d-lab alumni
Our first group of students (Cohort 1) are ambitious, smart, unemployed young people, mainly from Diepsloot in Gauteng and Langa in the Western Cape. They are all alumni of the LEAP Science and Maths school network. The first group of students was selected after going through a rigorous and competitive selection process. Future students will come from across the country, and then from all corners of the globe.
Here are our Cohort 1 students:
Siphumezo Adam
Year of Matriculation: 2020
Location: Gauteng
University experience: No
- Introduction to finance: Basics provided by Coursera: University of Illinois
- Word processing provided by ICDL
I am an aspiring author, passionate about changing the world through my writings. I am ambitious, an innovative thinker, and committed to lifelong learning. I am part of the d-lab work-readiness programme which focuses on design thinking and equips its students with various skills including foundational digital literacies. Through d-lab, I have expanded my metacognition, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills. While a d-lab student, I have also upskilled myself with online courses in Finance through Coursera.
I am looking forward to working in the Communications and Finance Industries as it is in these areas where I believe I can thrive.
Patie Botha
Year of Matriculation: 2010
Location: Gauteng
University experience: No
- Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for success provided by Imperial College London
I am a self-employed fashion designer running my own clothing company, Patie M Apparel, which specialises in intimate wear for women. I am a self-driven young woman who finds no challenge too big for me. I have been an active and enthusiastic participant in d-lab. I’ve greatly enjoyed the opportunity to learn and put into practice the skills I’ve developed at d-lab – solving design challenges, delivering research projects, and learning about the real world of work from our d-lab coaches and corporate partners.
I am also a female empowerment advocate. I run a programme that helps young black women start their own small businesses.
WISIZWI SIPHIWE FUBESI
Year of Matriculation: 2016
Location: Cape Town
University experience: UNISA (Business Management)
- Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for success provided by Imperial College London
I am a third-year student at UNISA studying BCom in Business Management and I am part of d-lab’s first cohort. I have great communication, problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
As part of d-lab’s curriculum, I have completed courses in Online Essentials and Word Processing through the ICDL program. I am seeking employment to apply the skills and knowledge I have learnt in the programme and in university.
Balungile Jafta
Year of Matriculation: 2011
Location: Cape Town
University experience: No
- Design Thinking Critical Thinking Course provided by IBM
- Critical Thinking Course provided by Allison
I am a capable, diligent and enthusiastic young woman. I have completed a diploma in Sports Management Sciences. I am currently enrolled in d-lab, and also actively volunteer my time in my community.
Many aspects of d-lab have contributed to who I am today. My logical thinking and problem-solving skills have been greatly improved by the programme. I have learned to examine problems and break them down into fundamentals in order to understand how best to solve them. I have also explored and developed basic data literacy techniques together with developing more effective approaches to learning, teamwork, time management, writing, presenting and working effectively in teams to achieve ambitious goals. I have already successfully applied these new skills, not only to my projects at d-lab, but also to my life in general in my community.
Sbonakaliso Kunene
Year of Matriculation: 2011
Location: Gauteng
University experience: No
- Interpersonal skills provided by IBM
- Microsoft Excel provided by Microsoft
- Word processing provided by ICDL
I am passionate about learning and technology. I am very interested in using technology to enhance learning for others. To this end, I am working on my own EdTech start-up. I also love teaching myself about different technologies. I am proficient in several programming languages and frameworks including Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, PHP, Java and Kotlin.
My hobbies include making video games with Unity3d and C#. I also like experimenting with augmented and virtual reality. I have worked as a freelance web developer. Through the d-lab Programme, I have been immersed in many situations where I have demonstrated discipline, attention to detail, and the effectiveness of my communication and collaboration skills in solving complex problems. I also have been an integral part of Design Thinking sprints that combined empathy, empirical soundness, unbounded creativity and prototyping.
Yongama Majuqu
Year of Matriculation: 2012
Location: Gauteng
University experience: CPUT (Architectural Technology degree)
- Finance for Non-Finance Professionals provided by Rice University
I am a candidate senior Architectural technologist, I obtained my Bachelor’s degree at the Cape Peninsula University of Cape Town in 2018. I aspire to become a professional architect and an entrepreneur.
I am a passionate, multi-faceted individual who aims for nothing but the best. This is mainly influenced by the design thinking approach which allows one to adapt to any environment based on the data presented to them.
The d-lab program has helped me with various aspects of the digital age of work. It has exposed me to collaborative tools and enhanced my presentation aptitudes. I have expanded my network through my mentor whom I have been assigned.
Nomfundo Mazibuko
Year of Matriculation: 2016
Location: Gauteng
University experience: No
- Creative thinking techniques and tools for success provided by Imperial College London
- Word processing online essentials provided by ICDL
I am a young, motivated woman who is always willing to learn. I am part of the d-lab programme where technical, work-readiness, intra- and inter-personal skills are developed.
A key insight I have learned during d-lab is to never underestimate my own capabilities and strengths and to always reflect and learn from my mistakes. I have also learned how to use online collaboration tools like Zoom, Canva, Mentimeter and Miro, as well as MS Office and the Internet for effective research. d-lab has built up my readiness for the world of work and my goal is to get job where I can apply my creativity, empathy and care for other people together with my newly-developed skills in teamwork and problem-solving.
Rosetta Mdluli
Year of Matriculation: 2018
Location: Gauteng
University experience: University of Johannesburg, (BAcc)
- Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success provided by Imperial College London
I am a final year student studying a Bachelor of Accounting degree at the University of Johannesburg. I am an entrepreneur and aspiring global management chartered accountant. At d-lab I have developed skills in design thinking and deepened my foundational digital literacies. I have also evolved my meta-learning capabilities, critical thinking, and the effectiveness of my communication and teamwork. I am driven by continuous learning and the opportunity for innovation.
Give me figures and I will show you what critical thinking is!
Dylan Nkomo
Year of Matriculation: 2021
Location: Gauteng
University experience: No
- Solving Problems With Critical And Creative Thinking provided by IBM
- Introduction to Finance: The Basics provided by Cousera: University of Illinois
I am an outspoken individual always interested in broadening my knowledge. I am young, motivated, and bright-eyed. My curiosity led me to take an interest in software development. I have been accepted to study Computer Science at UJ in 2023. After attending University, I will seek full-time work opportunities.
I am proficient in programming languages including Python, C, and a touch of C++. On top of being passionate about building my career, I am also passionate about the footprint and the impact I have on other people’s lives. Being a d-lab student has allowed me to learn both fundamental and complex skills including effective research and teamwork, as well as problem-solving through design thinking.
Angel Sithole
Year of Matriculation: 2019
Location: Gauteng
University experience: No
- Creative Thinking Techniques provided by IBM Digital
I am a young and enthusiastic individual who is looking for a creative space to explore my creative side. I am a leader and a go-getter, and I live by the “Champions rise to the occasion!”
At d-lab I have challenged myself in so many different ways – learning new skills, working with different people to solve problems and design challenges, and developing the confidence to present design thinking research and insights to d-lab’s corporate stakeholders.
