Content note: this testimonial touches on a serious mental health struggle. If you are finding things difficult, you can call the South African helpline 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393 for support.
From a young age, The DaVinci Institute’s Higher Certificate in Management of Technology and Innovation alumna, Reina Ntombezodwa Mnisi, dreamed of serving in government, even imagining herself one day joining the military. Growing up in Johannesburg after moving from Lebowakgomo, Limpopo, she was deeply shaped by her family’s dreadful experiences. That experience became fuel for her determination to build a purposeful life.
Education while Experiencing Challenges
At school, Ntombezodwa Mnisi was the quiet, shy learner who spoke through topics of love and faith in her assignments and speeches. After matric, her first choice was to study at one of the leading universities in Gauteng, but her father’s insistence that she live at home pushed her to explore private colleges. After weighing options, she chose to pursue her studies at a college for its digital, self-paced setup. Unfortunately, her studies were cut short when her father stopped paying her fees. She had to abandon her qualification despite completing bookkeeping up to a junior trial balance.
Searching for work in bookkeeping brought no success, leading her instead to a brief stint at a call centre. But her unwillingness to compromise her values or “fight for survival” in a toxic environment led her to leave.
Life Complications
In 2020, while studying at DaVinci, her challenges took a dramatic turn. Living under this constant threat took a heavy toll. She failed several subjects, spilled tea on her laptop during a breakdown, and reached a crisis point where she saw no way forward. She was also unable to attend her graduation ceremony because of the situation she faced during her studies.
Finding Hope at DaVinci
Despite the chaos faced in her personal life, she describes DaVinci as a place of spiritual comfort and support. She felt genuinely cared for, even if not always in physical presence. Counselling from DaVinci’s Student Support, Dr Linda Chipunza, who gave her advice she could write down and practice, became a lifeline.
“Being sensitive, I could feel the love and encouragement from some people here, which helped me to be more open and talkative,” she recalls.
Her studies in the Management of Technology and Innovation eventually gave her both confidence and opportunity. The qualification’s versatility means she now sees potential careers in engineering, accounting, business advising, or government service. Unlike traditional institutions, DaVinci prepared Ntombezodwa for multiple paths rather than locking her into one.
Lessons in the Process
What should have been a one-year Higher Certificate stretched into three years because of the tough life experiences. Instead of defeat, the experience left her with gratitude.
“It is important to stay positive, holding onto God’s promises, and never giving up. Challenges often come when you are close to a breakthrough, so perseverance is key,” says Mnisi.
Looking at South Africa’s youth, she believes unemployment and the demand for prior experience are crushing young people’s hopes. While DaVinci equips students with practical tools, she argues that more employers must create internships and volunteering opportunities rather than setting impossible requirements.
Mnisi’s future wishes
Today, her dream of serving in government still burns strong. She sees herself possibly joining the police service or the South African Reserve Bank. Past hope of becoming a flight attendant has faded with age restrictions, but her ambitions remain rooted in service and contribution.
Ntombezodwa Mnisi also hopes to continue studying at DaVinci if she can secure funding. With her notes and videos still at hand, she believes the knowledge she has gained will carry her forward when opportunities come.
Her journey is a testimony of resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. What began with anger and personal struggle has become a story of perseverance, faith, and growth. For her, the institute was more than an academic institution; it was a place of hope, support, and a stepping stone toward a brighter future.
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