News & Insights
Dive into our news and insights page, your source for the latest insights, events, and stories shaping our remarkable community.
STEM Leadership Development in South Africa
Leadership in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields remains a critical yet underdeveloped area, particularly in South Africa. Dr Justin Grant Martens’ doctoral thesis (2019) at The DaVinci Institute explored why leadership and followership are often overlooked in STEM training and careers. It developed…
The DaVinci Institute Hosts Futurpreneur Canada’s National NPO To Empower Small Businesses
At The DaVinci Institute, we believe in ideas that change the world. On 17 September 2025, we had the privilege of hosting Futurpreneur, Canada’s only national non-profit dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their business dreams into reality. A Legacy of Supporting Young Entrepreneurs For…
From Defence To Triumph: Juliette Fourie’s PhD Journey At DaVinci
On the 27th of August, The DaVinci Institute’s doctoral candidate, Juliette Fourie, stood before her examiners, heart racing and mind focused, as she defended her PhD thesis. Just a few days later, the email she had long been waiting for arrived. “Dear Juliette, Congratulations! I am…
A Review Of the Effectiveness Of Personal Development Plans
Effectiveness of Personal Development Plans was the central theme of a study conducted by John Mackrill at The DaVinci Institute, which examined how Personal Development Plans (PDPs) shape the experiences, skills, and retention of millennial managers at Nestlé South Africa. Millennials, those born between 1982 and…
DaVinci Alumna Ntombezodwa Mnisi: A Journey of Hope
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…
Key Insights From The SABSA Alumni Forum
What makes an alumni event transformative rather than transactional? This was the central question explored at the recent MBA Alumni Forum, hosted by the South African Business Schools Association (SABSA). The gathering brought together alumni representatives from across the country to reflect on the evolving role…
The DaVinci Institute Celebrates President Edward Kieswetter’s Technology Leader Award
The President of The DaVinci Institute, Edward Kieswetter, has been recognised with the Technology Leader Award at the Digital Public Service Awards. This honour is not only a celebration of his leadership, but also a moment of pride for our entire institution. At The DaVinci Institute,…
South Africa’s Path To Economy Revival and Industrial Growth
The DaVinci Institute is proud to announce that Sinikiwe Matsa, Business Development Manager: Corporate Education, has published a thought leadership article in Business Day on revitalising South Africa’s economy. Her piece, “South Africa needs reindustrialisation to revive the economy,” addresses the critical decline in South Africa’s…
From Broadcasting To Coaching: Why Mapaseka Mokwele Chose The DaVinci Institute For Her Doctorate
At the DaVinci Institute, many doctoral candidates arrive with impressive professional backgrounds that enrich their academic journeys. One such candidate is broadcast veteran Mapaseka Mokwele, who began her career in media before transitioning into coaching and leadership development. Now, she is pursuing a doctorate with a…
Exploring The Usefulness Of Uplift Modelling In Direct Marketing
Direct marketing remains a crucial strategy for fostering customer relationships and minimising attrition. However, with increased consumer power, technological advancements, and the saturation of marketing messages, organisations face growing pressure to adopt more contextual and customer-centric approaches. Cindy-Lee Mayes’ dissertation examined whether uplift modelling can offer…