Strategic Advisory Board

Meet the strategic minds guiding our path: Our Strategic Advisory Board, composed of distinguished leaders in business and academia, collaborates to steer our business school towards innovation and excellence.

Explore their diverse expertise and visionary contributions on this dedicated page.

FAQ Accordion with Layout
Prof Thuli Madonsela

Summary

Professor Thuli Madonsela is a professor of law occupying the Law Trust Research Chair in Social Justice at Stellenbosch University. She is also the founder of the Thuma Foundation for Democracy Leadership and Literacy and a Member of the African Academy of Sciences.

The former Public Protector of South Africa and full-time Law Commissioner, Professor Madonsela was one of the drafters of the South African Constitution and a co-architect and drafter of several constitutionally mandated laws, including the Equality Act, Employment Equity Act and Promotion of Administrative Justice Act.

She has an extensive background in applied constitutional and administrative law principles, mainly based on her public service years and her investigation of improper conduct in state affairs as Public Protector. She helped draft several international human rights instruments and country reports.

She currently teaches Constitutional Law, Social Justice Law, Administrative Law, and Constitutional Governance and Ethical Leadership and has written and published extensively on these matters. An advocate of the High Court of South Africa and an honorary member of the Botswana Bar, Professor Madonsela holds eight honorary law doctorates in addition to her normal law degrees and over 70 awards.

Professor Madonsela is a mother of two and, in her free time, an avid mountaineer who has summited Mt Kilimanjaro twice under the #Trek4Mandela campaign and for the Social Justice M-Plan and regularly hikes for the #Action4Inclusion campaign, a quest to end student debt.

Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka

Summary

Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka is the CEO of A-P Management Consultancy. She holds a PhD in Marketing Management, specialising in digital platforms; three post-doctorates in Business and Communication Management and is currently completing her second PhD on platform-based businesses and customer experience in e-commerce through artificial intelligence at the University of Pretoria.

During her career she has worked with major local financial institutions as well as international consumer goods and pharmaceutical companies. Some of her roles include executive positions in the banking sector and media industry; served on government advisory committees; appointed board member; and CEO of A-P management consultancy.

Her work has earned several marketing communication awards including the Internationalist Award for Innovation in Media and she has presented her research at 14 leading international conferences across five continents.

For the last 10 years she has produced and presented Womanity-Women in Unity, a radio program that campaigns for the advancement and empowerment of women across Africa. Womanity has hosted over 500 prominent women – Presidents, Cabinet ministers, Ambassadors, Vice-chancellors, Doctors, CEOs, Judge presidents, Olympic champions and other key influencers.

Dr Mmboneni Muofhe

Summary

Dr Mmboneni Muofhe is the Deputy Director-General (DDG) for Socio-Economic Innovation Partnerships at the Department of Science and Innovation in South Africa. Dr Muofhe previously held the position of Deputy Director-General for International Resources and Cooperation and Deputy Director-General for Technology Innovation in the same Department.

He has years of experience in the South African Science, Technology and Innovation System and the global innovation systems in general, which includes doing scientific research, managing research, international cooperation, development and implementation of innovation funding schemes and implementation of various innovation initiaitves and instruments.

Dr Muofhe led the implementation of various science, technology and innovation strategies such as the National Space Science Strategy, Bioeconomy, and Hydrogen South Africa (Energy). Dr. Muofhe serves in different governance roles, including the Boards of Biovac (South Africa’s Vaccine Manufacturing Company), and now, Council for Geoscience and is in the Steering Committee of the World Health Organisation’s mRNA Technology Transfer Hub.

He served as a member of Board of Governors for the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and is currently the Lead Co-Chair of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO). Dr Muofhe holds a BSc degree (Univen), MSc (UCT), MBA (UP) and PhD in Management of Technology and Innovation (da Vinci Institute).

Dr Ntokozo Mahlangu

Summary

Dr Ntokozo Mahlangu is a masterfully skilled risk specialist, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the financial services industry, having held multiple senior leadership positions. This is supported by his solid academic achievements and lecturing prowess, where he is often invited by various business schools and associations to share his knowledge. Dr Mahlangu has specialist expertise in the fields of Enterprise Risk Management and Operational Risk Management. His insatiable curiosity means he is continuously seeking both professional and personal growth, thereby nurturing proactive development and new insights.

He currently holds the position of Group Head of risk at Lebashe Investment Group. In this position he holds the primary senior management position for identifying, assessing, measuring, monitoring, mitigating, and managing all types of risk arising from the internal and external business environment at the group level.

Dr Mahlangu holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Auditing (University of Johannesburg), a Master of Science in Management of Technology and Innovation (The Da Vinci Institute) and a B Compt Accounting Sciences (UNISA).

Dr Mahlangu believes in the value of higher education as an asset to an individual’s growth. He is a truly authentic leader, who never forgets the people that co-create with him and the organisations and communities he influences. He is a leader who listens to both that which is said, as well as what is unsaid. We are indeed proud and honoured to have him as a DaVinci alum.

Dr Zain Reddiar

Summary

Dr Zain Reddiar is a respected, dynamic and innovative business professional with excellent executive level strategic management, human resources, transformation and leadership skills. He is a rare profile; a seasoned Global HR Practitioner with multinational business experience across the African and Middle Eastern continents.

Zain’s experience spans multiple geographies, and he has successfully navigated a multitude of cultures. His pragmatic approach and love for people and learning has earned him multiple awards, ranking him amongst the top HR thought leaders, but the title he values most is “King of Hearts” resonating his commitment to the upliftment of others.

As a transformation expert, Zain’s experience has seen him engage a number of greenfield projects and has realized a number of startups

He was recently at the helm of one of the biggest HR back office transformations within the telco space touching 22 countries. As a transition coach, Zain helps individuals bridge the gap of uncertainty, bringing conscious awareness to strategies and individual competence and potential and so allowing the individual to transition with confidence.

Zain has chaired Ethics, Diversity and Risk committees and has been at the forefront of business continuity threats such s the Ebola outbreak, civil and political unrest in emerging markets, earthquakes, floods and the current Covid-19 pandemic. As a policy maker, Zain has ensured nondiscrimination, diversity and inclusion of underrepresented and marginalized groups, protecting the rights of workers, and so, creating a safe and equitable workplace for all.

Zain is a sought-after speaker and an avid participant on international roundtables. His most recent role was HR Director – Africa with Samsung Electronics. He is a Fellow of the Institute of People Management and registered as a Master HR Practitioner both in South Africa and the USA. Zain hold a Doctorate in the Management of Innovation and Technology from DaVinci Business School.

Dr Mayyada Abu Jaber

Summary

Dr Mayyada Abu Jaber is the founder of JoWomenomics, a non-profit organization to visualize a feminist economy in Joradn, and also the founder of World of Letters, a social enterprise that provides equity and justice to youth and women in the Middle East and North Africa region. She is an Echidna Global Scholar for Leaders in Girls’ Education at Brookings Institution and conducted research to evaluate gender bias in the national Jordanian curriculum.

Dr. Mayyada served as an educational consultant at the office of Her Majesty Queen Rania Abdullah II. In 2017, Mayyada was recognized by the World Bank(link is external) as an inspirational leader in the Middle East and North Africa. Mayyada is also recognized as one of the women leaders in the Arab World by The Gibran Chair for Value and Peace(link is external).

She was also featured on CNN, Euro-news, Al Jazeera, and a panelist at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). In addition, Dr. Mayyada’s work on youth employment was recognized by the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) as one of the 15 best practices in the world for education/employment interface. Dr. Mayyada is a Vital Voices Grow, and Vital Voices Engage fellow for 2015 and 2021. She is also recognized as an education expert at the UN-Harmony with Nature.

Dr. Mayyada serves as an International Jury member for the UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education. She serves on the board of trustees for INASP, and is the vice-chair for the Center for Environmental Ethics and Law (CEEL). Dr. Mayyada holds a Ph.D. in Management of Innovation and Technology from the DaVinci Institute in South Africa, where she developed the Integral Framework for Ecofeminist Economy (IFREE). She received her master’s degree in Environmental Geology from Duke University and is fluent in Arabic, English, Pashtu, and basic Urdu.

Ann Kabinga

Summary

Ann Kabinga is an organisation culture and change management specialist with over 20 years of experience. She is deeply committed to increasing the productivity of Africa’s workforce by fostering workplace culture that eliminates fear and enables individuals to show up authentically, grow and thrive.

Ann has deep experience in conducting business reviews as well as designing and implementing change programs in the areas of strategic business alignment and culture transformation. Her programs boost performance and flow: organisations executive better and employees gain fulfilment at work.

Ann’s clients gain from structured collaborative and ground approach to addressing factors that get in the way of a high-performance culture. She also supports organisations to develop structures that foster culture development for the long term.

Her client list includes The Old Mutual East Africa Group, Rubis Energy Kenya, The British High Commission, the OI Pejeta Conservancy, EY Kenya, The Co-Impact Organization, The Kenya Pipeline Company, The Kenya Revenue Authority, Dohler East Africa, Duke Corporation Education among others.

Mike Morgan

Summary

Mike was born in Cape Town in 1953 and after completing compulsory National Service in 1970 started his career in the Insurance industry whilst studying towards a Business Management qualification in 1971. An opportunity to transfer to Johannesburg on promotion arose in early 1979 where he joined SA Eagle Insurance in a junior management role focusing on both operational and strategic business development roles.

He was subsequently appointed to various senior management roles within the Company culminating in his appointment as the National Head: Global Brokers and Banks which he held until his recent retirement in May 2017. In this role Mike was responsible for the implementation of a global strategy designed to leverage opportunities to develop a portfolio of multi-national businesses in Africa.

Mike’s career with Bryte (formerly SA Eagle Insurance / Zurich) spanned 38 years. In September 2017 Mike was appointed as CEO of the Southern Africa-Canada Chamber of Commerce and continues to consult to Bryte Insurance. A strong people orientation coupled with a keen interest in all aspects of business resulted in his involvement in several community-based organizations including state sponsored Care facilities, most notably the Avalon Home for the Physically Handicapped where he chaired the Board of Trustees from 2012 to 2015.

Mike served on the Board of Trustees of the Zurich Pension Fund from 2010 to April 2017 when he stepped down in view of his pending retirement in May. He is a former non-executive Director of the Swiss Chamber of Business.

Mogato Isaac Matji

Summary

As Senior Vice President (SVP): Human Resources at Sasol Limited, Isaac is responsible for the entire HR Value Chain across the Energy Business Unit spanning Southern Africa, UK & Middle East. In this role, he is accountable for determining and ensuring the operationalisation of the people strategy and people management solutions across Energy inclusive of hosted Business Units i.e. Sasol Corporate , Sasol Mining and Sasol Chemicals SA.

Further, the role also includes accountability for technical talent development through four(4) Technical Academies, namely; SHE,Mining, Production and Maintenance. Isaac is a seasoned HR Executive with over 24 years of Sasol experience, having joined the Group from the HQ of the Department of Labour, where he served in various roles including National IR Specialist and Acting-Assistant Director in the Labour Relations Division, interfacing with Bargaining Chambers, Conciliation Boards, National CCMA Offices, and other statutory bodies.

Prior to his appointment in the aforesaid role, he held various senior roles at Business Unit and Corporate level spanning Africa, USA and Eurasia including tenure as SVP HR: Sasol Global Operations, VP HR: Southern Africa Operations, General Manager – People Stream & HR Redesign Lead: Business Enablement; General Manager HR and Corporate Affairs at Sasol Mining, and General Manager HR at Sasol Wax International AG (Joint Venture). In the role of Senior Vice President: Sasol Group, HR Global Operations, he provided strategic oversight across 33 countries in which Sasol Operated.

Isaac does not only come with strong experience in managing HR functions across various sectors and continents, but also comes with strong proven track record of providing strategic people leadership on complex mega-scale transformational/restructuring/growth programmes, mergers and acquisitions (locally and internationally) i.e. Sasol Wax global redesign in 2000/2001, Sasol Mining business recovery program in 2010, Sasol Group’s business performance enhancement programme (Phoenix) 2013-2015 and Sasol 2.0 Reset Programme 2020-2021). In the same vein, he successfully led HR Transformation in both Phoenix and Sasol 2.0 intitiatives.

Given his broad global experience, he was also appointed in various Divisional Board Directorship roles i.e. Divisional Director: Sasol Wax (Pty) Ltd and Price’s Candles (Pty) Ltd; Director: Sasol Properties Board (Pty)Ltd and Chairman: Sasol Siyakha Board (Enterprise Development Trust). He currently serves as a Board Member at Chemical Industry Education and Training Authority (CHIETA)

Finally, Isaac comes with strong strategic negotiation and dispute resolution capabilities and is particularly adept at strategic stakeholder management, strategy development, strategic business partnering/enablement, community leadership, people leadership and generally possesses strong leadership capabilities. He holds a B Hons Degree from the University of Pretoria, Graduate Diploma in Labour Law from GIMT/Henley Business School and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management from the University of Kwazulu Natal. He also completed his EDP and ALDP with Sasol/GIBBS(University of Pretoria).

Meshack-Hart Kalada Belema

Summary

Meshack-Hart Kalada Belema is a multifaceted individual driven by a strong commitment to empowerment, gender equality, and community development. With a background in mechanical engineering and a deep passion for technology, Meshack-Hart is a well-rounded advocate for change. He is known for his dedication to empowering women and girls, his advocacy for gender equality through the “He for She” campaign, and his tireless efforts in community development.

Education: Meshack-Hart graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Port-Harcourt, a testament to his dedication to academic excellence and his desire to acquire the skills necessary for driving innovation and progress.

Professional Experience: As a former Chief Press Secretary to the First Lady of Nigeria, Meshack-Hart has a rich history of working at the intersection of government and community engagement. His experience in this role has given him valuable insights into the power of communication and advocacy for positive change.

Community Engagement: Meshack-Hart’s commitment to community development is reflected in his role as the founder of the Africa Women Summit. Through this initiative, he has been a driving force behind programs and initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls across the continent. His dedication to gender equality extends to his advocacy for the “He for She” campaign, where he tirelessly champions the rights and opportunities of women and girls.

Tech Enthusiasm: Meshack-Hart is a tech enthusiast who recognizes the transformative potential of technology. He actively engages with and promotes technological advancements that can drive innovation, create opportunities, and improve the lives of individuals, especially women and girls.

Certified Coach and Consultant: Meshack-Hart’s commitment to professional development is further demonstrated by his certification as a coach and consultant for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) by GIZ. This certification reflects his dedication to supporting and nurturing small businesses to thrive and contribute to economic growth.

Vision and Future Goals: Meshack-Hart Kalada Belema envisions a future where gender equality is not just a goal but a lived reality. He aspires to continue empowering women and girls, advocating for gender equality, and leveraging technology for positive change. Through his initiatives and advocacy, he seeks to create a world where opportunities are equitable and communities thrive together.

In conclusion, Meshack-Hart Kalada Belema is a catalyst for change, a champion of gender equality, and a tech enthusiast who uses his knowledge and passion to drive empowerment and sustainable development. His dedication to the Africa Women Summit, the “He for She” campaign, and his role as a coach and consultant exemplify his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place for all.

Summary

Alan Witherden is an accomplished “Connector” a term developed by Malcolm Gladwell in his book, “The Tipping Point” and who are deemed to be “people specialists”. He has had a long career in senior positions spanning the gold mining industry (Anglo American Gold Division, Chamber of Mines), retail and manufacturing (WoolTru Group), international professional firms (Deloitte & PwC) and, currently, a global leader in fund administration, capital markets, corporate and fiduciary services (IQEQ).

For the last twenty years, capitalising on his powerful local and international network, he’s excelled in Director level business development functions and thus is an effective Salesman, also a Gladwell concept that suggests that . Along the way he obtained an MBA at the university of Cape Town Business School.

Alan is committed to the development of future business leaders as evidenced by his long involvement on the Governing Body of a prominent Johannesburg Secondary School where he pioneered a business focus in the teaching curriculum and his participation as a Counsellor in the PwC Partner Development Programme that prepared young Managers for the journey to Partnership.

Outside of the corporate world, Alan is a passionate canoeist, an international Judge for the Olympic Sport of Canoe/Kayak that requires him to adjudicate at the annual canoeing World Championships and Olympic Games (Four Olympic Games thus far). When time permits, he rides his horse in the Free State Veld, is an avid Apiculturist, Bikejoring with his Siberian Huskies, Family Geneaology and researches Military History specialising in the Free State Theatre of the Second Anglo- Boer War (1899 – 1902).

Yashin Brijmohan

Summary

Yashin Brijmohan is an educationist and electrical engineer from South Africa, who has worked within industry and academia in engineering and management positions. He is known for his thought leadership in education and capacity building, particularly in the areas of policy and regulation, industry based experiential learning, global competencies, and educational system design.

His capacity building contributions spanned across primary and secondary schools, universities, and industry educational systems. Yashin Brijmohan has also played key roles in the engineering profession at national, continental, and international levels.

He is currently Co-Chair of the Africa Asia Pacific Accord, Board Member of the UNESCO International Centre for Engineering Education, Chairperson of the Engineering Education Committee of the Federation of African Engineering Organisations, Chair of the Africa Engineering Education Forum executive committee, and Strategic Advisory Board member of the Da Vinci Business School.

He is currently Co-Chair of the Africa Asia Pacific Accord, Board Member of the UNESCO International Centre for Engineering Education, Chairperson of the Engineering Education Committee of the Federation of African Engineering Organisations, Chair of the Africa Engineering Education Forum executive committee, and Strategic Advisory Board member of the Da Vinci Business School.