Midway through the MBA programme at Stellenbosch Business School, Davina Mentoor (34), who is a departmental manager in the Civil Engineering Department at Stellenbosch University, discovered she was pregnant with her second child.

Balancing the demands of an MBA was already a challenge. Doing it while carrying a baby and later caring for a newborn, meant navigating exhaustion, deadlines, and the unrelenting reality that motherhood doesn’t pause for academic ambitions. “I can confess that pregnancy was not part of my two-year plan, but my plan and God’s plan were different. I had to take it day by day and make sure I planned my MBA deadlines ahead to leave room for emergencies.”

Davina’s decision to pursue an MBA was not simply about career advancement, but more about breaking generational cycles, leading by example, and proving that education and family are not mutually exclusive. Her journey is one of quiet strength, determination, and adaptation – a powerful reminder that while institutions might advise against major life changes during an MBA, sometimes life has its own curriculum.

In September 2023, Davina gave birth to her son. Two weeks later, she was back to studying. “I still vividly remember tackling deadlines and preparing for exams just days after giving birth. It was exhausting, overwhelming at times, but I had made a commitment to finish, and I wasn’t going to give up.”

The logistics were relentless. Knowing that newborns require near-constant attention, Davina mapped out every available moment for study. “I set aside two hours a day, over lunch and before heading home to work on my assignments. At home, my time belonged to my kids and husband. I made a rule to never open my laptop at home unless it was an absolute emergency.”

By January 2024, when her baby boy was four months old, he started daycare. The weight of responsibility never disappeared, but Davina adapted, strategised, and pressed on. Beyond the physical exhaustion, the mental and emotional toll was immense. Juggling motherhood, a high-stakes academic programme, and her career created moments of intense anxiety.

“There were days when I was completely overwhelmed. At times, the pressure felt unbearable. But I kept reminding myself that I had control over my mind. My mom always told me, ‘You are the only one who can overcome anxiety and depression.’ That advice kept me grounded.”

Why women carry the heaviest load

While both men and women pursue MBAs, Professor Anita Bosch’s eye-opening research as Research Chair: Women at Work at Stellenbosch Business School, highlights a stark reality:

• Women carry the majority of unpaid caregiving responsibilities, even when balancing full-time jobs and studies.
• The burden of childcare falls disproportionately on mothers, especially in the first year of a child’s life.
• Women in leadership roles often face more pressure to ‘prove’ themselves, especially when taking maternity leave or managing family life alongside ambitious career goals.

“Unlike a man, a woman carries most of the weight – physically, emotionally, and mentally – when having a child. That first year of a baby’s life is incredibly demanding. But I wasn’t willing to sacrifice my goals. I wanted my children to grow up seeing that it is possible.”

Behind every mother pursuing an MBA is a village that makes it possible and Davina found strength in her support system. “My husband, parents, and siblings were my biggest supporters. They stood by me throughout my MBA journey, stepping in when I needed time to study or rest.” And in the moments when no one else could help, she relied on her deeply rooted faith.

Redefining leadership through motherhood

For Davina, the experience has reshaped how she sees leadership in business and in life. “I used to believe leadership was about being the best, pushing for perfection. But, becoming a mother during my MBA changed that. Leadership is about resilience, balance, and making tough decisions with heart.”

It also changed how she viewed success. “With my previous qualifications, I was always aiming for cum laude. With the MBA, I just wanted to pass well enough. I had to set more reasonable expectations for myself, because I couldn’t afford burnout.”

Davina’s advice to future MBA mothers:

"Don’t chase perfection – chase what matters"

For women wondering if they can pursue an MBA while navigating major life changes, Davina offers hard-won wisdom:

• You are more capable than you think. “We are built to handle more than we realise. Stay committed and take things one step at a time.”
• Prioritise, but don’t burn out. “Your family comes first. Find a system that works for you, and don’t sacrifice your well-being for unrealistic expectations.”
• Build a support network. “You can’t do this alone. Rely on your family, your friends, and your faith.”
• Embrace the unexpected. “Some things in life cannot be planned. What matters is how you adapt and rise to the challenge.”

What comes next?

Now that she has graduated with her MBA, Davina isn’t only thinking about her next career move; she’s thinking about the message she’s leaving behind for the next generation.

“I want my daughter to see that women can do hard things. I want my son to grow up knowing that women deserve respect, support, and opportunities to lead. I hope my journey inspires other women to believe in themselves, even when the odds seem stacked against them.”

Motherhood doesn’t have to compete with ambition. It can be a force that fuels it. Davina Mentoor is living proof.