prepare a presentation on what you are planning to learn from your degree and how you plan on sharing that with the company. That shows that you are thinking with the company and having foresight on the benefits that this could bring.
Why degrees?
The company may suggest that you do a short course or an in-house development programme. It is important to highlight that by engaging in a degree it sets a standard of professionalism in the company, attracts better talent over time and enhances the employer brand. It can also be claimed at Category A expenditure on Skills Development. Pursuing higher education acts as a catalyst for enhancing professional capabilities. According to multiple research studies, earning a degree not only equips individuals with specialised knowledge directly applicable to many job roles, but it also improves cognitive abilities like critical thinking and problem-solving, and nurtures essential soft skills like effective communication, teamwork, and time management. It also creates confidence that these skills are on an industry acceptable level. The skills learnt in a degree study are universally applicable and highly sought after in various job markets. However, the impact of a degree on job performance is strongly linked to its relevance to the role, the field of study, and the practical experience gained alongside academic pursuits. Leveraging these insights, it becomes clear that if you work with the company you can optimise the investment in an your higher education and that this can yield substantial dividends in the form of enhanced workplace performance and overall professional growth that extends beyond just the investment that they make in you.
Highlight Retention Benefits
Remember the often quoted saying from Harvard Business Review: “Companies won’t train workers because they might leave, and workers leave because they don’t get training.” By investing in your development, your employer may boost your inclination to stay. In exchange, you’ll likely have to agree not to leave the company for a specified period or pay back the cost of the course if you do.
Think Ahead
Most companies go through a budgeting cycle annually. If you can find out when this is and be ready with your study plans for the following year, you’ll be ahead of the game. The early bird catches the worm, as they say!
Personal Development Plan
When thinking about the skills you want to develop as your performance review approaches, let your manager and HR department know about your objectives. Often, they’ll have budgets set aside for development, and sometimes all it takes is reaching out. If you perform well, let yourself be identified as talent and push for development, you are setting up your career for success.
Explain the Bigger Picture In the dynamic South African business environment, skills development training is vitally important. Legislation like the Skills Development Act requires companies to spend on training. Programmes from institutions like DaVinci Business School can qualify as bursary expenditure, potentially impacting Skills Development, Employment Equity, and BBBEE ratings. Some employers might perceive this legislation as a burden, but in fact, it offers significant untapped potential for business growth. By tapping into these benefits, businesses can cultivate a skilled workforce, boost productivity, encourage continuous learning, and foster inclusivity.
With a pro-active strategy you can create the space where your learning becomes your company’s priority and accelerates your career while benefitting your employer.
The DaVinci Institute offers a range of online business and management degrees designed to equip employees with the skills needed to fill critical skill gaps within their companies. Browse our comprehensive range of courses at www.davinci.ac.za
The pursuit of higher education is not just an intellectual endeavour; it is also a significant financial commitment, especially for those who opt to self-fund their studies. Meticulous financial planning is essential to navigate this financial maze efficiently and effectively. This article provides practical steps to assist with creating a financial plan for self-funding your higher education.
The benefit of studying part time
From a financial perspective the benefit of studying part time is that you can earn while you learn. This is a massive advantage over people that study full time. Yes, it will require sacrifice and yes it will be both easier and harder than you think right now but you can do it on your own steam. Through DaVinci Business School you can structure your learning to fit in with your lifestyle and your approach.
Step 1: Establish Your Financial Goals and Objectives The first step in any financial plan involves the clear delineation of your financial goals and objectives. These should include immediate objectives, such as tuition fees, books, and living expenses, as well as long-term goals, like emergency savings or starting a retirement fund. Your financial goals should be SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Step 2: Understand Your Total Educational Expenses A critical step is to fully understand your total educational expenses. At other institutions, one should consider additional costs such as books, lab fees, and technology costs, and indirect costs like accommodation, transportation and personal expenses. However, with DaVinci Business School being completely remote, you will not need to travel to campus, live near campus, or purchase any additional textbooks. DaVinci Business School is unique in that its costs are quoted as a total cost and there is no additional requirements for books and other items. You will however need a laptop with a good internet connection.
Step 3: Assess Your Current Financial Status Firstly, you need to think about if you want to pay upfront or monthly. For upfront you are going to need a lump sum. If you have this as cash then that is great and if you do not have it as cash today then the question is how to get there. You may consider selling an asset or getting a loan. The first step is to list your assets and your liabilities and determine if you have a net positive net worth (assets – liabilities). If not, then you need to work on reducing your liabilities while saving towards assets. If you want to pay monthly, then you need to work out your total available monthly spend. This would be the difference between income and expenses. Consider that you will have to have a bit less discretionary spend if you study.
Step 4: Create a Budget Budgeting is a cornerstone of personal finance. Use your goals, educational expenses, and current financial status to develop a comprehensive budget. This budget should delineate your income and expenditure categories, track your spending, and ensure you have a surplus to contribute towards your financial goals. If your goal is to study, then you can put in place a clear understanding of how much you will need before you can start. You must also take into consideration that inflation increases the price of items annually. Education inflation can be quite high so budget for 5%-10% increase annually.
Step 5: Develop a Savings and Investment Plan A savings and investment plan is key to achieving your financial goals. This could involve setting up a dedicated savings account for your education or investing in low-risk investment products to grow your money over time. It’s important to consult with a financial advisor to understand the best savings or investment options based on your risk appetite and time horizon. Make sure to discuss your educational ambitions with them and get a couple of opinions from different people before signing up for anything.
Step 6: Consider additional Part-Time Work or Bursaries If your savings and current income are insufficient to cover your educational costs, consider part-time work or applying for scholarships. Many institutions offer workstudy programs, and there are numerous bursaries available for different demographics and fields of study. You can find out more about bursaries from VELA Trust (www.velatrust.org)
Step 7: Student Loans and a Debt Management plan The major source of funding for many people is a student loan. What is important to plan when you decide on a student loan is to also have a debt management plan in place. This involves understanding the terms of your loan, planning for repayment, and incorporating the repayment into your post-graduation budget.
Step 8: Remember Emergencies Life is unpredictable, and financial emergencies can occur. Therefore, ensure your financial plan incorporates an emergency fund. This fund should ideally cover 3-6 months of living expenses. Also – you may want to consider insurance if you are taking out a loan and something happens to you. It is usually relatively inexpensive but can make a big difference to you if you get it right.
Step 9: Review and Adjust Your Financial Plan Regularly Finally, remember that financial planning is a dynamic process. Regularly review and adjust your financial plan based on changes in your income, expenses, or financial goals. This will ensure that your plan remains relevant and effective.
What if I still cannot afford it? After all this work you may find that you still cannot afford to study. This does not mean that all is lost. Ask your Business Developer to send you our guide to Asking your Boss to fund your education. Also consider that it is important to start somewhere. You may not be able to start with a degree, but you could potentially
Start with a shorter course like a higher certificate and ask about the number of credits that can be converted to a degree.
Find out about flexible scheduling where you take fewer modules per year to have a smaller instalment.
Do some short courses that can assist you with increasing your earning potential so that you can upsize to a degree.
Constructing a comprehensive financial plan is an integral part of self-funding your higher education. By following these steps, you can mitigate financial stress and concentrate more effectively on your academic success. Even it seems too expensive remember that you are increasing your earning potential over time – and your DaVinci Business School business developer will assist you to find a solution. Remember, the journey towards higher education is not merely a financial endeavour but also an investment in your future. Manage it wisely.
There is a myriad of motivations why hundreds of thousands of people across the globe are choosing to complete their qualifications online/remotely. Here are five reasons why distance learning online is a smart life choice:
You can study anywhere, anytime
Really think about this for a second. This means the freedom to study wherever you please, as long as there’s decent connectivity. You could listen to a lecture while cycling in the south of France, working on a yacht in the Caribbean, or interning at a lodge somewhere in the heart of Africa’s bushveld. You could also just pop into a quirky coffee shop down the street from where you live. You decide.
You can learn while you earn
Many of us can’t afford to study unless we’re earning an income simultaneously. The convenience of online studying means that it can slot into your existing responsibilities. Your employer may also consider sponsoring your studies as part of your development plan.
You can cut some major costs
Distance learning lets you live at home, which could eliminate the extra expenses you’d normally pay for accommodation, meals, transport, and more. Additionally, DaVinci Business School does not have a compulsory textbook list, so you will not have any additional expenses for textbooks. Plus, the programme itself may be cheaper than traditional non-online alternatives.
You can access relevant content
Traditional tertiary institutions can find it a little tricky to keep up with the evolving demands of the work environment in Industry 4.0. Online comes with the benefit of agility. Course content can be rapidly revised to reflect current “real-world” case studies and the latest in global research. Plus, DaVinci Business School offers programmes aligned to industry needs, facilitated by industry experts, so you are assured that your programme will focus on knowledge and skills that are instantly applicable to meet the demand in the world right now – and in the future.
You can gain the soft skills you need to succeed
Creativity. Critical thinking. Empathy. Collaboration. These are all skills that’ll stand you in good stead in the world of tomorrow. And, they’re all skills you’ll learn through collaborative group work assignments as part of your online learning experience. Choosing distance learning means that you have the chance to interact with students from all over the world, which will also instil the ability to respectfully navigate cross-cultural differences. A critical capability in a time of globalisation. For more information on our accredited programmes, click here.
Avoiding the hassle of travelling to attend classes is one of the main reasons many working students prefer studying online. That’s what sets The DaVinci Institute apart from other business schools. We created an inspiring study space and equip yourself with the digital tools you need to succeed in your online studies.
While the basics – a well-lit area free from noise and a desk with all your essential stationery and books – are a given, there are loads of free tools* for your smartphone, tablet or computer that will give you the push to focus on your studies and maximise your productivity. Here are 10 of our favourites:
Study, iOS
This nifty app aims to help you focus, improve cognition and reduce fatigue – using sound! Play it through your headphones to block out ambient noise and conversations to boost your productivity while you study.
Tinycards, iOS, Google Play and desktop
If you’ve tried Duolingo to learn a language, you’ll enjoy Tinycards’ interface as it’s made by the same developers. The app is a set of flashcards that you can use to memorise anything – including your online subjects. Simply make your own decks and the app will adapt to your learning plan.
Evernote, iOS, Google Play and desktop
Most people use this app as a replacement for their notes app, but Evernote offers so much more. Add images, sound and colourful labels then organise your notes by tags or into different notebooks. It’s like carrying your study folders in your pocket!
Easy Study – Plan for school, iOS and Google Play
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and have no idea where to begin with your studies, this app is a good starting point. Enter all the subjects or courses you need to study for and how long you want to spend on each and the app will create a timetable for you, helping you to optimise your time.
Self-Control to Focus – Pro+, iOS
If you’re always getting distracted by social media, online games or even emails, Self-Control has you covered. It will block you from viewing certain apps for a set amount of time – and it’s pretty impossible to get back in once you’ve set it up!
Moodle, iOS, Google Play and desktop
This is a great tool to help you study and connect with your peers in a study group or class. DaVinci Business School uses this learner management system (LSM) so you’ll already have a login if you’re registered for one of our programmes and can access content on your mobile devices or desktop and share your own content with others.
Citationsy, iOS, Google Play and desktop
If you struggle to pull your bibliography together or simply want to speed up the process, this no-nonsense tool helps you organise your references and citations into different projects and export them into one of 8 500 citation styles.
Google Drive, iOS, Google Play and desktop
You may already have a Google Drive linked to your Gmail but are you using it to its full potential? As most of your online short course content is provided electronically, you can use Google Drive to save and store your documents, including your assignments, to ensure you don’t lose any work if your computer crashes. You can also set your Drive to work offline or collaborate with your classmates.
Dictionary.com, iOS and Google Play No matter what you’re studying, you can’t go wrong with a dictionary. And this is one you can keep in your pocket. Besides providing definitions for English words, it also allows you to find synonyms through its built-in thesaurus and you can learn new vocabulary with its Word of the Day feature.
Coffitivity, iOS and desktop This app works completely opposite to the Study app. If you find it difficult to concentrate in super-quiet areas, Coffitivity provides coffee-shop ambient noise to help you focus. If you prefer, you can also listen to your own music via the app. *Most of these tools also have paid versions that unlock additional cool features
In light of August being Women’s Month, we had the opportunity to chat with one of our Doctoral candidates, Tshego Gama. She shared some amazing highlights about her perspective as a woman.
Tell us about your Woman of Wonder Story.
In 1995 a little girl was born in a dusty township called Poortjie (South of Joburg). Poortjie is one of those small mining townships that no one knows about. This little girl was brilliant and had big dreams for a girl coming from Poortjie. She worked hard to reach every goal she desired. In 2024 while on maternity leave this young woman registered for her DBL. Many thought she was crazy, firstly she was a new mom, where would she get the time and money, she is a wife, and works hard to ensure a successful marriage. Everyone wondered but she proved herself to those who doubted her dreams. This woman is Tshegofatso Masego Gama and she is a DBL Candidate at the DaVinci Institute. I believe studying is the biggest investment I have made in myself and will surely secure the future, both for myself and for my family. From the ashes she rose.
What do you believe is your superpower?
Being thoughtful towards others
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be? The ability to see the future.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be?
Dr. Sara Bint Moneer, please give us a brief overview of your career to date
Originally hailing from London, I’ve been dividing my time between the UK and Cape Town since 2015. My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s (Hons) degree in Curating and Communications from Central St Martins, University of the Arts, followed by a master’s degree in the history of Art, Architecture, and Archaeology of the Islamic Near and Middle East from SOAS, London. Recently, I achieved a significant milestone by obtaining my Doctorate in Management of Technology and Innovation. My research centred on Integral approaches to art advocacy, visual literacy, and engagement within Cape Town’s Muslim communities.
One of my proudest accomplishments is my role as the founder of MASHŪRAH ARTS, where I lead collaborative endeavors aimed at nurturing and showcasing art practices with a distinctive emphasis on Muslim epistemologies.
Throughout my career, beyond my roles in curating and writing, I’ve had the privilege of making meaningful contributions to esteemed institutions such as Bonham’s, Edge of Arabia, The British Arab Centre, The Ismaili Institute, Art Africa magazine, Gallery MOMO, Jaffer Modern Gallery, and the Void Gallery in Northern Ireland.
My scholarly pursuits reflect a wide spectrum of interests, spanning from exploring the artistic and cultural exchanges between Muslim civilizations and the West to delving into diasporic communities, Near and Middle Eastern knowledge systems, and the captivating intersection of art and technology.
Please provide us with a blurb on the purpose of your research and its contribution
In my doctoral journey, I immersed myself in the intricate world of art within the Muslim context, with a focus on Cape Town, South Africa. As a curator, I posed a crucial question: How can Art Advocacy, Visual Literacy, and Engagement within Cape Town’s Muslim communities be elevated to amplify their presence in the local art scene? This inquiry was sparked by a realization in 2015, which unveiled the absence of Muslim voices in the city’s artistic narrative due to various challenges such as socio-economic barriers, political complexities, religious intolerance, and a limited understanding of Islam in the South African art sphere.
My study aimed to strengthen Art Advocacy, Visual Literacy, and Engagement among Cape Town’s Muslim population. I focused on three pivotal aspects: Art Advocacy to provide support for artists, particularly within the Muslim community; Visual Literacy to explore unique perspectives on art within Muslim culture; and Engagement to assess community involvement and contributions to the local art scene.
Guided by the Process of Holistic Development (PHD) within the Integral Research framework, my doctoral journey was characterized by collaboration and innovation, striving for tangible change through the MASHŪRAH process and the establishment of the MASHŪRAH Arts initiative. This approach, aligned with Mode 2 social research, aimed at promoting social innovation and addressing societal imbalances.
Drawing upon a range of research methodologies, including Hermeneutics, Phenomenology, Critical Theory, and Feminist Theories, my research journey culminated in the creation of MASHŪRAH Arts—an organization dedicated to advancing Advocacy, Visual Literacy, and Engagement within Muslim art communities. The inaugural exhibition ‘MASHŪRAH,’ held at Greatmore Studios in Cape Town, generated significant Social Return on Investment (SROI) for the community. It fostered a sense of belonging, raised awareness, facilitated storytelling, encouraged dialogue, spurred innovation, facilitated knowledge exchange, and promoted inclusivity within Muslim art communities, making a distinct and invaluable contribution to Cape Town’s cultural landscape.
What would you say your three greatest attributes or characteristics are as a person that aided you on your journey?
Reflecting on my journey, I would say resilience, self-critique, and optimism have been key attributes. Resilience has helped me bounce back from setbacks, while self-critique has driven personal growth. Optimism has kept me motivated even in tough times.
In a few words, describe your journey to completing your qualification.
My journey to completing my Doctorate was a transformative experience characterized by perseverance, dedication, and continuous learning. It was a challenging path filled with obstacles and setbacks, but each hurdle served as an opportunity for personal and academic growth. Through rigorous research, countless hours of study, and unwavering determination, I navigated through the complexities of academia, refining my skills, expanding my knowledge, and honing my expertise in my field of study.
How did your journey impact your way of thinking and (or) life?
My Doctorate journey has profoundly impacted my thinking and life. Academically, it broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding, fostering creativity and resilience. Personally, it instilled perseverance and adaptability, teaching me to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Moreover, it emphasized the importance of collaboration and community, shaping my approach to relationships and interactions. Overall, it has been transformative, guiding me with purpose and resilience in both academic and personal endeavours.
What is next for you on your path of remarkability?
I am currently engaged in independent projects aimed at expanding my practice, while also continuing the impactful work I initiated with MASHŪRAH ARTS.
Dr. Sara Bint Moneer, if you could give advice to a student embarking on this journey, what would it be?
Advice for doctoral students: Stay resilient and focused, seek support when needed, prioritize self-care, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Remain curious, open-minded, and passionate about your research journey.
