The top CEOs in IT in South Africa

South Africa’s information technology sector is thriving, powered by innovative companies and visionary leaders. The country’s IT landscape boasts a diverse array of CEOs who are not only steering their organizations to success but also shaping the digital future of the nation. This article highlights some of the top CEOs in South Africa’s IT industry, showcasing their achievements, leadership styles, and the impact they have on both the local and global technology scenes.

Shameel Joosub

Company: Vodacom

Shameel Joosub is the CEO of Vodacom Group, a leading African mobile communications company. Under his leadership, Vodacom has expanded its footprint and introduced innovative digital and financial services across the continent. Joosub is known for his strategic vision, driving growth and transformation in the telecoms sector. He is recognized as one of Africa’s most influential business leaders.

Mteto Nyati

Company: Altron

Mteto Nyati is the CEO of Altron, a prominent South African technology and solutions company. With a background in engineering and extensive experience at companies like Microsoft and MTN, Nyati has led Altron through a significant turnaround and modernization. He is celebrated for his leadership skills and commitment to digital transformation in Africa. Nyati is a strong advocate for ethical leadership and talent development.

Tashmia Ismail-Saville

Company: Youth Employment Service (former CEO of dti’s TIA)

Tashmia Ismail-Saville is the CEO of the Youth Employment Service (YES), an organization dedicated to creating job opportunities for young South Africans. Previously, she served as CEO of the Technology Innovation Agency under the Department of Trade and Industry. Ismail-Saville is passionate about social impact and innovation, working to bridge the gap between youth and the workforce. She is widely respected for her forward-thinking approach to economic development.

Stephen van Coller

Company: EOH

Stephen van Coller is the CEO of EOH, one of South Africa’s largest technology services companies. He joined EOH to lead its turnaround after a period of controversy, focusing on governance, transparency, and financial stability. Van Coller has a background in banking and telecommunications, previously holding senior positions at Absa and MTN. He is recognized for his integrity and transformative leadership in challenging environments.

Niral Patel

Company: Oracle South Africa

Niral Patel is the Managing Director of Oracle South Africa, steering the company’s growth in cloud and digital transformation solutions. He brings extensive experience from global technology firms, with a strong focus on enabling businesses through innovation. Patel is dedicated to empowering South African organizations with cutting-edge technology and has played a key role in expanding Oracle’s regional presence. He is known for his results-driven leadership and customer-centric approach.

Craig Holmes

Company: Microsoft South Africa

Craig Holmes is the Managing Director of Microsoft South Africa, overseeing operations and strategic initiatives in the country. With a long-standing career in the technology sector, Holmes is committed to driving digital transformation and economic growth through Microsoft’s cloud and AI offerings. He emphasizes partnerships, skills development, and social impact. Holmes is recognized for his collaborative leadership style and focus on innovation.

Sandile Malinga

Company: Dimension Data

Sandile Malinga is a key executive at Dimension Data, a global IT services and solutions provider. He has played an instrumental role in steering the company’s growth and technological advancement in Africa. Malinga is known for his deep expertise in IT strategy and operations. He is also an advocate for digital skills development and transformation in the African tech landscape.

Abraham van der Merwe

Company: Frogfoot Networks

Abraham van der Merwe is the founder and CEO of Frogfoot Networks, a leading South African fiber network provider. He has been pivotal in expanding high-speed internet access across the country, driving innovation in the telecommunications infrastructure sector. Van der Merwe is recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to bridging the digital divide. His work has significantly contributed to South Africa’s connectivity landscape.

Peter Ndegwa

Company: Safaricom (Vodacom Group affiliate)

Peter Ndegwa is the CEO of Safaricom, Kenya’s largest telecommunications company and an affiliate of Vodacom Group. He is the first Kenyan to head Safaricom and has focused on expanding mobile financial services like M-Pesa. Ndegwa has extensive experience in the corporate sector, including leadership roles at Diageo and East African Breweries. He is dedicated to innovation and inclusive growth in the region’s digital economy.

Conclusion

The contributions of South Africa’s leading IT CEOs extend far beyond their companies, influencing the broader technology ecosystem and driving progress within the country. Their visionary leadership, commitment to innovation, and dedication to excellence have positioned South Africa as a formidable player in the global IT arena. As the industry continues to evolve, these CEOs are sure to remain at the forefront, inspiring the next generation of tech leaders and fostering continued growth in the sector.