Tag: DaVinci Alumni

  • From Student To Staff – Monica Palesa Mofokeng’s DaVinci Journey

    From Student To Staff – Monica Palesa Mofokeng’s DaVinci Journey

    Monica Palesa Mofokeng’s success story is one of DaVinci’s proud contributions. She enrolled with The DaVinci Institute back in April 2022 as a Higher Certificate student. At the time, her focus was mainly on pursuing her studies. However, she would later see an opportunity to join the institute as an intern. 

    At The DaVinci Institute, internships are not just opportunities; they are launchpads. The institute has a unique way of absorbing talented interns into permanent roles, creating real opportunities for young people to grow their careers. By bridging academic learning with workplace experience, DaVinci plays an active role in tackling youth unemployment, ensuring that skills gained in the classroom are not only applied but also nurtured in a professional setting.

    Journey From Student to Staff Member

    When Mofokeng joined The DaVinci Institute in April 2022 as a Higher Certificate student, she had no idea just how much it would change both personally and professionally. From day one, Mofokeng was drawn to DaVinci’s unique approach to education, one that blends innovation, critical thinking, systems thinking, technology, and real-world application.

    “As I progressed in my studies, I was offered an internship. That’s when my journey truly began to transform. I was thrown into projects across different departments, gaining hands-on experience and building relationships that still mean a lot to me today. What struck me most was that DaVinci’s values weren’t just printed in brochures, they were lived out daily, in every conversation and decision,” she shares. 

    Coming from the corporate world, the culture shift was refreshing. Challenges were met with creativity and empathy. Collaboration was not just encouraged; it was a way of life that she found in DaVinci. 

    Lessons That Shaped Monica Mofokeng

    During her internship, she sharpened skills she still relies on today, including clear communication, active listening, academic writing, and modern IT knowledge. Having completed her qualification in 2011, Mofokeng had not had many opportunities to use her academic skills until DaVinci gave her the platform to relearn and adapt to a changing digital world.

    “A pivotal figure in my growth was Alpheus Smit, who patiently guided us through DaVinci’s systems and operations. His mentorship deepened my understanding and made me love my work. When he unexpectedly left, I had to step up fast. With limited knowledge, I kept things running. It was daunting, but it taught me resilience, problem-solving, and self-belief,” she explains. 

    One defining moment was when I was asked to train my new line manager on the system. That’s when it hit me: I had mastered most administrative processes, could troubleshoot on my own, and resolve 98% of logged tickets. That confidence made my transition from intern to permanent staff in 2024 feel natural and earned.

    Inside DaVinci’s Work Culture

    Four things stand out about DaVinci’s culture:

    • Personal and academic development go together here.
    • From day one, I felt like part of a team that valued mentorship and knowledge-sharing.
    • Even as an intern, my work mattered.
    • New ideas are welcomed, and many of mine were put into action.

    Life Now

    “Today, I work across academic, operations, and marketing departments, helping ensure that everything we do has real impact. I am not just a graduate; I am part of the team shaping the institute’s future,” Mofokeng explains her journey. 

    Looking Forward

    She wants to deepen her leadership, innovation, and human-centred design skills while staying true to values like empathy, integrity, and curiosity. She hopes to inspire others through action, just as she was inspired when she first walked through DaVinci’s doors.

    “My journey from student to intern to permanent staff shows what can happen when opportunity meets dedication. At The DaVinci Institute, I didn’t just earn a qualification. I found my purpose,” she says.

  • DaVinci Alumna Masters Life’s Many Roles

    DaVinci Alumna Masters Life’s Many Roles

    Few people embody versatility and purpose like Thuso Mojatau, a proud DaVinci alumna. She is a mother of two, wife, and Office Support Manager at FNB’s real estate division. She somehow finds time to host a radio show, manage large-scale events, and release spiritually-inspired music, all while earning her BCom in Project Management, a journey that culminated in her graduation on 29 May 2025.

    Meet Thuso Mojatau: DaVinci Alumna and FNB Manager

    We caught up with Thuso shortly after the graduation ceremony, and her enthusiasm was infectious.

    “Honestly, I feel proud,” she said, pausing slightly as if taking it all in. “Project management has always been part of what I do, but this degree puts a name to the work I’ve been doing for years.”

    Just weeks before graduating, she was deep in preparations for the Africa Rising music concert, a major event she managed from beginning to end. It’s this kind of juggling act that seems almost impossible on paper, but for Thuso, it’s simply her way of life.

    “I live by my schedule,” she said with a chuckle. “I colour-code everything, plan out my days to the last detail. But here’s the thing, you must genuinely love what you’re doing. That’s what makes the balancing act possible.”

    Between career, family, and creative projects, it’s clear she’s not just multitasking, she’s weaving together different parts of her life in a way that feels intentional and grounded.

    The TIPS™ framework 

    One of the biggest tools that shaped her journey? The TIPS™ framework at DaVinci, short for Technology, Innovation, People and Systems Thinking.

    “It really changed the way I see things,” she explained. “Whether I’m preparing for a radio show or working on a corporate presentation, I find myself thinking in systems. It’s not something I switch off when I leave campus. It’s with me all the time.”

    Mode 2 Learning

    Another game-changer was Mode 2 learning, a fresh concept for her, but one that quickly made sense.

    “Before DaVinci, I’d never come across Mode 2. But it clicked fast. We were asked to write about real issues, things like the economic impact of COVID-19 or what’s happening in South Africa right now. That’s when learning becomes real.”

    Her academic research, in fact, came straight from her heart. It explored how spirituality in the workplace can uplift morale and boost performance, something she believes companies should embrace more.

    “My paper didn’t aim to solve a problem,” she said, thoughtfully. “It was more of an invitation to explore. What happens when employees have a space to step away, reflect, pray, or just breathe? Regardless of one’s belief system, that moment of spiritual reconnection can have a powerful impact on work culture,” said the DaVinci alumna.

    As a recording artist in the Afro-house genre, though classically trained, Thuso says her music carries the same spirit as her research: joyful, rooted, and meaningful.

    Encouragement From DaVinci Alumna to Students

    But like most stories of success, hers isn’t without moments of doubt.

    “In my first year, I had to repeat academic literacy,” she admitted. “I was embarrassed. I thought, maybe this isn’t for me. I nearly gave up. But something told me to keep going. And I’m glad I did.”

    Her advice to others?

    “Just stay. Even when it’s rough. Even when you feel alone. It takes time, but eventually, you start understanding what this learning model is about. Then it stops feeling hard and starts feeling alive.”

    With her degree now in hand, Thuso Mojatau joins the growing number of DaVinci alumni who are not only excelling in their careers but living out their purpose, in full colour.