The DaVinci Institute proudly celebrates the academic achievement and leadership journey of Godfrey Mahlase, who recently announced on LinkedIn that he completed his Postgraduate Diploma in Business Leadership. His milestone reflects not only academic excellence but also a deep commitment to personal development, strategic thinking, and the continuous pursuit of meaningful leadership.
A Journey Marked by Gratitude and Collaboration
In his LinkedIn post, Mahlase expressed heartfelt appreciation for the individuals and institutions that supported his journey. He acknowledged Dr Mark Fuller for his unwavering guidance on his research paper titled “Exploring the Effect of Financial Acumen in Decision-Making in Leadership,” and extended gratitude to Future Ngwenya for their support throughout the research process.
His academic success was further enabled by generous funding from DSVET Career Wise, along with strong support from DSV Management, including Adrienne Youell, Jannes Janse van Rensburg, and Magdalena Neave, whose involvement enriched the practical insights within his dissertation.
Academic Excellence Recognised
Mahlase’s work received strong academic endorsement from DaVinci Institute faculty members, Dr S February, Dr N Masindi, and Prof Paul Singh. During his oral presentation, they challenged his dissertation with rigorous academic scrutiny, insightful questioning, and critical engagement with his thematic framework, hypotheses, and conceptual models. Their feedback strengthened the validity and reliability of his research.
The outcome speaks volumes, as his dissertation has been recognised as the top research project in Leadership Development, highlighting both the quality of his work and the transformative nature of his academic journey.
Building Leadership Through Critical Thinking and Multidisciplinary Insight
Reflecting on his experience, Mahlase noted that the PGBL programme enabled him to integrate leadership theories with real-world application. Through multidisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and hypothesis-driven inquiry, he developed strong capabilities to analyse organisational challenges and craft evidence-based solutions.
Key programme pillars, such as reflective practice, ethical leadership, emotional intelligence, and strategic decision-making, played a significant role in shaping his professional identity. The blend of academic rigour with lived experience allowed him to approach leadership with greater empathy, agility, and resilience.
The collaborative environment at DaVinci, supported by action learning sets and research supervision, further enhanced his analytical depth and ability to navigate complex organisational behaviour.
A Family Pillar of Strength
Mahlase also expressed deep gratitude to his wife, Manape Matjekane, and their children, whose unwavering love and support provided the foundation he needed to pursue his studies. Their encouragement, he said, was instrumental in helping him reach this milestone.
A Future Shaped by Innovation and Purpose
Godfrey Mahlase’s academic journey continues. He will join the 2026 Master of Management in Technology and Innovation cohort, where he aims to deepen his expertise in transformative leadership and innovative organisational strategy.
He looks forward to leveraging the knowledge, frameworks, and tools gained at The DaVinci Institute to drive sustainable success in an evolving business landscape.
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