As the DaVinci Institute prepares for tomorrow’s graduation ceremony, we will introduce three exceptional doctoral candidates in Management in Technology and Innovation. But before they walk across the stage, we celebrate their groundbreaking achievements in a unique and prestigious event—The President’s Dinner, hosted tonight by Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, our business school’s president and the esteemed Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
This exclusive gathering is a rare honour in the private higher education space, as very few institutions offer such a formal and distinguished introduction of their doctoral candidates to society. DaVinci is one of the few to uphold this tradition, and it is a testament to our commitment to co-creating realities and celebrating visionary leadership. With one of the largest doctoral cohorts in South Africa, both in terms of current candidates and alumni, DaVinci proudly showcases the impact and excellence of our doctoral community at this special event.
A Moment of Recognition and Impact
The President’s Dinner is not just an occasion—it is a statement of our school’s values and our belief in the transformative power of knowledge. This intimate gathering allows our esteemed graduates to be introduced to society as leaders whose research holds the potential to change industries, communities, and the world. It is an acknowledgement of their journey as scholars and co-creators of innovative solutions that address the pressing challenges of our time. Tonight, we shine a spotlight on the visionary work of:
Jane Blanche Mackenzie: A Quantum Approach to Well-being
Jane Blanche Mackenzie’s groundbreaking work at the Global Holistic Quantum Well-being Centre introduces the HELO framework, which integrates quantum physics, Taoist philosophy, and modern biology to revolutionize our understanding of well-being.
Her research moves beyond reductionist approaches, providing a holistic, multidimensional perspective that holds great promise for health practitioners, business leaders, and broader society.
Hester Catarina Welman: Driving Economic Transformation in South Africa
Hester Welman’s research critically examines the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Compliance Framework (B-BBEE-CF) and its effectiveness in driving ownership transformation in South Africa. By developing a conceptual framework that promotes meaningful and sustainable transformation, Hester’s work contributes to South Africa’s vision for a more inclusive and equitable economy.
Isheunesu Amon Chaka: Reimagining Higher Education for Africa
Isheunesu Chaka’s doctoral research redefines higher education through the lens of decoloniality, pioneering the Communiversity model. His work challenges the traditional academic structures in Africa, integrating indigenous knowledge systems and advocating for social justice. As the Dean of Student Services at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, Isheunesu’s research fosters a new generation of graduates empowered to become transformative change agents.
A Night to Remember: The President’s Dinner
Hosted by Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, tonight’s President’s Dinner is a platform for these exceptional graduates to share their visionary research with industry leaders, academic luminaries, and distinguished guests. In the presence of peers and mentors, they will be formally introduced as doctoral graduates who are thought leaders in their fields and drivers of meaningful change in South Africa and beyond.
This dinner symbolises DaVinci’s belief in honouring excellence and acknowledging impact, marking the beginning of these graduates’ journey as they step into society as innovators, disruptors, and co-creators of a more sustainable future.
A Tradition of Excellence
The President’s Dinner is a unique tradition that underscores DaVinci’s commitment to visionary leadership. Few private institutions provide such an esteemed platform for doctoral candidates, and even fewer can boast of the size and influence of DaVinci’s doctoral community. With one of the largest cohorts of doctoral candidates and alumni in South Africa, we are proud to continue fostering holistic, innovative leaders who co-create lasting impact.
As we look forward to tomorrow’s graduation, tonight’s celebration reminds us why DaVinci stands at the forefront of higher education—committed to excellence, creativity, and transformation.
Congratulations to Isheunesu Chaka, Jane Blanche Mackenzie, and Hester Catarina Welman. Your work embodies the spirit of remarkable leadership that DaVinci Business School champions, and we are honoured to present you to society at this prestigious event.
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