The Free State launch of our agri-entrepreneurship programme with tt100 has been featured on TimesLIVE. The article explores how this agri-entrepreneurship initiative is tackling skills shortages in agriculture, supporting black-owned and women-led enterprises, and linking young farmers to real market opportunities. Read the TimesLive article here
Turning Agri-Entrepreneurship into a Future-Ready Enterprise
This week marked an exciting milestone for The Da Vinci Institute and tt100, as we launched the Free State arm of our youth-focused agricultural entrepreneurship programme. In partnership with Bankseta and Glen Agricultural College, the initiative is designed to equip 15 emerging farmers with the tools to thrive in South Africa’s dynamic food production and manufacturing sectors.
Addressing a Critical Skills Gap
The programme goes beyond traditional training. It integrates education, business coaching and innovation management to develop agile, future-ready entrepreneurs. The emphasis is on technology, sustainability and linking participants with real market opportunities, research bodies and agri-entrepreneurship industry partners.
Championing Inclusive Growth
At its core, the initiative seeks to address one of the agricultural sector’s biggest challenges, the shortage of skilled individuals who can navigate the complexity of modern farming. Special focus is placed on supporting black-owned and women-led businesses, with an inclusive model that encourages collaboration, peer learning and social capital.
Scaling Impact Of Agri-Entrepreneurship Across Provinces
This is just the beginning. The programme will soon expand to Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and North West, creating an ecosystem of empowered agricultural leaders across the country in Agri-Entrepreneurship.
The DaVinci Institute is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with IRCA Global, a global provider of Operational Risk Management degree, specialising in Safety, Health, Environment, Quality, and Technical Risk Assessments. Our strategic partnership with IRCA Global brings this expertise to offer a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Operational Risk Management, providing sustainable educational development for professionals.
Operational Risk Management is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of employees at all levels within an organisation. Recognising this critical need, the DaVinci Institute has taken the initiative to contribute to this field.
Why Partnership With IRCA Global?
Through this partnership, students will gain access to an intense curriculum that covers theoretical knowledge and emphasises practical skills for navigating today’s complex risk landscapes.
Why our partnership with IRCA Global? It is a global provider of Operational Risk Management solutions, specialising in Safety, Health, Environment, Quality, and Technical Risk Assessments. With over 31 years of experience in the SHERQ industry and has a presence in numerous countries worldwide. They have successfully guided numerous organisations in mitigating operational risk exposures.
DaVinci’s Contribution To The Operational Risk Field
“Together, we aim to co-create with the next generation of professionals, preparing them to effectively assess risks and implement actionable strategies that enhance safety and resilience within organisations worldwide,” stated DaVinci’s Executive: Business Development, Dr Sam February.
The programme is intended to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of core business principles, financial management and modern market strategies in the operational risk management space.
Operational Risk Management Real World Challenges
Students will also benefit from DaVinci’s Mode 2 Knowledge Production, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive and resolve real-world challenges in the risky operations space.
DaVinci aims to blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing students for various roles within the risk operations space.
Strategic Partnership Vision
The Group CEO of IRCA Global, Justin Nash, said that this partnership is more than just one programme, but they envision co-creating more learning development experiences with DaVinci.
“While the focus is on the BCom in Operational Risk Management, this strategic partnership between IRCA Global and The DaVinci Institute is about much more than a single programme. We envision a long-term collaboration that will expand learning pathways, drive innovation in risk management education, and ultimately empower professionals to shape safer, more resilient organisations across Africa and beyond,” stated Group CEO Nash.
The DaVinci Institute will continue to partner with industries to contribute to the development of professionals to innovate and resolve real-world challenges. We are proud to continue to co-create leaders who build a sustainable society.
One of this week’s key highlights is the NYDA CEO appointment..The DaVinci Institute is proud to congratulate our esteemed Board Chair, Mr Ndumiso Kubheka, on his appointment as the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). This significant milestone is a testament to Mr Kubheka’s unwavering commitment to youth development and strategic leadership. His appointment not only marks a proud moment for the DaVinci community but also signals a promising future for the NYDA under his guidance.
A Leader with Proven Expertise
Mr Kubheka is a distinguished economist and business executive with extensive experience in macroeconomics, corporate governance, and strategic leadership. His previous role as CEO of KH Equity Partners, along with his service on multiple boards, has equipped him with the insight and capability needed to take the NYDA to new heights. The NYDA CEO appointment reflects his proven track record and the confidence placed in his leadership to drive meaningful impact for South Africa’s youth.
A Timely Appointment for National Impact
Ndumiso Kubheka
The NYDA CEO appointment comes at the time when South Africa is at a critical point, facing economic pressures that disproportionately affect its youth. High unemployment, inequality and structural barriers persist. The NYDA’s mandate is to help address these challenges, and Mr Kubheka’s appointment signals a renewed commitment to transformation and inclusive development.
Guiding the Integrated Youth Development Strategy
With support from the Office of the Presidency, the NYDA is tasked with leading the implementation of the Integrated Youth Development Strategy. Under Mr Kubheka’s leadership, we anticipate a stronger alignment of government efforts, improved collaboration and impactful results for young South Africans.
A Proud Moment for DaVinci
As Chair of the DaVinci Board, Mr Kubheka has exemplified visionary leadership, strategic thinking and a deep commitment to developing future-focused solutions. His appointment is a reflection of his dedication and the respect he commands within both the public and private sectors.
Looking Ahead – NYDA CEO appointment
On behalf of the DaVinci Board, CEO, Executive and Management Committee, Senate, Convocation and the broader DaVinci community, we extend our warmest congratulations. We look forward to supporting Mr Kubheka and the NYDA in their mission to uplift and empower South Africa’s youth.
The DaVinci Institute had a privilege to host SEMESP delegates from Brazil on 06 May 2025, representing higher education providers in Brazil, providing them with a unique opportunity to gain experience about the institute’s approach to entrepreneurship, innovation, and business leadership.
The delegates were impressed by DaVinci’s approach to entrepreneurship, business leadership, which focuses on practical application and industry partnerships.
The DaVinci Alumnus & DSV Representative, Paula Krause in her welcome remark, alluded that the institute is unique and different from others, and what sets DaVinci apart from other institutes is its emphasis on Technology, Innovation, People, and Systems Thinking (TIPS™) framework.
It is a unique approach to education and innovation with a focus on four key components, technology to drive innovation and understanding the role of technology in business society, Innovation to encourage creativity and innovation in problem-solving, people with a focus on human aspects of innovation and entrepreneurship and system thinking, understanding complex systems and interconnections, further analysing and solving challenges from a holistic perspective.
The DaVinci Institute Co-founder and CEO, Prof Ben Anderson shared the significance of the institute’s core principles which guide the institute, which include innovation and leadership, TIPS™ framework, mode 2 learning and more. He said this rounded approach to entrepreneurship and businesses enables students to develop a deep critical understanding of the complex relationships between technology, innovation, and people.
The unique approach of learning through Mode 2 enables students to engage in theoretical and practical frameworks to provide solutions to work based challenges.
Prof Ben emphasised that Da Vinci did not exist to accommodate everyone but to shape a few to co-create reality and transform societies. He further said if it were his choice, he would not want to accredit qualification because this corners people to think in a linear way.
The institute’s approach goes beyond traditional learning through textbooks but, to interpret the principles that drive innovation to resolve work-based challenges.
The SEMESP delegates learned about DaVinci’s collaborative approach with companies, which provides students with real-world experience and exposure to industry challenges.
The TIPS™ Framework
Executive Dean & Head of Faculty, Dr Gavin Isaacs unpacked the TIPS™ framework as a key component of DaVinci’s approach, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneurial and business ecosystem. By integrating technology, innovation, people, and systems thinking, DaVinci students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s fast evolving business environment.
The SEMESP delegates were impressed by DaVinci’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, and the institute’s ability to foster a community of entrepreneurs and innovators. However, they questioned the framework approach sustainability for a business model, as DaVinci we see this as three pronged ROI which has benefited students and industry partners.
DaVinci’s Unique Approach
Ingrid Du Buisson – CEO of ICFF
Industry reflections, the CEO of the ICFF, Ingrid du Buisson, attested on DaVinci’s unique approach to business leadership education, combined with its TIPS framework and mode 2 learning approach, makes it an attractive option for students and industry partners alike. At the time she wanted to study masters, there was no institution to offer what she wanted as an individual. DaVinci Institute was her destination of choice to pursue masters, because of the mode 2 learning approach.
DaVinci is promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in South Africa and abroad by emphasising real-world application and industry collaborations.
Mode 2 Learning
The institute will stick to its business and learning model because it sets us apart from competitors and attracts students and industry partners who respect this strategy. We are able to stay ahead of the curve and quickly address new business challenges because of our dedication to innovation and technology.
Our ability to continue providing top-notch programmes and services that cater to the specific needs of our students and industry partners is essential to our long-term viability.
As the institute we remain committed to delivering high quality programmes that bring a real change in our society
As South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day, we at The DaVinci Institute and our non-profit organisation, tt100, reaffirm our commitment to education as a fundamental human right. In a country where financial barriers and limited university spaces restrict access to higher learning, initiatives that bridge the gap between education and employment are more critical than ever.
Bringing Education to Underserved Communities
In recent weeks, The DaVinci Institute actively engaged with students, parents, and educators across the Free State, participating in dynamic career expos in Sasolburg and Welkom. These events, hosted in collaboration with tt100 and the Free State government, provided crucial insights into higher education opportunities and the pathways available for young South Africans to secure a brighter future.
Our engagement in Sasolburg was met with an overwhelming level of interest, as enthusiastic youth explored the diverse programmes we offer. A similar sentiment was echoed at the Free State Career Development Services Expo in Welkom, where the Kopano Sports Centre buzzed with energy as post-matriculants, unemployed youth, and their families sought guidance on how to access higher education.
Addressing Unemployment and Financial Barriers to Higher Education
With youth unemployment remaining alarmingly high, currently standing at over 45% according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the urgency to provide young people with practical education and employable skills has never been greater. Recognising this challenge, The DaVinci Institute and tt100 recently secured bursaries for five unemployed youth, ensuring they have access to transformative education at The DaVinci Institute.
Each bursary is made possible through funding from the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA). This initiative is a direct response to the financial constraints that often prevent talented young people in underserved communities from pursuing higher education.
Education: A Fundamental Human Right for All
Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts that “everyone has the right to education.” Yet, financial hardships continue to be a major obstacle in South Africa. Many young people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, struggle to access higher learning institutions due to tuition costs and limited university spaces.
“Recognising that education is not a privilege but a fundamental human right, this initiative will award five full bursaries to deserving students, breaking financial barriers and fostering a future of innovation, leadership, and social impact,” said Tebogo Thabethe, Project Manager at tt100.
Equipping Students for the Future with TIPS™ and Mode 2 Learning
At the core of The DaVinci Institute’s educational philosophy is the TIPS™ (Technology, Innovation, People, and Systems) managerial leadership framework, which shapes our approach to developing leaders. Through this framework, we ensure that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop the ability to apply it in real-world contexts. Our Mode 2 learning approach, a transdisciplinary, problem-solving framework, further enhances this by fostering critical thinking, innovation, and collaboration. This ensures that our graduates are not just academically equipped but also workplace-ready, capable of driving meaningful change in their industries.
“We are not just giving students an education; we are giving them a chance to transform their futures. This partnership ensures that young people have access to a learning approach that is relevant and practical, empowering them to become innovative thinkers and problem-solvers,” Thabethe added.
A Call to Action: Education as a Collective Responsibility
As South Africa reflects on the significance of Human Rights Day, The DaVinci Institute and tt100 urge businesses, industry leaders, and policymakers to invest in similar initiatives that expand access to education for underprivileged youth.
“As we observe Human Rights month, we urge corporate partners and stakeholders to join us in this movement. Education is not just an act of generosity: it is a societal obligation. By investing in the education of our youth, we are actively shaping the future of South Africa,” said Ofentse Rapakgadi, Executive: Marketing, Branding, and Communication at The DaVinci Institute.
In an exciting development, The DaVinci Institute’s is poised to strengthen its role as a trusted partner to industry under the esteemed leadership of its co-founder Professor Benjamin Anderson and President, Professor Edward Kieswetter. This dynamic duo, known for their extensive academic and industry experience, will continue to direct the institution into new horizons, with a focus on moving the brand into amongst other, niche, specialised markets.
Introducing Prof. Ben and Prof. Edward
Prof. Benjamin Anderson brings a wealth of experience in strategic management and innovation. With a background that spans academic excellence and practical industry knowledge, Prof. Ben has held numerous leadership roles that underscore his capability to drive transformational engagements. His impressive career highlights his expertise in leading teams, developing strategic initiatives, co-creating new realities and fostering an environment of continuous improvement. As a thought leader in business strategy, Prof. Ben’s vision for DaVinci Business School includes a strong emphasis on cultivating strategic thinkers who can cooperatively, navigate the complexities of modern business landscapes.
Prof. Edward Kieswetter, on the other hand, is renowned for his contributions to the fields of finance and entrepreneurship. His career journey showcases his extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, where he has played pivotal roles in financial management and organisational leadership. Prof. Edward’s expertise in entrepreneurial activities and his ability to inspire innovation, serves as a critical backdrop for the Institute to inspire students and academics alike, to serve the needs of both public and private sector organisations in their quest for sustainable performance.
Strategic Vision: Niche and Specialised Markets
Under the guidance of Professors Ben and Edward, DaVinci Business School is set to continue differentiating itself by targeting both prospective individual business leaders and niche business markets. This strategic move aims to position the institution as a leader in providing tailored education (including executive education solutions) that meets the specific needs of individuals and industry alike.
In an era where businesses are increasingly seeking specialised skills and knowledge, DaVinci Business School’s focus on niche markets is both timely and visionary. Our programmes are designed in close cooperation with industry experts, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and aligned with current market needs.
Innovative Curriculum and Experiential Learning
One of the cornerstones of da Vinci since its inception in 2004, is to maintain the development of innovative curricula that reflects the latest trends and demands of organisations within both the public and private sector. DaVinci Business School have been offering specialised educational tracks that provide students with in-depth knowledge and professional skills in their chosen fields of work. Our programmes undergo continuous reviews in an attempt to incorporate new developments and insights from the world of work, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges.
In addition to cutting-edge curricula, the school also places a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Students will have the opportunity to engage in real-world projects, involving industry partnerships that provide hands-on experience and valuable insights into their chosen industries. This applied approach intends to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice, producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also job ready.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the Institute continuous her co-creation journey under the leadership of Professors Ben and Edward, the future looks incredibly promising. The focus on niche markets and specialised programmes within a global context will continue to be top of mind in an attempt to solidify its position as a leader in business education.
The school community, including students, faculty, convocation members, alumni, and industry partners, have always been critical social actors in realising the purpose and dream of Da Vinci and this will be strengthened going forward. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, excellence, and specialised expertise, DaVinci Business School is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern business world and prepare the next generation of managerial leaders for sustainable success.
Call For Papers – Inaugural Societal Regenerative Research Conference
Theme – Societal Regeneration and Wellbeing
This calls for papers for the upcoming INAUGURAL SOCIETAL REGENERATIVE RESEARCH CONFERENCE with the theme “Societal Regeneration and Societal Wellbeing.” The purpose is to promote Integral Healing, out of Africa worldwide.
As Mother Earth and its inhabitants are hurting from socio-economic
mal-functioning, this Societal Regenerative Conference, and its outcome after that is the meeting of hearts and minds to showcase and co-create social innovations aimed at bringing integral healing to enterprises, communities, and the world at large, with a particular focus on the global South.
Abstract Submission Deadline: 12 August 2024
Dates: 21-22 October 2024
Location: Eduvos Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa
