Meet the Founder
Senate Fernandez – A Born-Again Christian
Senate Fernandez is the Founder of Senate Cyber School (SCS), GLOBAL DIGITAL COLLEGE, and SenateCareerHub, an initiative focused on connecting talent to opportunity.
A Brazilian–South African entrepreneur with a strong foundation in information technology, business and governance, Senate’s journey reflects a longstanding interest in education, technology, leadership and creating opportunities for others.
Her passion for technology began at the age of five. Over the years, that early interest developed into a commitment to using digital knowledge and education to help people access new opportunities in an increasingly connected world.
Early Life and Education
Senate was born in South Africa on 30 December 1990 and grew up in Lesotho, her mother’s country of origin. Her upbringing helped shape her values, character and understanding of the importance of education and community.
She attended Matukeng Primary School before continuing her secondary education at Thetsane High School in Lesotho. She also pursued high-school studies in South Africa’s Free State Province.
Her interest in technology continued through her further studies at the Institute of Business Studies (IBS), where she studied Information Technology, Accounting and Business Governance. She achieved her first qualification in 2012 and graduated in Technology in 2015.
Early Leadership and Advocacy
At approximately fourteen years old, in 2004, Senate represented children in a parliamentary debate in Lesotho. Young representatives from different schools were invited to address Parliament on important issues affecting children.
Her speech focused on human rights, children’s rights, access to education, inclusion and the importance of protecting these rights through the law.
The event was organised by the late Mrs Seloane, who championed awareness of human rights and children’s rights. This early experience helped strengthen Senate’s interest in leadership, public speaking, advocacy and the importance of giving young people a voice.
Family Influence and Personal Values
Senate acknowledges the important role played by her family and community in shaping her character and outlook on life.
She remembers the late Mrs Matla, former principal of Matukeng Primary School, and her family, including the late Mr Khotso Matla, as influential figures in her upbringing. Their contribution to her early environment helped shape her appreciation for education, leadership, responsibility and community development.
These experiences continue to inform her belief that education should create opportunities, strengthen individuals and contribute positively to society.
Building a Future Through Education and Technology
As Founder of Senate Cyber School (SCS), also known as GLOBAL DIGITAL COLLEGE, Senate is committed to making digital education more accessible to learners across the world.
Her vision is to create learning opportunities that combine technology, practical knowledge and accessible educational resources. Through SCS, she aims to support students, graduates, professionals, career changers and aspiring entrepreneurs as they develop skills for the digital economy.
She is also the Founder of SenateCareerHub, built around the principle of connecting talent to opportunity.
Her journey continues, guided by faith, lifelong learning, leadership and the belief that knowledge can open doors and transform lives.
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