Category: Announcements

North West Close-Out Marks Success For Structured Incubated Entrepreneurship Development Programme
As part of the tt 100 Business Innovation Awards, the Structured Incubated Entrepreneurship Development Programme for Food Producers and Food Manufacturers has reached its close-out phase in the North West province, marking a meaningful milestone in strengthening youth-led agribusiness across Tswaing Local Municipality and Ratlou Local Municipality.
More than a programme conclusion, the close-out represents a shift in how emerging food producers understand and operate their businesses, moving from project activity to structured enterprise thinking.
A Programme Designed For Real Business Growth
Across South Africa’s agricultural sector, many emerging farmers face a familiar challenge. Progress is often limited not by effort or technical ability, but by gaps in strategic thinking, business literacy and confidence. Entrepreneurs frequently begin with strongly underfunded agreements, yet struggle to sustain operations beyond the first year.
This programme was intentionally designed to close that gap.
Through a structured, execution-focused approach, participants developed stronger strategic thinking, clearer business positioning, improved financial and operational discipline, and deeper systems awareness across agricultural value chains. Rather than relying on theory alone, the programme encouraged entrepreneurs to run their ventures such as real businesses, building structure, decision-making capability and long-term sustainability.
Evidence Of A Mindset Shift
During the North West close-out engagement, participants presented their agribusinesses with noticeably stronger clarity, structure and confidence. Product showcases and business presentations reflected measurable progress in how entrepreneurs position, communicate and manage their enterprises.
Participant reflections highlighted this transformation.
“I see things differently now. Engaging with other students and teachers made me realise that we learn every day. Some things I have been doing are wrong compared to what others do in their business,” said Puseletso Joyce Lipali, working across crop production, livestock and poultry.
For many participants, the shift was not only technical, but it was also cognitive.
“The programme has been a total mindset shift for me. I am more strategic, confident, and aware of my strengths. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I am seeing the results in my business and personal life,” said Teboho Mofolo, an emerging crop and livestock farmer.
The close-out demonstrated that structured entrepreneurship development can change how entrepreneurs think, not just what they know.
Partnership-Driven Delivery
The programme’s impact was strengthened through coordinated collaboration between municipal, provincial, academic and community stakeholders. Key partners included student business coach JP Le Roux, the North West Department of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA), North-West University (Animal Science), the North West Department of Health (Ratlou Sub-District), and Khunwana Community Library.
The engagement took place at Setlagole Farm Guest House, reinforcing the programme’s community-embedded and practical learning approach.
From Learning To Market Visibility
Running since March, the programme concludes in February with a Food Festival and Graduation, a market-facing milestone connecting entrepreneurs to buyers, development partners and support networks.
This final phase converts learning into visible business evidence. It shows enterprises that are trading more consistently, refining their pricing strategies, strengthening their market positioning, and building customer relationships. The close-out, therefore, signals a clear transition from training to execution.
Strengthening Rural Economies Through Structured Entrepreneurship
The Structured Incubated Entrepreneurship Development Programme contributes to broader rural development priorities by supporting businesses capable of consistent participation in local and regional food systems.
It strengthens youth entrepreneurship pathways, stimulates local economic activity, supports sustainable agribusiness development and contributes to community food security. The North West close-out ultimately demonstrates what becomes possible when entrepreneurship development is structured, collaborative, and execution focused.
It reflects a growing recognition that rural enterprise ecosystems are strengthened not only through funding or skills training, but through disciplined business thinking, enabling emerging food producers to build enterprises that endure, grow and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
February 24, 2026
Academic Opening 2026: Co-Creating For The Greater Good At The DaVinci Institute
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.
February 24, 2026
Research Report 2025: Advancing Transdisciplinary Scholarship For Real-World Impact
The DaVinci Institute is pleased to announce the release of its Research Report 2025, a comprehensive reflection of the Institute’s scholarly output, intellectual direction, and continued commitment to research that creates meaningful impact across organisations, industries, and society.
The report presents a rich body of postgraduate research conducted across doctoral, master’s, postgraduate diploma, and undergraduate levels. It highlights how research at DaVinci is intentionally positioned as applied, transdisciplinary, and work-based, designed not only to contribute to academic knowledge but to resolve real challenges faced by professionals, organisations, and broader ecosystems.
A Comprehensive Overview of DaVinci’s Applied, Work-Based, and Transdisciplinary Research
Central to the Research Report 2025 is the Institute’s research philosophy: enabling leaders and managers to develop advanced research capability while producing innovative, practical, and contextually relevant solutions. Across programmes, students explore complex issues such as digital transformation, employability, entrepreneurship, knowledge management, infrastructure delivery, cybersecurity, township economic development, sector skills planning, and leadership development. These research contributions demonstrate the growing importance of scholarship that bridges theory and practice in an increasingly uncertain and rapidly evolving world.
Doctoral Research: Advancing Frameworks, Models, and Methodologies
The report documents significant doctoral research that advances new frameworks, models, and methodologies addressing systemic challenges. From innovation management measurement and integrated business analytics frameworks for infrastructure projects to employability design, entrepreneurial behaviour in resource-constrained environments, and knowledge management in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the doctoral portfolio illustrates the Institute’s focus on research that generates original contributions with practical value.
Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma, and Undergraduate Research in Action
Master’s research further expands this impact by examining workplace productivity, digital fraud investigation, service quality, organisational adaptation, learning transfer, and performance management. At the postgraduate diploma level, work-based research projects provide direct organisational insight, tackling challenges ranging from digital transformation and customer experience to project delivery, leadership practice, skills gaps, and emerging technology integration. Undergraduate research continues this trajectory by addressing real workplace challenges, reinforcing the Institute’s long-standing commitment to applied learning.
Strengthening the Research Ecosystem
Beyond individual studies, the Research Report 2025 reflects the strength of the Institute’s research ecosystem. The report highlights publications in accredited journals, scholarly book contributions, peer-reviewed activities, and structured research development workshops supporting master’s and doctoral candidates. These initiatives ensure academic rigour while strengthening student progression, research quality, and scholarly engagement.
Institutional Growth and Strategic Partnerships
The year also marked important institutional developments. Enhancements within the Research Office strengthened research processes, supported improved student experience, and contributed to successful graduation outcomes across programmes. The Institute also continued its engagement with key academic and professional networks, including the South African Business Schools Association, the African Association of Business Schools, and the South African Private Higher Education Association, reinforcing its commitment to advancing scholarly dialogue across South Africa and the continent.
The Research Report 2025 ultimately stands as more than an annual record of outputs. It represents a collective intellectual journey involving students, supervisors, alumni, industry partners, and academic leadership. It captures the evolving role of research in enabling professionals to rethink assumptions, challenge existing paradigms, and co-create new possibilities in contexts defined by disruption and transformation.
Through this report, The DaVinci Institute reaffirms its commitment to research that is relevant, rigorous, and impactful, research that strengthens leadership, advances innovation, and contributes to the greater good.
February 23, 2026
The DaVinci Institute Expands Its Accredited Occupational Qualifications Portfolio
In response to growing demand for workplace-ready professionals in a transforming economy, The DaVinci Institute has expanded its accredited portfolio with five nationally recognised Occupational and Higher Occupational Certificates. These qualifications, registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and listed with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), strengthen DaVinci’s commitment to delivering industry-relevant, practice-based learning that advances professional capability and organisational performance.
Occupational Certificate: Project Manager
SAQA ID: 101869
This qualification prepares professionals to plan, execute, monitor and close projects effectively within diverse organisational environments. The programme develops competence in project integration, scope, time, cost, quality, risk and stakeholder management. Graduates will be equipped to lead projects across sectors, ensuring delivery within defined constraints while aligning outcomes to strategic objectives.
Occupational Certificate: Small Business Consultant
SAQA ID: 118741
Designed for professionals supporting entrepreneurship and enterprise development, this qualification develops expertise in advising, mentoring and guiding small businesses toward sustainability and growth. The programme strengthens capacity in business diagnostics, financial management, compliance, strategy and operational improvement, contributing meaningfully to South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Occupational Certificate: Retail Chain Store Manager
SAQA ID: 103150
This qualification develops managerial capability within the retail sector, focusing on operational excellence, financial performance, customer experience, merchandising and team leadership. Graduates will be prepared to manage retail chain stores effectively in competitive and technology-driven environments.
Higher Occupational Certificate: Human Resource Management Administrator
SAQA ID: 121150
This Higher Occupational Certificate equips learners with specialised knowledge and practical skills in HR administration, labour legislation, payroll processes, talent support and organisational compliance. The programme prepares HR professionals to function as competent administrators within complex organisational systems.
Occupational Certificate: Training and Development Practitioner
SAQA ID: 101321
This qualification develops professionals who design, facilitate and evaluate learning interventions within organisations. It emphasises workplace learning, skills development legislation, instructional design and assessment practice. Graduates will be positioned to contribute meaningfully to organisational capability development and national skills advancement.
Strengthening Professional Practice in a Transforming Economy
The inclusion of these qualifications reflects The DaVinci Institute’s strategic commitment to:
- Advancing occupational excellence
- Bridging theory and practice
- Supporting economic development and organisational sustainability
- Enhancing employability and professional credibility
These programmes are structured to combine theoretical insight, applied learning and workplace-based experience, ensuring graduates are workplace-ready and future-fit.
Prospective students, corporate partners and industry stakeholders are invited to engage with The DaVinci Institute to explore enrolment pathways, corporate partnerships and customised delivery options
February 12, 2026

Faculty Leadership Update And Appointments

Dear DaVinci Community,

We would like to share an update on recent changes and appointments within the faculty leadership at The DaVinci Institute. These changes reflect our ongoing commitment to academic continuity, strong leadership, and the purposeful growth of our learning ecosystem.

At the end of December 2025, Prof Lucky Mathebula stepped down from his dual role as Head of Faculty: People Management and Head of Programme for the Higher Certificate in Management of Technology and Innovation, Advanced Certificate in Business Innovation Management, and Advanced Diploma in Innovation Management Practices. Prof Mathebula will continue his association with DaVinci through his organisation, Thinc Foundation, maintaining a valued relationship grounded in shared purpose and ongoing collaboration.

During the same period, Prof Ben Anderson stepped down from his role as Head of Faculty: Technology Management, while continuing in his role as Head of Programme for the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Leadership, Master of Management in Technology and Innovation and Master of Business Leadership. Following these changes, the Institute undertook a careful review of faculty leadership to ensure alignment with our strategic priorities and to strengthen leadership capacity across our academic environment.

We are pleased to announce the following appointments:

Dr Mamohau Sekgaphane has been appointed Head of Faculty: People Management, while continuing in her role as Head of Programme: Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management. Dr Sekgaphane will lead the People Management faculty from January 2026 with a focus on academic coherence, reflective leadership, and meaningful impact.

Dr Sam February has been appointed Head of Faculty: Technology and Innovation Management, in addition to his role as Head of Programme for our Higher Certificate in Management of Technology and Innovation, Advanced Certificate in Business Innovation Management, and Advanced Diploma in Innovation Management Practices.

Dr Gavin Isaacs remains Head of Faculty: Systems and Research, alongside his role as Head of Programme for our Doctor of Business Leadership and Doctor of Management in Technology and Innovation, continuing to guide DaVinci’s research depth, systemic inquiry, and scholarly integrity.

These appointments reaffirm DaVinci’s commitment to thoughtful academic leadership, continuity, and the ongoing development of our faculties and programmes in service of our broader purpose.

We thank our community for its continued engagement, trust, and contribution as we move forward together.

Warm regards,
The DaVinci Institute

Heads of Faculty

Dr Sam February, Head of Faculty: Technology and Innovation Management

Dr Mamohau Sekgaphane, Head of Faculty: People Management
Dr Gavin Isaacs, Head of Faculty: Systems and Research

Heads of Programme and Programmes

Head of Programme	Programmes/ Qualifications
Dr Sam February	Higher Certificate in Management of Technology and Innovation (NQF 5)Advanced Certificate in Business Innovation Management (NQF 6)Advanced Diploma in Innovation Management Practices (NQF 7).
Dr Mamohau Sekgaphane	Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management (NQF 7)
Prof Ben Anderson	Postgraduate Diploma in Business Leadership (NQF 8)Master of Management in Technology and Innovation (NQF 9)Master of Business Leadership (NQF 9)
Dr Gavin Isaacs	Doctor of Business Leadership (NQF 10)Doctor of Management in Technology and Innovation (NQF 10)

January 22, 2026

Announcement Of New DaVinci Qualifications For 2026 Enrolment
We are excited to introduce the DaVinci new qualifications as a reflection of our belief that learning is about more than what you know. They are built to support individuals in developing the mindset and capability to engage with complexity and create meaningful change.
Introducing New DaVinci Qualifications
It is in this spirit that The DaVinci Institute is proud to announce the launch of two new qualifications available for enrolment from 2026:
- Advanced Certificate (AC) in Business Innovation Management
- Advanced Diploma (AD) in Innovation Management Practices
Designed for Emerging Leaders and Innovators
These DaVinci new qualifications are designed for emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who seek to navigate and shape the evolving landscapes of business and society. They offer a distinctive journey that integrates theory with practice, reflection with action, and individual purpose with organisational value creation.
A Human-Centric Approach to Innovation and Systems Thinking
Rooted in the institute’s human-centric approach to innovation, both programmes explore how systems thinking, strategic foresight, and design-driven innovation can open new possibilities. Students will engage deeply with contemporary models of organisational agility, ethical leadership, and creativity, aligned with the principles of the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR), where technology and humanity converge to create a meaningful impact.
An Invitation to Join a Community of Change Agents
The DaVinci Institute’s headquarters building.
Whether you are advancing your career, building your enterprise, or reimagining your contribution to the future economy, these qualifications invite you to become part of a dynamic community of thinkers, creators, and change agents.
Shaping Sustainable Futures Through Curiosity and Collaboration
The institute invites you to shape sustainable futures, not through compliance, but through curiosity, collaboration, and innovation.
More details to follow on these DaVinci qualifications. The DaVinci Institute, co-creating sustainable futures through innovation.
January 15, 2026
Congratulations To The Matric Class Of 2025
The DaVinci Institute wishes to congratulate the Class of 2025 on the release of their National Senior Certificate (NSC) results and commends every learner for this achievement. Completing matric is not only a personal achievement; it represents resilience, discipline and hope for South Africa’s future.
We acknowledge the parents, teachers, school leaders and communities whose commitment has supported these learners through an increasingly complex educational and social environment.
A Systemic Capacity Challenge in Higher Education
However, as we celebrate this moment, we must also confront a persistent structural challenge in South Africa’s higher education system: the growing mismatch between the number of qualified school leavers and the limited capacity of public higher education institutions. Each year, hundreds of thousands of capable young people meet the academic requirements for further study. Still, many are unable to secure places at universities and TVET colleges due to space, funding and infrastructure constraints.
This is not a failure of learners; it is a systemic capacity challenge.
A Shared National Responsibility
If South Africa is to realise its developmental ambitions, we must view post-school education as a shared national responsibility, requiring coordinated contribution from public institutions, private providers and industry.
Institutions such as The DaVinci Institute play a complementary and important role in this ecosystem.
The Role of The DaVinci Institute
As a private higher education institution focused on innovation, leadership, and applied knowledge, DaVinci can:
· Expand access to quality, accredited higher education through flexible learning models.
· Provide alternative entry pathways for students who may not follow traditional academic routes.
· Offer programmes that are closely aligned to industry needs, entrepreneurship, and societal challenges.
· Support lifelong learning and upskilling for young people and working professionals alike.
Private institutions do not replace the public system; they relieve pressure on it, extend its reach, and diversify the forms of learning available to South Africans.
A Message to Learners Still Seeking Placement
To the learners who did not secure a place at a public institution this year: your future has not been closed, it has simply taken a different route. There are credible, quality, and empowering pathways available and what matters most is not where you start, but how you grow, learn, and contribute.
Our Ongoing Commitment
The DaVinci Institute remains committed to being part of a higher education system that is inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of our society and economy. We congratulate the Class of 2026 once again and look forward to walking alongside those who choose to continue their learning journey with us. Matriculants who meet the minimum requirements are invited to enrol for either aHigher Certificate in Management of Technology and Innovation or a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management. To request more information, please complete this enquiry form.
January 13, 2026
Meet DaVinci Alumnus And New Convocation Executive Member – Bram Meyerson
The DaVinci Institute Alumnus and new Convocation Executive Member, Bram Meyerson’s professional career began in the late 1980s, when information technology was rapidly evolving. After studying Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at the University of the Witwatersrand, he began his career in 1987 at a consulting firm that operated at the interface between business and technology.
Unlike traditional firms, the consultancy focused on IT strategy and systems design, helping organisations translate strategic intent into effective technology solutions. By 1992, Meyerson had gained enough confidence to start his own company, Quantimetrics, which brought a unique methodology to South Africa, quantitative measurement for software development projects, similar to quantity surveying in construction.
Through this approach, he was able to measure software project size and complexity, benchmark software-delivery efficiency across companies, and help clients estimate costs and performance outcomes. Over time, his work expanded to include operational benchmarking across banks, asset managers, and insurance companies, enabling organisations to compare performance anonymously and identify efficiency gaps.
Measurement and Systems Thinking
Meyerson’s interest in benchmarking evolved into a deeper curiosity about systems thinking, the understanding of cause-and-effect relationships within organisations. This curiosity led him to pursue a master’s degree at The DaVinci Institute, where his dissertation focused on “The Role and Relevance of Benchmarking in Information-Intensive Organisations.”
“The key takeaway from my time at DaVinci was learning to think systemically. After completing a benchmarking study, I could facilitate a workshop and use systems thinking to show clients how different levers influence outcomes of operational strategies, what causes these outcomes, and where to intervene,” he recalls.
This systems-based approach now underpins much of his work in IT management, cost evaluation, forensic analysis, and risk management, all disciplines that rely on quantifiable data and systemic insight. Meyerson’s mantra now is to help his clients ensure that they get “value” from their technology investments.
Governance, Risk, and Automation
Over the years, Meyerson’s professional interests have expanded to include corporate governance and risk management. He is a member of the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA). His governance expertise includes serving as the independent Chairperson of the ITC Steering Committee within a government entity that forms part of the DTIC Group, the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition.
More recently, he has ventured into automation, leading a Pan-African distributorship for an Australian software company that automates complex finance processes. Unlike traditional Robotic Process Automation (RPA), which replaces low-skill manual tasks, this platform automates high-value processes managed by skilled professionals, reducing turnaround times from days to minutes while retaining human oversight.
However, Meyerson is quick to emphasise a balanced approach to technology adoption.
“We must be careful not to use technology to replace people. Automation should free people from repetitive work so they can focus on analysis, decision-making, and value creation,” he cautions.
Technology and the Informal Economy
Reflecting on South Africa’s socio-economic challenges, Meyerson acknowledges the limitations of current manual systems and the need for technology-driven insights. Yet, he warns against viewing automation solely as a tool for efficiency.
“The challenge is not whether the technology exists, but how we use it responsibly. The solution lies in designing what he describes as “the capable enterprise”, which includes repurposing people into new roles.
For Meyerson, ethical technology management, a theme aligned with the new King V governance principles, must go hand-in-hand with people development. Without clear communication and proper change management, he warns, employees can feel threatened and even resist digital transformation.
Balancing Industrialisation and the Creative Economy
When asked about the tension between industrialisation and the creative economy, Meyerson points to the importance of attitude and education. He contrasts the digital appetite, based on his experience in automation adoption in Kenya, which he believes has an emerging innovation-driven mobile-first attitude. In South Africa, the supply of digital skills from formal education is not keeping pace with demand.
“Governments need to provide educational pathways that match the skills required by the economy,” he alludes.
Reimagining DaVinci’s Role and the Future of Learning
As a newly appointed member of The DaVinci Institute’s Convocation Executive Committee, Meyerson is eager to contribute to strengthening the bridge between academia and industry. He praises the applied learning philosophy of DaVinci but believes the institute can go further in aligning student research with real-world industry challenges.
He also sees opportunities to refresh the research methodology component, making it more engaging and practically oriented, and to embed governance and sustainability themes more deeply into the TIPS™ Framework.
From Mode 1 to Mode 2 and Beyond
Having studied in a Mode 1 (traditional) environment before experiencing Mode 2 (applied, transdisciplinary) learning at DaVinci, Meyerson appreciates the stark contrast and the need for both.He believes that schools and universities should promote STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics curriculum and that students should also have broader exposure to disciplines like psychology, economics, and politics, subjects that help students understand how the “world works,” he reflects. Many of South Africa’s skill challenges result from an overreliance on Mode 1 education, which prioritises theory over application. He advocates for a broader, more holistic approach to learning, one that equips graduates to think critically, adapt to change, and navigate complex systems.
Closing Remarks
Bram Meyerson’s journey has pivoted from the foundations of technology management to a future defined by systems thinking, ethical leadership, and responsible innovation. Bram views technology as a transformative enabler that empowers people, unlocks human potential, and propels organisations toward purposeful, sustainable growth
November 11, 2025
DaVinci Institute Faculty Member, Sinaye Mgolombane, Appointed To The GAPPS Board Of Directors
The DaVinci Institute proudly congratulates Sinaye Mgolombane, one of our faculty members, on his appointment to the GAPPS Board of Directors, effective 1 July 2025. This significant milestone reflects his exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing the project management profession, both in South Africa and on the global stage.
Recognising an Accomplished Leader
Mgolombane is a distinguished Project Management Professional, Business Executive, Digital Transformation Champion, and Environmentalist based in Johannesburg. With over two decades of experience across sectors including transport, financial services, construction, defence and petrochemicals, he has successfully led complex and large-scale strategic programmes that have shaped industries and driven meaningful impact. Beyond his role at The DaVinci Institute, he serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for PMSA, where he continues to champion excellence and innovation in the field.
Championing Project Management in Africa
A passionate advocate for project management in Africa, Mgolombane has authored widely read articles such as “The Impact of AI in Infrastructure Development” and “Strategic Project Governance in a Non-Projectized Environment: A South African Perspective”, published in the PM World Journal. He has also delivered thought-provoking talks on topics such as strategy implementation through projects, inspiring professionals across the continent.
About GAPPS and Its Global Role
The Global Alliance for the Project Professions (GAPPS) is a nonprofit organisation that provides independent benchmarks for project management standards and assessments. Since 2003, it has brought together government, industry, professional associations, qualification bodies and academic institutions to build a shared global framework for project management. PMSA is one of GAPPS’s founding members, and this appointment further strengthens the connection between African leadership and the global project management community.
Advancing Global Recognition: Sinaye Mgolombane
Through this directorship, Mgolombane will help advance the international recognition of PMSA designations and contribute to shaping global standards for the profession.
“I am honoured to join the GAPPS Board of Directors and look forward to contributing to its continued success. I am particularly drawn to the organisation’s commitment to thought leadership in project, programme and portfolio management, and I am eager to work alongside the talented team to achieve its objectives,” he shared.
The DaVinci Institute celebrates this remarkable achievement and extends heartfelt congratulations to Sinaye Mgolombane. His appointment is a source of pride for our academic community and a reflection of the calibre of leaders who form part of The DaVinci Institute.
October 23, 2025
DaVinci Institute Partners With Thinc Foundation To Advance Transformative Education
The DaVinci Institute has partnered with the Thinc Foundation, marking a significant step forward in advancing transformative, future-focused education in South Africa and beyond.
A Strategic Partnership for Future-Focused Learning
This collaboration brings together the innovation-driven ethos of the DaVinci Institute and the developmental vision of the Thinc Foundation to co-create, facilitate, and promote accredited education programmes under the DaVinci brand.
Shared Commitment to Empowerment
With a shared commitment to empowering individuals and communities through learning, the partnership is poised to deliver programmes that are not only academically rigorous but also deeply responsive to the evolving social and economic landscape.
Combining Strengths for Impact
This association will leverage the unique strengths of both organisations:
- DaVinci Institute’s expertise in designing human-centric, systems-thinking-based learning journeys
- Thinc Foundation’s commitment to innovation, social impact, and entrepreneurial development
Together, the partners aim to offer transformative educational experiences through their facilities, including programmes in Economic Transformation, Local Government, and Public Administration, among others.
Addressing South Africa’s Key Challenges
Mandla Letlape – CEO of Thinc Foundation
“This collaboration is aimed at developing long-term thinking to address South Africa’s key challenges, using evidence-based research and academic rigour to frame and understand the issues the country faces,” said Thinc Foundation CEO, Mandla Letlape.
Enhancing Student Learning
Through this strategic collaboration, students can expect enriched learning experiences that integrate:
- Real-world relevance
- Practical insights
- Visionary thinking
These are all hallmarks of the DaVinci approach to education.
Enhancing Public Sector Leadership
“This partnership will focus on developing business leaders, using DaVinci’s TIPS™ framework to enhance the public sector through rigorous research. Furthermore, it aims to improve the state of local government in South Africa,” stated DaVinci Institute CEO, Prof Ben Anderson.
Looking Ahead
The DaVinci Institute and Thinc Foundation look forward to launching their first joint initiatives in the coming months. They invite all prospective students, stakeholders, and partners to join this exciting journey toward educational transformation and innovation.
August 8, 2025