At AFDA, innovation is about more than generating ideas, it’s about transforming those ideas into sustainable businesses that create value for society. Helping students navigate that journey is Bhekisipho Mabhena, AFDA’s Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation (PGDI) Lead and Senior Finance Lecturer, whose passion for entrepreneurship and financial strategy is equipping the next generation of creative innovators with the tools to build successful ventures.
Holding an MBA from the Johannesburg Business School at the University of Johannesburg, Mabhena brings a wealth of financial expertise and practical business insight into the classroom. His teaching philosophy centres on one simple principle: creativity reaches its full potential when supported by sound financial decision-making.
As the lead for AFDA’s Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation, Mabhena plays a key role in preparing graduates from diverse disciplines to become entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders. The programme challenges students to identify opportunities, develop innovative solutions and transform concepts into viable, investment-ready ventures through research, collaboration and real-world application.
Within the programme, Mabhena specialises in Start-Up Finance, helping students understand one of the most critical aspects of launching any successful enterprise. From financial modelling and funding strategies to budgeting, cash flow management and investment readiness, he equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the confidence to make informed business decisions in an increasingly competitive global economy.
His approach reflects AFDA’s belief that creative talent and commercial acumen should go hand in hand. Rather than viewing finance as a barrier to creativity, Mabhena encourages students to see it as a powerful enabler, one that allows innovative ideas to grow into sustainable businesses capable of creating jobs, generating economic value and driving meaningful social impact.
As technology continues to reshape industries and entrepreneurship becomes an essential skill across every sector of the creative economy, financial literacy has never been more important. Mabhena’s teaching ensures that AFDA graduates leave with more than entrepreneurial ambition, they graduate with the strategic financial mindset required to build resilient businesses and lead innovation with confidence.
Through his leadership, mentorship and commitment to developing financially astute entrepreneurs, Bhekisipho Mabhena continues to strengthen AFDA’s mission of producing graduates who don’t simply participate in the creative economy, they help shape its future.