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Johannesburg, South Africa – 26 June 2023 – Our institution, the DaVinci Institute, takes great pride in announcing that our President, Edward Kieswetter, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council. The appointment occurred during the 141st/142nd Sessions of the WCO Council held at its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, from 22 to 24 June 2023.

President Kieswetter, also the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), is the second South African to chair the prestigious organisation, succeeding Ahmed Al-Khalifa, Director General of Bahrain’s Customs Clearance and Services.

The election of Prof. Kieswetter, a highly respected leader within South Africa’s business and customs community, acknowledges the effective leadership of the country’s tax services and marks a moment of national pride.

“Leadership is an inordinate responsibility and a rare privilege to assist international efforts to bring matters of customs to the centre of international trade facilitation. This election is ample evidence that the leadership of SARS in matters of customs is acknowledged after many years of State capture,” said Kieswetter.

During his tenure, Prof. Kieswetter has committed to achieving the objectives of the WCO through a practical, well-managed Secretariat, a transformational modernisation plan, and an appropriate set of priorities. His focus on technology, innovation, green customs, governance, and accountability aligns with the WCO’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan.

Please join us in congratulating Prof. Kieswetter on this prestigious appointment, and wish him continued success as he embarks on this new journey.

About DaVinci

Founded in 2004, the DaVinci Institute is a business school committed to co-creating remarkable learning journeys that empower future leaders to change the world through teachings inspired by Nelson Mandela and Leonardo Da Vinci. DaVinci brings together experts and thought leaders in business and management to provide students with a well-rounded education. The dedicated faculty, with their qualifications, research expertise, and industry experience, ensures that students receive a high-quality education grounded in real-world applications.

For more information, please contact:

Ofentse Olunloyo

Executive Head: Marketing

ofentse@davinci.ac.za

www.davinci.ac.za

011 608 1331

Our education institute, The DaVinci Institute for Technology Management, proudly joined the Association of African Business Schools (AABS) this month, a milestone that marks our dedication to the promotion and enhancement of business education in Africa.

AABS is a prestigious African association, housing the largest community of business schools across the continent. It represents over 60 esteemed institutions across numerous African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, DRC, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Senegal, and Mali.

Membership in the AABS is only granted to organisations with a physical campus in Africa, that offer programmes in business education approved by a higher education authority in an African country. Each member is unique, independent in philosophy, and committed to their mission while accountable to their community.

“We are excited to join this leading network of quality business education in Africa, focussing on relevance, impact, and sustainability, supporting African businesses through capacity building, collaboration, and quality education programmes” said Professor HB Klopper, the Chief Executive of DaVinci.

This affiliation further solidifies our Business School’s commitment to providing world-class education in South Africa and Africa at large. DaVinci is also affiliated with the South African Private Higher Education (SAPHE), the South African Business School Association (SABSA), the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF), and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), a global professional body that represents the transport and logistics industries.

“We will not only have access to various tailored workshops and network events but will also actively participate in offering workshops together with other member institutions,” adds Prof Klopper.

DaVinci is dedicated to co-creating exceptional learning journeys, providing educational solutions that yield a substantial return on investment for business leaders and individuals. Our mission is to broaden access to education and empower future leaders to effect positive change in the world.

Our Business School places a unique emphasis on the Management of Technology, Innovation, People, and Systems Thinking (TIPS™), a proprietary framework integrated into all our programmes. This approach enhances the performance of our students and their teams, particularly within developing economies and markets.

Offering a range of business degrees tailored to meet various needs, DaVinci allows students to study at their own pace, from anywhere and at any time. Our approach to learning transcends the traditional, ensuring a personal, social, and economic return on investment in students’ learning journey, whilst upholding best practice models.

DaVinci’s membership with AABS sets a new precedent for our commitment to business education and strengthens its impact in shaping the future of business and innovation in Africa. This partnership will widen access to quality business education further, encourage innovative thinking, and empower more individuals to effect meaningful change in society.

Business leaders play a critical role in shaping the culture, values, and practices of their organisations. They set the tone for how employees behave and what is considered acceptable in the workplace. In today’s competitive and fast-paced business environment, ethical behaviour has become more critical than ever before. In this blog, we explore why ethics are essential for business leaders and why South African businesses that value higher education training should prioritise ethics in their leadership development programmes.

Protecting Reputation and Brand

Business leaders who prioritise ethics help to protect their company’s reputation and brand. Companies that behave unethically can face severe consequences, such as legal action, financial loss, and reputational damage. Ethical leaders establish a culture of integrity, honesty, and transparency that helps to protect the company’s reputation and maintain the trust of stakeholders.

Building a Stronger Organisational Culture

Ethical leaders create a positive and inclusive work environment that fosters productivity, motivation, and loyalty. They establish a culture of trust, respect, and fairness that supports employee wellbeing and job satisfaction. Employees who work for ethical leaders feel valued and engaged, and they are more likely to stay with the company long-term.

Meeting Stakeholder Expectations

Business leaders who prioritise ethics meet the expectations of stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulators. Stakeholders expect companies to behave ethically and operate with transparency, honesty, and accountability. Companies that fail to meet these expectations can lose the trust and support of their stakeholders, leading to significant consequences for the business.

Fostering Innovation and Creativity

Ethical leaders encourage innovation and creativity by creating a safe and supportive work environment. Employees who work for ethical leaders feel empowered to share their ideas and take risks, knowing that their contributions will be valued and appreciated. This culture of innovation and creativity can lead to new ideas, products, and services that drive business success.

Demonstrating Social Responsibility

Business leaders who prioritise ethics demonstrate social responsibility by considering the impact of their actions on society and the environment. They operate in a sustainable and responsible way, contributing to the well-being of their employees, customers, and the wider community. Ethical leaders recognise that businesses have a responsibility to be a force for good, and they act accordingly.

At DaVinci Business School, we offer a range of leadership qualifications. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your organisation cultivate ethical and effective leaders.

Organisational culture is the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours that define how things get done within a company. The way a company operates can have a significant impact on its success, and leadership plays a critical role in shaping organisational culture. In this blog, we’ll explore how leadership influences organisational culture and why it’s essential for South African businesses that value higher education training to understand this relationship.

Setting the Tone for the Organisation

Leadership sets the tone for the organisation. The values, behaviours, and attitudes demonstrated by leaders create the standard for how employees should behave. Leaders who exhibit positive qualities such as integrity, accountability, and transparency set the expectation for employees to do the same. Leaders who are not aligned with the desired culture can create confusion and undermine the efforts to create a positive culture.

Driving Behaviour Through Communication

Effective communication is essential to shaping organisational culture. Leaders who communicate regularly and clearly help employees understand what is expected of them and why it is important. They help build trust, establish a sense of belonging, and create a positive work environment. In contrast, leaders who communicate poorly can create confusion and misunderstanding that can damage the culture and the organisation as a whole.

Demonstrating the Right Behaviours

Leadership behaviour is one of the most significant influences on organisational culture. Leaders who demonstrate the desired behaviours set the standard for what is acceptable in the organisation. If the leaders do not follow the same values or behaviours they promote, they will undermine the efforts to shape the desired culture.

Creating a Sense of Belonging

Leadership plays a critical role in creating a sense of belonging within the organisation. Leaders who foster a positive work environment, provide clear communication, and demonstrate respect and inclusivity help employees feel valued and included. A sense of belonging can help foster motivation and productivity and build a more cohesive and effective team.

Leadership has a significant impact on organisational culture, and it is crucial for South African businesses that value higher education training to understand this relationship. Leaders set the tone, drive behaviour through communication, demonstrate the right behaviours, and create a sense of belonging. By investing in leadership development, businesses can create a positive culture that supports their values and goals, and ultimately contributes to their success. At The DaVinci Institute, we offer a range of leadership development programmes that can help businesses develop effective leaders and shape the desired culture. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your organisation.

If you’re considering pursuing business education, you may be wondering if it’s worth the time and investment. The answer is a resounding yes! In today’s competitive business world, a business education can give you a significant advantage in the job market and set you up for long-term success. In this blog, we’ll explore ten reasons why you should go to business school, particularly if you’re a business professional who values higher education training.

Develop Business Skills

A business education can provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a wide range of business fields, from finance and marketing to operations and management.

Increase Your Earning Potential with Business Education

A business education can increase your earning potential by preparing you for high-paying jobs in the business world.

Expand Your Professional Network

Business school provides an excellent opportunity to connect with other business professionals and build a valuable network of contacts.

Learn From Experienced Faculty

Business school professors have years of experience working in the business world, which means they can provide valuable insights and real-world examples that you can apply to your own career.

Gain International Exposure Through Business Education

Many business schools offer study abroad programs, providing you with the opportunity to gain international exposure and develop a global perspective.

Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills

Business school courses require critical thinking and analysis, which can improve your ability to make informed decisions and solve complex problems.

Build Your Leadership Skills

Business school courses often focus on leadership and management, providing you with the skills necessary to lead and inspire teams.

Enhance Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is critical in the business world, and business school can help you develop strong communication skills through coursework and presentations.

Access to Career Services

Most business schools offer career services that can help you find internships and job opportunities, prepare your resume, and improve your interviewing skills.

Gain Credibility

A business degree can increase your credibility in the business world and demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.

Going to business school can provide you with numerous advantages in the business world, including developing business skills, increasing earning potential, expanding your professional network, learning from experienced faculty, gaining international exposure, improving critical thinking and communication skills, building leadership skills, accessing career services, and gaining credibility.

At The DaVinci Institute, we offer a range of business programmes, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, executive education, and professional development courses. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your career goals. Enrol here today.

Back then, there were no crèches. Early child development took place outdoors, where children played with one another from morning until their parents returned from work. It was fun, and there was much to learn from the older boys and girls who were already at school. They proudly showed off their writing skills by writing their names in the sand or teaching us to count up to 10 or even 20, using maize kernels, lucky bean seeds, or small stones. We all knew which of the older children were patient teachers, and we jostled to be in their playgroup.

Stories That Shaped Early Child Development at Home

Both my parents were teachers, and my earliest memory of listening to a story being read was when my mother sat with my younger sister and me, reading from a small hardcover lime-green book. It told the adventures of a clever rabbit and her family. My favourite part of the story was when they went on a picnic one Sunday afternoon – oh, how I wished I could have joined them. The pictures in the book captured my imagination.

My sister and I named the river that ran past the picnic spot Lily, watched sheep grazing nearby, and played games where we earned points by naming the colours of the flowers in the meadow. Many years later, I had the pleasure of reading the same book to my own children.

First School Days and Early Child Development in the Classroom

On my first day of school, I proudly wore my green school uniform with white socks and black shoes. That was the first and last day I wore socks and shoes, as I was almost the only child in the elementary section with shoes on. I felt awkward and, by break time, had taken them off and carefully placed them at the bottom of my school bag.

Learning to Write: A Milestone in Early Child Development

My classroom stood on raised ground – a long room with square openings for windows, but no glass to shut out the elements. On hot days, it was pleasant to sit near the window; on rainy days, our teacher, Mrs Khumalo, would help us move the desks away from the wet. Occasionally, a wandering cow would poke its head into the classroom, mooing loudly to our amusement.

There were about 13 of us in sub-B – eager young learners. Our day started early. This was a mission school where priests and nuns valued discipline. Everything followed strict timelines. Before school, sub-A and sub-B classes (equivalent to today’s grades 1 and 2) gathered for assembly and prayers, led by the headmistress, a nun. We secretly hoped these sessions would run long, as this shortened arithmetic, the first lesson of the day.

At the start, arithmetic was easy thanks to what we’d learnt from older children. But as time passed, it grew more challenging. Being practical by nature, I failed to see the point of adding 1 + 3 or any other numbers written on the board. The relevance of this exercise was never explained.

After all, this was a time when only the teacher had a textbook, and everything we needed to know was written on the board.

Foundations of Writing in Early Child Development

My worst memories of Little St Augustine’s relate to how long it took before we were allowed to write in exercise books. Before that, we practised Arithmetic and English in the sand outside. A smooth patch of fine sand was ideal for writing. First, we used our forefingers to trace perfect letters and numbers. Only when Mrs Khumalo was satisfied with our progress could we use a small stick resembling a pencil.

The next step was a black slate and a piece of chalk for practice at home. Needless to say, there was fierce competition to earn the right to use an exercise book. This competition made us take these practice sessions very seriously.

It was a huge relief when I finally graduated from a slate board to an exercise book and a brand-new pencil, sharpened by Mrs Khumalo.

Break Time, Play, and Early Child Development

Break time meant playing in the field below. Games included chasing, tickling, and sharing whatever was in our lunch boxes.

Home time was 12:30, but before leaving, we had to stand and recite the Angelus prayer after the loud bell from the church. Even if you were walking, you had to stop and say,
“Hail Mary, full of grace, blessed is thy womb that bore our Lord Jesus Christ. Mother Mary, pray for us sinners now and for evermore. Amen.”
I have often wondered what sins I had committed at that tender age to warrant such prayers.

Health Interventions During Early Child Development

One of the most memorable days of my early schooling was when a green jeep appeared behind the classrooms. Two men – one white, the other black – dressed in long white coats, set up a table with boxes and bottles. Before long, we were summoned to line up outside. Without much explanation, we were told to roll up our sleeves. One man jabbed our left shoulders, the other gave us a pink sweet that melted instantly.

No letters of consent had been sent home, nor were we children told what was happening. I assume the headmistress had given them permission to administer the TB vaccine and a polio booster. We only learned later that there had been a serious TB outbreak, and the government was ensuring all children under 13 were vaccinated.

Modern concepts of human rights, democracy, and parental autonomy were foreign back then. But do not get me wrong – I am not complaining. I believe those vaccinations saved many of us, myself included, from illness or even death.

Next: Moving Beyond Early Child Development

In my next episode, I shall recount my experiences of what was then known as upper primary.

(Dr Linda Chipunza is responsible for Student Support at The DaVinci Institute.)

Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, but in many countries, including South Africa, many people face significant challenges in obtaining quality medical care. This is one of the harsh realities faced every day. South Africa’s health system is underfunded, overburdened, and struggling to meet the needs of its diverse and growing population. We know this because it is reported on frequently. Despite these challenges, there is hope for a brighter future in South Africa, where access to healthcare can be a reality for all. My PhD thesis covered much of these areas.

One of the main challenges facing the South African health system is the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas, which results to a significant disparity in access to quality medical care between urban and rural areas. To address this issue, it is crucial to invest in programs that provide education and training opportunities for healthcare workers and increase the number of medical facilities in underserved communities. The realities of our youth having to leave SA or having to change career paths is fast becoming the norm.

Another significant challenge in South Africa is the high cost of healthcare, which puts it out of reach for many people, especially those living in poverty. To address this, the government should work to improve the affordability and accessibility of medical services for all citizens, regardless of their financial situation. This could potentially include implementing policies that increase the number of community health clinics, providing subsidies for medical services, and increasing funding for public health facilities, to name a few.

Moreover, it is important to address the social determinants of health that contribute to poor health outcomes and reduced access to care. This includes addressing poverty, inadequate housing, and limited access to safe water and sanitation. These social determinants of health play a significant role in preventing individuals from accessing essential medical care and must be addressed to improve overall health outcomes in South Africa. With the right investments in education, funding, and policy initiatives, our country can become brighter where access to quality medical care is a reality for everyone.

(Dr Claudia Sigamoney is a member of faculty at The DaVinci Institute.)

Are you intimidated by the thought of conducting research? Do you believe research is only for scholars and experts in a particular field? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are intimidated by the idea of research and believe it to be a complicated process. Research is not overly challenging and can be manageable with proper planning and preparation. Research can become much more straightforward by taking the time to clearly define the research question, determine appropriate methods for collecting and analyzing data, and stay organized throughout the process.

Additionally, utilising resources such as academic journals and expert opinions can greatly aid the process and make the experience less intimidating. With dedication and effort, conducting research can become a manageable and even enjoyable experience. We often hear friends and colleagues say research can seem like a crazy, scary monster when faced with it, but it’s not as difficult as it appears! But the truth is, research isn’t as difficult as it may seem. With the advancement of technology and the availability of numerous resources, conducting research has become much easier. This blog post aims to dispel some common research misconceptions and show why it’s not that difficult.

Here are a few reasons why research isn’t so bad after all:

1. Well-Defined Objectives: By clearly understanding the research question and objectives, the research process becomes much more manageable. This clarity helps guide the research’s direction and keeps it on track.

2. Accessible Resources: In today’s world, information and resources are readily available, making the research process much more manageable, and with the internet and academic databases at our fingertips, finding relevant information and data has never been easier.

3. Organised Approach: Staying organised throughout the research process is key to success. Keeping track of sources, notes, and data makes the process less overwhelming and easier to manage.

4. Collaboration: Working with others, such as peers, supervisors, or mentors, can make the research process much less daunting. Collaboration allows for sharing knowledge, resources, and ideas, making the process more efficient and enjoyable.

5. Adaptability: Research is a dynamic process, and it’s important to be flexible and open to change. By being adaptable, one can pivot when necessary and adjust their approach to meet the research demands.

While research may seem intimidating at first, it can be made much more manageable by approaching it with a clear understanding of objectives, utilising available resources, staying organised, collaborating with others, and being adaptable. Research can often seem daunting, but several ways to view it make it more accessible and manageable. For example, research can be considered a puzzle, where the researcher takes a complex problem, breaks it down into smaller pieces, and then puts it together to form a conclusion. Another way to think about research is as a treasure hunt, where the researcher is on a quest to uncover new knowledge and understanding, following clues and making discoveries along the way. Research can also be seen as a cooking show, where the process involves a series of well-defined steps to achieve a successful outcome, much like a recipe. Lastly, research can be viewed as a road trip, where the researcher embarks on an exciting and unpredictable journey filled with twists and turns and opportunities to gather new information and insights. These analogies provide a fresh perspective on the research process, making it seem less intimidating and more approachable:

Research is like solving a puzzle: Like solving a puzzle, conducting research involves taking a complex problem and breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts. The process of gathering information and analysing data can be thought of as finding the individual puzzle pieces and putting everything together to form a conclusion can be seen as putting the puzzle together to form the big picture. The thrill of discovery and the sense of accomplishment that comes with putting the pieces together is a rewarding experience in solving a puzzle and conducting research.

Research is like a treasure hunt: Research is like a treasure hunt, where the researcher is on a quest to uncover new knowledge and understanding. Like in a treasure hunt, there are clues to follow and obstacles to overcome, but the sense of excitement and anticipation when making a significant discovery makes it all worth it. The thrill of finding that key piece of information that sheds light on a particular issue is truly satisfying, much like finding a hidden treasure. The research process can be just as exciting and adventurous as a treasure hunt, and the rewards are just as valuable.

Research is like a cooking show: Like in a cooking show, conducting research involves a series of well-defined steps, each with its purpose and significance. Whether it’s prepping the ingredients, cooking, or plating, each step must be completed with care and precision in order to achieve a successful outcome. Similarly, each step, such as formulating the research question, collecting data, and analysing it, must be executed correctly to reach a meaningful conclusion. And just like in a cooking show, the final product, in this case, the research findings, should be organised and easily digestible for others to enjoy and learn from.

Research is like a road trip: Like a road trip, conducting research can be an exciting and unpredictable journey full of twists and turns. The researcher never knows precisely what they’ll find, but that’s part of the excitement and the thrill of discovery. Along the way, there will be opportunities to gather new information and insights through reading articles, talking to experts, and making pit stops to reflect on what has been learned. The journey may have its challenges, but it’s all part of the experience and contributes to the growth and development of the researcher. And just like a road trip, the destination of the research journey, the conclusion, is what makes it all worth it.

That’s right! Research can be a fun, exciting, and rewarding experience when approached with a sense of adventure and curiosity. It offers the opportunity to explore new ideas, gather new information, and make discoveries, just like a puzzle, a treasure hunt, a cooking show, and a road trip all rolled into one. So don’t be intimidated by the thought of research; embrace it as a journey of learning and discovery and see where the road takes you! Research isn’t as difficult as it may seem. You can conduct the research efficiently and effectively with available resources and tools. So, if you’re intimidated by the idea of research, don’t be. Give it a try and see just how easy it can be.

The Da Vinci Institute’s Master’s graduate, Monyadiwe Selina Moloi’s career started in Eskom (Generation Division), from 2001 to date. She has experiences in life cycle planning, project management as well as portfolio management. In her experience with Eskom’s Generation Division, in recent years, Monyadiwe notes that there had been challenges with capital projects’ budget spending – hence the aim of her dissertation work entitled: Capital projects budget underspending in a South African power utility – a project management perspective, was at investigating factors contributing to capital projects’ budget underspending specifically in South African power utilities from a project management perspective.

This study focuses on Eskom’s Generation division with over 2000 capital projects across the generating fleet that consist of routine capitalised replacements and major modifications to deliver on the plant performance objectives. The inability to spend the budget capital translates to the project objectives and benefits being deferred or not realised, which works contrary to restoring the plant health and improved technical performance.

Consequently, the study identified factors that contributed to capital project budget underspending, and those included: insufficient support from some of the stakeholders involved in projects, insufficient resourcing of most departments that were involved in projects, and the unfair distribution of projects among the project management department personnel – based on skills and experience – and forced changes to the project execution plan and schedule due to outage deferments.

Further findings from the study indicate that the aforesaid factors negatively affected project schedules and, therefore, negatively affected project success and subsequent portfolio delivery. Findings from this study on factors which contributed to capital project budget underspending from the South African power utility were in line with findings from the construction sector. One positive aspect from the findings was that Eskom ensured that project managers were sufficiently trained on tools and systems that they required to do their jobs, which was contrary to what was found in literature regarding contributing factors to budget underspending on projects. Monyadiwe reckons that findings that emanate from this research will potentially assist the power utility to improve on its capital budget spending.

Was it a tough journey? “My study journey with The DaVinci Institute started a long time ago. It was not an easy one because there were many challenges along the way which may have easily persuaded me to give up on my studies. I am just grateful that after several re-registrations, especially for the research module, I was not deterred”, concedes Monyadiwe. Her willingness and persistence throughout the qualification process have been invaluable, she further admits.

Monyadiwe plans to continue working on her personal development in order to advance in her career. Monyadiwe encourages learners who are beginning the research journey to start early so that they can complete it on time. She also urges learners to enjoy the process and ask for assistance when facing challenges, instead of worrying about completing their work.

In today’s fast-paced and competitive environment, innovation is essential to remaining relevant and thriving in the ever-changing marketplace. Businesses must stay ahead of the curve and embrace new technologies and disruptive business models to remain competitive. The Master of Management in Technology and Innovation programme offered by The DaVinci Business School is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to drive innovation and lead transformational change within organisations.

The qualification offers a unique blend of management and technology-focused courses, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between these two fields. From learning about the latest technologies such as blockchain, AI, and machine learning to developing skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making, students are prepared to apply their knowledge to drive business growth and success.

The Master of Management in Technology and Innovation programme also emphasises the importance of leadership and strategic thinking in driving innovation. Students will develop the skills needed to lead teams and manage projects effectively, and to become leaders in driving innovation and transformational change within organisations.

Pursuing a Master of Management in Technology and Innovation is a valuable investment for individuals looking to advance their careers and become leaders in the innovative landscape. With this qualification, graduates will be equipped to drive innovation and lead transformational change within organisations, making a significant impact on the future of business.