Dean: Academic Development and Research - Introducing Dr Linda Lunga Sibali

Dr. Linda Lunga Sibali (Pr. Sci. Nat.; MRSSf.; SACI)

BSc. (Hons.); MSc. (Chem.); D. Tech. (Env. Mangnt.)

The Da Vinci Institute wishes to advise you of the new appointment of Dr Linda Sibali who will join the Da Vinci team on 1^st August 2015 as Dean: Academic Development and Research.

Dr Sibali has been married to Thulile Sibali for 3 years since 10 April 2012 and has two daughters aged 22 and 2 years old. He was born and raised in the rough and dusty streets of Kwazakhele Township in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. When he grew up he found that the youth had a certain perception about education and how to achieve what you really want. Education was perceived by the youth as the long route to achieve what you want to be in life, whilst doing crime was the preferred route as it was assumed to be a shorter journey. Hence, his passion in life is to continuously engage with youth on the benefits of education. He always wanted to be educated, achieve more in life and be a role model to the youth in his township.

Dr Sibali’s impressive repertoire consists of a published book titled, ‘Determination of selected endocrine disrupting Compounds in water and sediments from the Jukskei River Catchment Area.’ He has published ten manuscripts in various publications such as the American Journal of Analytical Chemistry (2015), Water Quality Research Journal of Canada (2010), Water SA (2010) and many more.

Dr Sibali obtained his Bachelor of Science in 2000 from the University of Fort Hare in Eastern Cape, majoring in Chemistry and Microbiology. In 2002 he went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemistry from the University of Fort Hare in Eastern Cape. His research topic was titled, ‘Heavy Metal Toxins Analysis in Waste Water Treatment Plant in King William's Town, Eastern Cape.’ In 2003, he continued his learning journey and obtained a Masters in Chemistry from the University of Fort Hare in Eastern Cape. His research topic was tilted, ‘Remediation of Heavy Metals (Cadmium and Lead) and Phthalate Esters in Contaminated Soil Treated with Composts.’

In 2008 Dr Sibali went on to obtain a Doctorate in Technology (Environmental Management, majoring in Analytical/Environmental Chemistry). His research topic was tilted ‘Determination of Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds in Water and Sediments from Jukskei River Catchment Area.’He is currently studying his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Tshwane University of Technology.

In his spare time, he likes to watch sport either live on TV or at a stadium. On a social level he likes to get together with friends. Dr Sibali is curious about life and finds himself drawn to the Da Vinci principle of Curiosita as he likes to read any interesting material and likes to explore the world through travel.

Dr Sibali began his working journey as a chemistry tutor and experienced growth in his career as a lecturer researcher and research administrator in a traditional public university. It was his interest to be part of the Da Vinci Institute as he considers it a top private school for managerial leadership and is eager to learn more about Da Vinci’s approach in higher education within South Africa and abroad.

When asked which managerial leader inspires him, Dr Sibali states that Mrs Yolanda Cuba-Mtyi stands out to him. She is a non-executive Director at Absa Group Limited and serves as a Director at various companies. She is a qualified CA (SA) and has served as Chief Executive Officer of Mvelaphanda Group Limited, where she became one of the youngest chief executive officers ever of a JSE-listed company.

Dr Sibali has the following views on higher education in a developing country:

“It is also a known fact that in many developing countries, the demand for courses and subjects of study has changed and public universities are unable to respond to this phenomenon.

The inability of the public sector to satisfy the growing social demand for higher education has necessitated the entry of the private sector in order to expand access conditions.” 

Based on the above, Dr Sibali thinks private institutions have a big role to play in developing countries as they are more needed by the market of the higher education sector for skills development and cross-border education which is offered mainly through the private sector.

When asked what value he hopes to bring to Da Vinci, Dr Sibali states the below:

“There are four key values that I try, to the best of my ability, to live my life by. Hopefully I can bring these values with me as I venture into my new role at Da Vinci:

·      Integrity - match beliefs, actions, and talk. Be a man that keeps his      word. Be honest and upfront with people.

·         Forward looking - set challenging yet obtainable goals for myself.

·         Competency - constantly learn. Become knowledgeable and great at   whatever undertaking I am involved in.

·         Inspiring - help others. Know that in order to find yourself; you must lose    yourself in the service of others. Become a merchant of hope. Be    patient, kind, and courteous.

These four values encompass everything I want to be as an organization member and person.”

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