Executive Short Courses (ESC) is stepping up where it matters most: preparing professionals for the digital and organisational challenges of today. With its Micro-Credentials, ESC is placing cybersecurity awareness front and centre, showing how practical skills can help to mitigate the very threats highlighted during International Fraud Awareness Week (16 to 22 November).
In 2024, South Africans lost more than R2.7 billion to financial crime, while ASISA reported a 26% year-on-year increase in fraud cases affecting investors. ESC’s Cybersecurity Awareness course equips professionals with the tools and confidence to navigate these risks safely and effectively.
This is just one of its Micro-Credential offerings. ESC also covers other high-demand topics, including Data Protection and Privacy, An Introduction to AI Prompting, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Building a High-Performance Team, ensuring learners are ready for the modern workplace.
ESC, a division of Moonstone Information Refinery established in 2023, empowers professionals across all career stages.
“The Micro-Credentials cover the topics that matter now, helping learners build practical skills they can apply immediately,” says Ilse Mouton, ESC’s learning designer. “They are short, focused learning experiences designed for real-world impact – skills you can use where it matters most.”
ESC Micro-Credentials: fast, practical skills
ESC’s Micro-Credentials are fast, affordable, and accessible, delivered 100% online at R550 per course, and designed to produce practical, real-world outcomes.
Learners gain the skills to outsmart digital threats, protect personal information, and confidently detect phishing attempts, scams, and malicious software. Hands-on challenges reinforce real-world abilities, from managing strong passwords and spotting social engineering tactics to safeguarding data and maintaining safe browsing habits.
“The course equips you to understand key cyber risks – from passwords to phishing and fake job scams – and develop safer habits to navigate the digital world,” says Marelize Brink, ESC’s learning designer.
Following a massive 2025 global data breach that exposed 16 billion credentials, the importance of safeguarding sensitive information is clear. This course guides learners through identifying data risks, responding to breaches, and building tailored protection strategies. Participants gain a practical understanding of global data protection regulations, incident response planning, and implementing privacy frameworks in everyday organisational workflows.
“Data privacy isn’t just compliance; it’s essential to trust, security, and professional accountability,” says Mouton.
An Introduction to AI Prompting
The AI revolution is here, and prompting is the new coding. This course gives learners a solid foundation in crafting effective AI prompts, from the basics of structure and specificity to advanced multi-turn sequences. Ethical considerations are integrated throughout, and learners explore practical applications in content creation, customer service, and education, equipping them to interact confidently and responsibly with AI models.
“AI is here to stay but using it effectively requires more than curiosity – it demands skill and ethical awareness,” says Brink.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Inclusive workplaces drive performance. Research shows they are six times more likely to innovate and eight times more likely to succeed. This course helps learners understand diversity, equity, and inclusion, address unconscious bias, and implement strategies to foster a sense of belonging. Participants explore practical approaches to building inclusive teams, designing equitable policies, and measuring DEI impact across the organisation.
“DEI is not just a buzzword – it drives performance, engagement, and meaningful workplace culture,” says Mouton.
Building a High-Performance Team
High-performing teams don’t happen by accident. This course teaches learners how to build, sustain, and enhance collaborative teams that deliver results. Participants explore team dynamics, clarify roles and responsibilities, foster trust and accountability, and apply strategies to enhance ongoing performance. By the end, learners understand what makes teams thrive and how to maintain momentum in the long term.
“Successful teams are built on trust, communication, and aligned goals – not just talent alone,” notes Brink.
Main ESC courses: deep-dive learning at half the price until year-end
ESC is offering three of its main courses at a 50% special discounted price until 31 December. These courses run over 10 weeks, requiring 10 to 12 hours per week, and provide a deeper, structured learning experience.
Finance for Non-Financial Managers
Learners explore the fundamentals of business finance, interpret financial statements, analyse key performance indicators, plan budgets, manage working capital, and make informed decisions using concepts such as the time value of money.
“This course empowers professionals to make informed financial decisions that support strategy and growth,” says Mouton.
A comprehensive overview of HR in South Africa, covering recruitment, talent management, learning and development, reward systems, employment relations, and organisational development initiatives. Participants gain practical knowledge to support HR processes and make a measurable impact on organisational success.
The Power of Project Management
Designed for the growing demand for project management skills across industries, this course equips learners to manage projects effectively in a complex, resource-driven environment. Participants gain insight into project governance, process groups, and practical project planning to achieve results.
“Project management skills are now essential across industries – this course equips learners to meet that demand,” says Brink.
Why ESC’s courses work
In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying ahead requires more than conventional learning. ESC Micro-Credentials are designed to deliver value, relevance, and practical skills outcomes that professionals can apply immediately. Each course is thoughtfully curated to align with industry standards, ensuring that learners gain knowledge and techniques that truly matter in the modern workplace.
Learning with ESC is flexible and accessible, fitting seamlessly into busy schedules and budgets. Through online webinars and personalised feedback sessions, the courses are not only informative but also interactive and engaging, helping learners internalise concepts and translate them into real-world impact.
Beyond individual courses, ESC specialises in creating e-learning solutions that educate, inspire, and engage. From content creation to full deployment, ESC offers a comprehensive approach to professional development, equipping learners and organisations alike with the tools to thrive in an ever-evolving digital and organisational landscape.
“ESC’s approach is about more than just learning – it’s about building capabilities that last, in ways that are practical, engaging, and directly relevant to the challenges professionals face today,” says Mouton.
To learn more about ESC, its range of courses and services, please click here.
