Reuben Davids CA(SA) is a cool young Wits lecturer who grew up in Heidedal, Bloemfontein, the largest coloured community in the area. His hardworking parents, Agnes and Billy Davids, are the inspiration behind his success. He soon found a gap that universities were missing and launched @study_with_reuben to help youngsters study more effectively.
Reuben’s mother, a nurse, and his father, a primary school teacher, instilled in him the value of education from a young age. His maternal grandmother, Anna May, who had no formal education, also played a pivotal role by nurturing his love for learning and celebrating his academic achievements. Despite a household income that placed his family in South Africa’s ‘missing middle’ − where tertiary education is often unaffordable − he remained determined to pursue his dreams.
‘The greatest advice my parents instilled in me is that hard work and consistency do pay off. Growing up, I quickly learned that nothing was handed to me − I had to earn it,’ he says.
Whether Reuben was going on a school camp or getting something he wanted, his parents made it clear that he needed to work for it.
‘For instance, if I wanted to join a school excursion, I had to perform well academically for them to support it. This approach taught me to value the principle of earning my keep rather than expecting things to come easily.’
OVERCOMING SETBACKS
Initially aspiring to become a paediatrician, he encountered setbacks when he was not accepted into the MBChB programme at the University of the Free State − in hindsight, a blessing in disguise. His second choice, Bachelor of Accounting, marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
With limited financial means, he applied for the Thuthuka Bursary Fund upon the recommendation of an admissions officer at the University of the Free State. Securing this bursary was a life-changing moment covering his tuition, accommodation, and additional academic support.
‘My enthusiasm for leadership and public speaking
found expression through on-campus initiatives, including cultural activities and representing my residence in the first-year committee.’
However, the journey was not without challenges. After struggling academically in his second year and losing his bursary, Reuben faced a period of profound self-doubt. However, through the support from his parents, he persevered, switched to a BCom Accounting degree, and secured another bursary through Fasset to complete his third year. Through resilience and hard work, he completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree and pursued his postgraduate diploma, reigniting his goal of becoming a chartered accountant.
LEAPING INTO LEADERSHIP SPACES
During his postgraduate studies, Reuben embraced leadership roles, including serving as a class representative. His commitment to mastering managerial accounting, a subject he had previously struggled with, became a personal mission.
‘This was one of the subject areas I failed that led to losing my bursary. Inspired by lecturers like Shaun Watson and Dr Carla Serfontein, I developed a passion for making complex topics accessible to others.’
His commitment to education continued as he became a tutor during his BAcc Honours year (also known as CTA). This experience played a pivotal role in his desire to become an academic, inspired by his own journey of overcoming challenges where he encountered his first experience in academia as an academic trainee at the University of the Free State.
He successfully completed his audit articles at RSM South Africa (which later merged with Ngubane Johannesburg).
‘I was fortunate enough to pass my first board examination, but shortly stared failure right in the face when my results from my second board examination returned unsuccessful. This experience again, tested my resilience and forced me to go back to the drawing board and relook at myself and how I filter, process information and present an informed argument,’ he explains
‘This was also a pivotal speedbump in my journey as this is what inspired my channel @study_with_reuben where I aim to provide students with techniques and approaches towards studying that helped me succeed. Motivated by my own experiences, I am dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment and meet the students where they are and address them in a language they understand.’
MORE ABOUT @study_with_reuben
Reuben believes studying is a skill that can be developed through consistent practice, much like learning to ride a bike or play chess – the latter a skill he still hopes to exercise more one day. He soon realised that academic institutions often focus on what students need to know, however they seldomly address how to learn effectively. This gap inspired him to start @study_with_reuben.
‘My platform is not a tutoring or lecturing service, as I believe universities already excel in these areas,’ he explains. ‘Instead, it’s a technique-driven space aimed at raising awareness about studying strategies − essentially helping students “to study better”.’
For example, in a post from 17 July 2023 titled ‘How to Plan Your Study Schedule’ Reuben emphasises the importance of setting aside dedicated time for sleep, breaks, and leisure. As he explains, students often focus on squeezing as much study time as possible into their day, neglecting the crucial role of rest.
‘During my own studies, I made it a point to plan my year well in advance, scheduling specific downtime to maintain balance.’
In another video from 5 March 2024 titled ‘3 Things to Cut Down Study Time’ he discusses the concept of ‘notional hours’ and stresses that ecture time should be counted as part of one’s study hours − a point that many students overlook. The video provides practical tips on integrating class time into study schedules to optimise learning.
Go-to advice for youngsters
‘Your potential will only lie dormant for as long as you don’t exercise it. I think that’s where many of us struggle. We often let fear hold us back, or we give up after failing without trying again. But just like testing how far an elastic band can stretch, we owe it to ourselves to push our limits and see how far we can go. It’s about being curious about your own agility and resilience. So, my advice to youngsters is simple: give it your absolute best − push yourself to the point where you know you’ve done everything you can. Only then, if you still feel like giving up, will it be a conscious and informed decision. But more often than not, you’ll find that you succeed long before you reach that point.’
