The Vega School at Emeris Celebrates First PhD Graduate

Dr Wendy Mahoney has made history as the first PhD graduate of The Vega School at Emeris and as the first recipient of the school’s Black Pencil Award for Excellence. She was recently conferred the qualification IIE Doctor of Philosophy in Brand Leadership at The Vega School at Emeris Umhlanga’s Class of 2025 graduation ceremony.


Reflecting on receiving her PhD after a three year part-time journey, Dr Mahoney described the moment as deeply emotional and meaningful. “This is the most incredible feeling. I am deeply honoured, blessed and grateful to every single person who cheered me on,” she said.


“It was such a profound moment for me because The Vega School at Emeris has been such an intricate part of my personal journey. What made the occasion even more meaningful was the immense pride I felt in the room for this achievement. It was not just my achievement - it was our achievement”.


Dr Carla Enslin (Dean of the Postgraduate & Research Centre at Emeris) said the launch of the IIE Doctor of Philosophy in Brand Leadership in 2021 was a significant moment for The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) and for The Vega School at Emeris.


“It’s a first of its kind qualification and breaks new ground both locally and internationally,” she said.


“The PhD purposefully produces original frameworks, original models, creative insights to innovative and meaningful brand building. We expect our PhD graduates to be the individuals advancing the values-based leadership that grows an organisational culture and the practises that transform communities, businesses, environments,” continued Dr Enslin.

Dr Enslin said the research based programme required candidates to produce original outputs that met both academic and industry expectations. “We are remarkably proud of Wendy Mahoney’s contribution to brand leadership. Her original work on the interplay between the empathy and innovation, in terms of brand leadership, is sure to make a significant difference in how we go about building brands with integrity”.


Before pursuing academia, Dr Mahoney enjoyed an accomplished sales and marketing career in media locally and internationally. After experiencing multiple burnouts, she made the life changing decision to leave the corporate world and rethink her future.


“I thought to myself if I could start my life all over again, what would I do? I realised that throughout my career I had always been passionate about unlocking human potential and helping people grow into who they were meant to become. That’s what led me towards lecturing,” she recalled.

She founded Newmella and Associates in 2015, an innovation consultancy focused on placing and creating executives who fit the future, not just the job description, and she joined The Vega School at Emeris Umhlanga in 2016 as a lecturer.


“Working with the students was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I still love guest lecturing,” she said. “One of the fantastic things about The Vega School at Emeris is that many lecturers bring real-world industry experience into the lecture room while integrating academic theory. It really is wisdom with magic. I found my purpose in the pursuit of my purpose and the Vega School played a big role in that journey. For that I will be forever grateful and loyal to the Vega brand”.


Not one to stand still, Dr Mahoney also completed her IIE Master of Arts in Creative Brand Leadership cum laude before pursuing her doctorate.


“I was very adamant that my PhD was part of my long term vision. After multiple burnouts, I wanted to find a new way of sustainably leading and doing business that was academically reliable and valid,” she said. “I’m incredibly purpose driven and passionate about the value of inclusion within the workplace, as it relates to innovation, change and well-being”.


While achieving her doctorate remains one of her proudest accomplishments, she admitted the journey tested her resilience and endurance. “The last year was definitely the most challenging. I had to redo some chapters multiple times and had to dig very deep in order to do so”.


“I experienced extreme cognitive fatigue during the process, but what emerged from my PhD research were two models I am extremely proud of. The one that I am most proud of emerged after being asked by my supervisors to re-do my findings chapter for what I recall was the fourth time. Sometimes you just need to trust the process”.


Throughout her journey, Dr Mahoney prioritised her well-being and intentionally made time for family, friends and nature. “I made sure I wasn’t just sitting in a cave studying. Walking on the Umhlanga Promenade, hearing the sea and listening to music helped keep me grounded”.


Encouraging students to pursue postgraduate studies, she said further education allowed people to deepen their passions, discover their purpose and create something unique.


“A postgraduate qualification not only differentiates you but also gives you the opportunity to go deeper into what you truly care about,” she said.

“The confidence I have now when I speak is different. I speak with conviction because my work has been peer reviewed and academically validated”.

Sharing advice for young South Africans navigating their own journeys, Dr Mahoney encouraged them not to fear setbacks.


“I’ve had many challenges in life, but they taught me valuable lessons and skills. Failure is the path to success. Failure is prototyping in innovation, that is how you learn. Courage is doing things anyway, despite the fear of failure. I believe everything happens for me, not against me”.


Dr Mahoney was also awarded the first Black Pencil Award for Excellence at The Vega School at Emeris.


Her research supervisor Dr Sean McCoy praised her determination, resilience and contribution to the field of brand leadership.



“Wendy has worked extremely hard and demonstrated remarkable courage, determination and scholarly excellence throughout her PhD journey,” he said.

“She has shown exceptional critical thinking, thought leadership and a fierce pursuit of excellence. It has been a privilege to partner with her on this journey”.


Advtech Updates

By Tamara Thomas May 28, 2026
Advtech Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“Advtech” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY PRESCRIBED OFFICERS, DIRECTOR OF A MAJOR SUBSIDIARY AND THE COMPANY SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY In compliance with paragraphs 6.77 to 6.91 of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements the following information is disclosed in respect of dealings in Advtech securities by prescribed officers, director of a major subsidiary and company secretary of the Company.
By Tamara Thomas May 27, 2026
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) RESULTS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING In terms of section 6.63 of the JSE Listings Requirements, shareholders are hereby advised that at the annual general meeting (“AGM”) of shareholders of the Company held today, Wednesday 27 May 2026 all the proposed ordinary and special resolutions, as set out in the notice of annual general meeting contained in the Integrated Annual Report, were approved by the requisite majority of shareholders present or represented by proxy. Details of the results of voting at the annual general meeting are as follows:
By Tamara Thomas May 27, 2026
Advtech Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“Advtech”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY PRESCRIBED OFFICERS, A DIRECTOR OF A MAJOR SUBSIDIARY, AND COMPANY SECRETARY: SHARE VESTING In compliance with paragraphs 6.77 to 6.91 of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements, the following transactions relating to prescribed officers, director of a major subsidiary and company secretary dealings are hereby disclosed, in terms of the provisions of the Advtech Management Share Incentive Scheme (MSI), regarding performance and retention shares that have vested after 3 years.
By Tamara Thomas May 25, 2026
Access to higher education remains one of South Africa’s most powerful tools for social mobility, economic growth, and national development. For many young people - especially first-generation students - it represents the chance to break cycles of poverty and build better futures for themselves and their families. While it is estimated that between 30-40% of qualifying students can’t access higher education for various reasons annually, simply opening the doors of higher learning to more young people is not enough, an education expert says. Peter Kriel, Executive: Operations at Advtech and The IIE ’s Academic Centre of Excellence, says access and quality must go hand in hand: “True access means creating opportunities for students to enter higher education, thrive within it, graduate with the skills and confidence needed to build meaningful careers.” He says there are five practical ways for South African higher education institutions to expand access while supporting student success: 1) Develop multiple entry pathways Traditional admission routes exclude many talented students whose school backgrounds may not fully reflect their potential. Institutions can widen participation by offering foundation programmes including higher certificates, extended curriculum streams, bridging courses and alternative admission pathways. These flexible entry points acknowledge that academic readiness is not equally available across all communities. By providing targeted academic preparation, institutions can identify and nurture talent that might otherwise be left behind, without lowering standards. “Widening participation is not about lowering academic standards, but rather about creating appropriate pathways that enable students to reach those standards,” says Kriel. 2) Strengthen transition support programmes The jump from school to higher education is often daunting. Students face new academic demands, greater independence, and the need for advanced analytical skills. Strong orientation programmes, first-year experience initiatives and structured academic skills workshops help ease this transition. Proactive support in the critical first year significantly improves retention and builds the foundation for long-term success, notes Kriel. 3) Invest in academic development initiatives Ongoing support is essential. Tutoring services, writing centres, peer-assisted learning programmes, dedicated academic development resources help students bridge knowledge gaps and build confidence. These initiatives are particularly valuable for students navigating higher education for the first time in their families, turning potential struggles into opportunities for growth. 4) Use data to identify at-risk students early Institutions should harness student success analytics to spot challenges before they become crises. Early warning systems allow for timely interventions - whether through additional tutoring, counselling, or personalised support. “Proactive data-driven approaches dramatically improve completion rates and ensure that expanded access translates into actual graduate outcomes,” says Kriel. 5) Create inclusive and adaptive learning environments Students succeed best when they feel they belong. Inclusive campuses that respect diversity, foster connection, and value different backgrounds help students engage fully with their studies. AI and adaptive technologies further enhance this by enabling personalised learning pathways - adjusting content, pace, support in real time to match each student’s unique needs, learning style and progress. Feeling respected and supported by lecturers and peers, ensures increased persistence and chances for success. BROADER IMPACT AND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY When students complete their qualifications, the benefits multiply, says Kriel. “Graduates access better employment, develop critical thinking and professional skills, and often become role models who inspire the next generation. This creates a powerful ripple effect: stronger families, more skilled communities and broader economic growth.” Students also have a key role to play.  Actively using available support services, building good study habits, managing time effectively, engaging with lecturers, staying curious can make a significant difference, he advises. At the same time, institutions must recognise that many students enter higher education while dealing with financial pressure, family responsibilities, or personal challenges. Support systems therefore need to be visible, accessible and proactive - reaching students before they have to ask for help. “Expanding access to quality higher education is one of South Africa’s greatest opportunities for meaningful change. This means not simply increasing enrolment numbers, but an active strategy to unlock human potential, enabling individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader economy.”
By Tamara Thomas May 15, 2026
New name and visual identity prepare the way for university status and further rapid growth
By Tamara Thomas May 6, 2026
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source. One of the most important expectations placed on higher education today is that it prepares students for successful careers. While intellectual development remains central to the mission of universities, students increasingly seek - rightly so - educational experiences that provide clear pathways into professional life. Career-focused education, therefore, plays a vital role in connecting academic learning with the practical realities of the workplace. Peter Kriel, Executive: Operations at The Independent Institute of Education , says for this reason, it is incumbent on universities to actively strengthen the link between learning and employability. “Students enter higher education with the hope that their qualifications will enable them to build meaningful careers,” he explains. “Institutions therefore have a responsibility to ensure that academic programmes provide both theoretical depth and opportunities for practical application.” Career-focused education does not diminish the intellectual value of higher education. Rather, it enhances it by ensuring that academic knowledge can be applied to real-world contexts. “In today’s economy, employers seek graduates who can demonstrate both subject knowledge and practical capabilities. Skills such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving are highly valued across industries. “Universities must help students develop these competencies by integrating practical life skills opportunities into academic programmes. Work-integrated learning, internships, project-based learning, and industry collaborations also provide students with valuable opportunities to apply what they have learned in real-world settings.” These experiences help students build confidence while also developing the professional skills that employers seek, says Kriel. Institutions seeking to strengthen career-focused education can consider the following approaches. 5 WAYS UNIVERSITIES CAN STRENGTHEN THE FOCUS ON CAREER-READINESS  1. Expand work-integrated learning opportunities Internships, practical placements, and industry projects allow students to gain direct exposure to professional environments. This means that students graduate with practical experience that enhances employability. 2. Strengthen career guidance and development services Career counselling, CV workshops, and interview preparation help students transition successfully into the workplace. Students, therefore, gain clarity about career pathways and develop stronger job-search skills. 3. Develop strong employer partnerships Collaboration with industry partners can provide insights into emerging skills requirements and new employment opportunities. Institutions must strengthen their alignment with labour market needs. 4. Embed professional skills - including AI skills - within curricula Communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills should be integrated into academic programmes rather than treated as separate activities. This would allow graduates to become well-rounded professionals capable of contributing effectively in the workplace. In addition, universities should explicitly teach students how to responsibly and effectively use AI tools, given the rapidly changing nature of the workplace. This includes developing critical AI literacy skills such as prompt engineering, ethical AI use, evaluating AI-generated outputs, and integrating AI to augment human capabilities rather than replace them. 5. Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation Not all graduates will follow traditional employment pathways. Institutions that promote entrepreneurial thinking help students identify opportunities to create their own ventures. It is also a fact that entrepreneurship contributes to job creation and economic development. Given all this, it is clear that career-focused education delivers benefits that extend beyond individual graduates. For students , it increases confidence and preparedness as they transition from study to employment. Exposure to professional environments helps students better understand industry expectations and workplace dynamics. For institutions , strong employability outcomes enhance reputation and strengthen relationships with industry partners. For society , career-focused education contributes to economic growth by ensuring that graduates possess the skills required to support innovation and productivity. “Higher education institutions have a unique opportunity to shape the future workforce by designing programmes that combine academic excellence with practical relevance. Institutions that embrace career-focused education ultimately strengthen their contribution to society,” says Kriel. “When higher education institutions actively connect learning with professional opportunity, they empower graduates to build careers that are both personally fulfilling and economically productive. As economies evolve and industries continue to transform, the ability of higher education to bridge the gap between learning and the workplace is essential.”
By Tamara Thomas April 28, 2026
In April, Advtech was represented at the Reggio Emilia International Conference in Italy, represented alongside delegates from 47 countries and more than 360 participants from across the globe. This gathering offered a powerful opportunity to engage deeply with the Reggio Emilia philosophy at its source and to reflect on its relevance and resonance within Advtech schools. The Reggio Emilia approach, particularly within the Early Years (infant, toddler, preschool, and primary phases), is grounded in the belief that children are capable, curious, and rich in potential. It offers inclusive learning environments that support students’ wellbeing, encourage meaningful social interaction, and foster a strong sense of belonging. Central to this approach is a shared responsibility to the community, one that embraces diversity, promotes collaboration, and nourishes a creative culture for teaching and learning. At the heart of the Reggio Emilia approach lies the understanding that education is not self-sufficient. Learning does not happen in isolation; it emerges through resources, experiences, theories, dialogue, and relationships. Children do not learn by themselves, but through interaction with others and through engagement with thoughtfully designed environments. As a result, classroom spaces are intentionally equipped to reflect what is being taught, ensuring that the environment itself becomes an active participant in learning, often referred to as the “third teacher.” Advtech’s Early Years approach aligns strongly with this philosophy, where the “Hundred Languages of Children” is deeply valued. This metaphor, introduced by Loris Malaguzzi, recognises that children express their thinking, understanding, and creativity in many different ways, through art, movement, speech, construction, play, and inquiry. Children are seen as natural researchers who explore ideas through encounters with peers, materials, and experiences. Through thinking, acting, listening, and questioning with curious minds, they co-construct knowledge together. Accessible, everyday materials, such as paper, natural objects, and recycled resources play an important role in these learning experiences. These materials invite creativity, exploration, and critical thinking. Students engage in practices such as observational drawing, while teachers carefully document learning through photographs, notes, and displays. Documentation makes thinking visible and honours children’s learning journeys, allowing reflection for both learners and educators. A key principle of the Reggio Emilia approach is seeing each child as an individual with rights, resulting in personalised learning being evident in every classroom. The teacher’s role shifts from instructor to guide, listener, and co-learner, creating space for each child’s voice to be heard. As Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the Reggio Emilia approach, famously stated: “There is no learning without joy.”  Learning, therefore, should be joyful, playful, and filled with discovery. Children should experience learning as pleasurable, stimulating, and meaningful. Visiting Reggio Emilia schools demonstrated how this philosophy comes alive through rotational group teaching, flexible learning environments, and classroom spaces that change in response to children’s interests and inquiries. Importantly, learning in Reggio Emilia is a collective journey. Teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff all play an integral role in nurturing each child’s development. Even at a young age, children are encouraged to engage in research, which supports divergent thinking and honours the fact that no two learners are the same. Listening carefully to children’s ideas and theories becomes a fundamental act of respect.
By Tamara Thomas April 22, 2026
Advtech Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“Advtech” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY DIRECTORS, A DIRECTOR OF A MAJOR SUBSIDIARY, PRESCRIBED OFFICERS AND THE GROUP COMPANY SECRETARY In terms of paragraphs 6.77 to 6.90 of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements (“JSE Listings Requirements”), the following transactions, in respect of which prior written approval pursuant to paragraph 6.83 of the JSE Listings Requirements have been obtained, is hereby disclosed.
By Tamara Thomas April 21, 2026
Advtech Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“Advtech” or “the Company”) Dealings in securities by the Advtech Management Share Incentive Plan 2026 (“MSI scheme”) In compliance with paragraphs 6.77 – 6.90 of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements the following information is disclosed in respect of dealings in Advtech securities by the MSI Scheme:
By Tamara Thomas April 21, 2026
Advtech Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“the Company” or “Advtech”) PUBLICATION OF ANNUAL INTEGRATED REPORT, NO CHANGE STATEMENT, NOTICE OF VIRTUAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, AND AVAILABILITY OF B-BBEE COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE Publication of Annual Integrated Report Shareholders are advised that the Advtech 2025 Annual Integrated Report (“Integrated Report”) and the Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Report have been published today. Electronic versions of the Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 (“AFS”) and Ernst & Young Incorporated’s unqualified audit report are available on the Company’s website at: https://www.groupadvtech.com/financial-results and on the JSE Cloudlink at: https://senspdf.jse.co.za/documents/2026/JSE/ISSE/ADH/AFSYE2025.PDF The Integrated Report and ESG Report are available on the Company’s website at www.groupadvtech.com No Change Statement The consolidated AFS contain no modifications to the financial information published on SENS on 23 March 2026. Notice of Virtual Annual General Meeting Notice is hereby given that the virtual annual general meeting (“AGM”) of shareholders of the Company will be accessible on an interactive electronic platform, in order to facilitate participation and voting by shareholders, as permitted by the JSE Limited, the provisions of the Companies Act and the Company's Memorandum of Incorporation, on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 at 10h00, to consider and, if deemed fit, to pass with or without modification all of the ordinary and special resolutions set out in the notice of AGM to be distributed to shareholders on or before 21 April 2026. To this end, the Company has retained the services of The Meeting Specialist Proprietary Limited (“TMS”) to host the AGM on an interactive electronic platform, in order to facilitate participation and voting by shareholders. Our transfer secretaries, JSE Investor Services Proprietary Limited, will act as scrutineer. Shareholders who wish to participate in and/or vote at the AGM are required to contact TMS on proxy@tmsmeetings.co.za or alternatively contact them on 081 711 4255 / 084 433 4836 / 061 440 0654 as soon as possible, but in any event no later than 10h00 on Monday, 25 May 2026.  Shareholders are strongly encouraged to submit votes by proxy before the meeting. If shareholders wish to participate in the AGM, they should instruct their Central Securities Depository Participant (CSDP) or Broker to issue them with the necessary letter of representation to participate in the AGM, in the manner stipulated in their custody agreement. These instructions must be provided to the CSDP or broker by the cut-off time and date advised by the CSDP or broker, to accommodate such requests. SALIENT DATES The record date for the purposes of determining the shareholders of the Company entitled to receive the AGM notice is Friday, 10 April 2026. The record date for purposes of determining which shareholders of the Company are entitled to attend, participate in, and to vote at the AGM is Friday, 22 May 2026. Accordingly, the last date to trade in the Company’s shares on JSE Limited in order to be eligible to attend, participate in and vote at the AGM is Tuesday, 19 May 2026. AVAILABILITY OF B-BBEE COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE In compliance with paragraph 12.7(g) and Appendix 1 to section 6 of the JSE Listing Requirements, shareholders are advised that the Company’s annual compliance certificate in terms of section 13G(2) of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Amendment Act, No 46 of 2013, is available on the Company’s website at https://www.groupadvtech.com . 21 April 2026 Johannesburg Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited