The People Behind
Carpe Diem Academy

Founder of Carpe Diem Solns, with an academic path from BSc and BSc Honours in Microbiology (Univen), through a MSc in Nanoscience (UWC), to a National Diploma and Advanced Diploma in ICT (CPUT). Along the way: data annotation, science engagement, and software development roles. The move from Medical Bioscience to ICT wasn't a pivot so much as proof of the idea behind Carpe Diem itself: the clearest opportunities rarely announce themselves, and most of the real decisions come down to taking the leap anyway.

Bongesizwe is an accomplished engineering educator and systems specialist with over a decade of expertise spanning advanced communication networks, industrial routing and switching, and emerging blockchain technologies. Holding a PhD and a deep institutional background across top South African universities, he bridges high-level academic research with hands-on infrastructure engineering. At Carpe Diem Solns, he leverages his technical command of IP/Datacom architectures and network design to provide elite structural oversight and strategic academic mentorship.

An adaptable full-stack engineer and multi-disciplinary creative, Franco Lukhele has been developing software since high school. Currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in ICT Applications Development at CPUT, he pairs his advanced computing studies with practical industry experience from his software engineering tenure at Plum Systems. Beyond traditional web architecture, Franco is an active indie game developer and brings an extensive creative suite to the team, spanning graphic design, video production, audio production, and audio mastering. In our lean startup structure, he serves as a versatile technical and creative force, capable of building high-performance applications while polishing the digital media assets that bring them to life.

I'm a truly passionate developer focused on understanding the core lifeblood of any system through software architecture and backend engineering. As a recent graduate of the Application Development diploma from CPUT, I've been living out the ideal meaning behind Carpe Diem by continuing to grow within the tech landscape and not shying away from the growth that comes with it.

Originally from Limpopo, Madavha is a software developer dedicated to creating innovative digital systems that tackle real-world problems. He took his academic journey all the way to Cape Town, successfully graduating with his initial Diploma in Application Development at CPUT and continuing his studies there through an Advanced Diploma in ICT. He loves diving into complex database structures, systems analysis, and emerging frameworks to build meaningful, community-focused tools that bring creative ideas to life.

Bennet is an Agentic AI Engineer, he designs AI-driven solutions that automate workflows, streamline operations, and tackle complex business challenges. His work spans building AI agents, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems, intelligent automation, and solution architectures currently on the BMC Helix platform and beyond. A graduate of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology with a Diploma in Application Development. Bennet began his journey from a non-traditional background in Business Studies, Economics, and Mathematical Literacy. Through determination and continuous learning, he transitioned into software engineering and now specializes in artificial intelligence and automation. His interests include software engineering, backend development, AI systems, cloud technologies, and solution architecture. He enjoys building products from the ground up, turning ideas into working systems, and staying at the forefront of emerging technologies

A dedicated researcher and educator specializing in the intersection of nanomedicine and biotechnology, Dr. Dakalo Singo brings high-level scientific expertise to the team. Holding a PhD from Nelson Mandela University, their work centers on developing innovative, green-chemistry drug-delivery systems to combat metabolic disorders and inflammation. Beyond their laboratory research, Dr. Singo is deeply committed to academic mentorship and collaborative teaching, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and community-focused healthcare solutions. True to a 'Nano' life philosophy, they believe that just as massive impacts are made through tiny, targeted nanoparticles, small and consistent daily actions are the ultimate building blocks of any major life achievement.

Dr. Nzumbululo Ndou is a researcher in Microbiology and Biotechnology with expertise in nanotechnology, plant stress physiology, and sustainable agriculture. He holds an MSc in Microbiology (University of Venda) and a PhD in Biotechnology (University of the Western Cape). His experience spans teaching, mentoring, laboratory science, and research assistance at the University of Venda, UWC, and BARC-SA. He has co-authored publications in Plants, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and Agriculture. Dr. Ndou is passionate about science communication, student mentorship, and developing innovative solutions for food security under climate change.

An expert in transdisciplinary agriculture research and sustainable systems, Dr. Rudzani Angel Mudzielwana joins the team as our Postgraduate Research Specialist, focusing her expertise entirely on our STEM academic division. Holding a PhD in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management from UKZN alongside a Master’s in Food Security, she brings elite scientific insight to our startup's research initiatives. Backed by her ongoing postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pretoria, Rudzani focuses on the high-level needs of postgraduates and early-career researchers, aligning our technical projects with advanced scientific frameworks, analyzing complex data structures, and ensuring our tools meet the rigorous demands of advanced academia.

A medical scientist and educator with deep roots in laboratory innovation, Charles joins the team as an Academic Operations and Repository Specialist. Holding a Master’s degree from the University of Pretoria and a BSc Honors from the University of Venda, he brings extensive experience from top-tier institutions like UCT, Stellenbosch, and the NICD. His background pairs a strong mastery of data logging and repository management with digital education expertise as a UNISA E-tutor. Within our flat startup structure, Charles focuses on aligning our digital tools with the specialized needs of the academic division, supporting both foundational undergraduate learning and advanced postgraduate research workflows.

A passionate Maths and Science educator with a gift for making abstract concepts tangible. Sikhitha N joins the team as a subject matter specialist. Holding a BEDMCH degree from University of Venda. Brings classroom experience from secondary and STEM bridging programmes. Approach combines inquiry-based learning with real-world problem-solving, supporting both foundational numeracy and advanced physical sciences. Focuses on aligning curriculum design with learners needs- from interactive digital tools to hands-on lab demonstration

Lutendo is a dedicated, self-driven education professional specializing in advanced instructional practices, curriculum engagement, and academic development. Holding a Bachelor of Education (Senior Phase & FET) alongside an Honours degree in Education, they bring a deep theoretical framework and structured methodology to modern learning environments. Currently expanding their expertise through advanced studies at UNISA, Lutendo blends academic rigour with a highly analytical, strategic approach to problem-solving honed through a passion for chess. At Carpe Diem Solns, they leverage this patience and clarity to drive lifelong learning initiatives and deliver impactful academic engineering and mentorship frameworks.

Mathoma Phuluso is an Educator who specializes in Biology (Life Science) and English. He holds a Bachelor's degree (University of Venda) and is currently furthuring his education with an Honors degree in Curriculum Development (University of South Africa). He has been teaching at different levels ranging from Grade 8 to Grade 11 for the past four years coupled with a year of tutoring English literature before he completed his degree. He is extremely passionate about empowering young minds with proper language usage and understanding, as well as promoting and nurturing the love of science in the youth of the country.

A seasoned strategist in product management and commercial workflows, Thendo Sadiki joins the team as our Product Owner, Project Manager, and Business Analyst. Backed by an Honors in Business Management, formal Business Analysis credentials from FTI, Liberty Group, and six years of experience as a Product Owner at Solubard, she excels at shaping product roadmaps from the ground up. In our flat startup structure, Thendo plays a pivotal role driving project management and spearheading client onboarding. She acts as a vital bridge, interpreting advanced business requirements for our developers, tracking project timelines, and structuring premium, seamless onboarding and support experiences for our clients.

Bringing a powerhouse blend of scientific background, technical strategy, and client communications, Honour joins the team as our Business Analyst, Product Owner, and Client Experience Lead. Having recently graduated with an ICT Diploma in Software Development alongside her Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from UWC, she provides the perfect analytical bridge for our STEM-focused academic division. Backed by a massive nine-year track record at Amazon managing teams and analyzing complex data trends, Honour wears multiple critical hats, running business analysis to dissect scientific and technical client needs, defining product roadmaps for our developers, and spearheading our front-line customer support and onboarding communications.