Chairperson

Dr. Marko Saravanja is the founder and chairperson of Regenesys Education, whose journey from monk and development worker to successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author exemplifies a life dedicated to overcoming limitations and transforming lives. With a passion for education as a catalyst for societal change, Dr. Saravanja established Regenesys Education, which emphasizes the holistic development of intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual intelligence. His digital initiative, Education for All (EdForAll), aims to make high-quality higher education accessible worldwide. Through ventures like My Wealth Investments, Dananda Talent, Healthi, and RegCafé, he has expanded Regenesys across Africa and into Europe. A Croatian native and a fearless adventurer, Dr. Saravanja has climbed Kilimanjaro, skydived, and explored over 90 countries. He is also a finalist for the 2009 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneurship Awards and holds a Ph.D. in Performance Management, dedicating his life to helping others unlock their potential and achieve self-actualization.

Director

Indherani Reddy is the Director of Regenesys Education, where she plays a key role in driving strategic growth and operational excellence across the institution. With extensive experience in operations, ICT, SAP services, and hospitality, she has held senior leadership roles including Operations Director at Kelly Group, a JSE-listed company, and executive positions at Sun International and Southern Sun, overseeing functions such as finance, IT, HR, and sales and marketing. Beyond her corporate achievements, Indherani is passionate about empowering women and supporting youth development, actively mentoring future leaders and advocating for opportunities that enable women and young people to realise their full potential. She is also a motivational speaker who champions conscious leadership, resilience, and purpose-driven success.

Managing Partner AI Africa

Dr Nishal Khusial is the AI Partner Africa for Regenesys Education, and a senior technology, data, cyber-risk and forensic-tech leader with over 20 years’ experience spanning digital transformation, AI enablement, machine learning implementation, and IT investment portfolio management. He holds a PhD in Digital Science & Data and is known for combining strong governance and risk expertise with practical, business-led innovation across sectors including education, fintech, manufacturing, professional services and property. Previously, he served as Chief of Strategy for the Cyber-Alliance EMEA at Forvis Mazars in South Africa and has held executive technology leadership roles, including Chief Technology Officer in international energy and manufacturing environments, where he drove cloud-enabled platform growth and embedded AI/ML into operational ecosystems. He brings a forward-looking perspective to responsible AI adoption, strategy execution, and building high-performing teams that align technology roadmaps with organisational outcomes.

Partner Development Director

Ayanda Ngcebetsha is a visionary technology executive and the current Partner Development Director at Microsoft, where he leads strategic alliances across the Middle East and Africa to accelerate AI-driven digital transformation. With a career spanning over two decades, Ayanda has held pivotal leadership roles, including Director for Data and AI at Microsoft South Africa and General Manager at Dimension Data, consistently focusing on empowering organizations through data-led strategies and inclusive technology. His extensive background includes serving as CIO for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and leading critical technical projects for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. An advocate for Responsible AI and a “perpetual student” of innovation, Ayanda holds an MBA from Cardiff Metropolitan University and a Master’s in Commerce, bringing a unique blend of academic depth and real-world business acumen to the African tech landscape. Beyond the boardroom, he is a dedicated community leader, guest speaker, and endurance cyclist, known for his commitment to resilience, teamwork, and the democratization of technology.

Country Manager

James Hickman is the Country Manager for Amazon Web Services in South Africa, where he leads the team in helping organisations of all sizes harness the AWS cloud to drive innovation, modernise their operations, and scale securely. 

Before joining AWS, he was Executive of Sales at Altron Digital Business, playing a key role in launching one of South Africa’s leading technology companies, and earlier held senior leadership roles at Microsoft, Qlik, and other global innovators. With an MBA and over 25 years of experience in sales and technology leadership, James has built a career on driving growth, building talented teams, and helping businesses reimagine what’s possible in the digital era. 

He believes the same principles that shape business success, curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning, are just as important as graduates step into the next chapter of their lives.

Solutions Architecture Leader – Sub-Saharan Africa

Terrence Naidoo is a distinguished technology executive currently serving as the Solutions Architecture Leader for Sub-Saharan Africa at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he oversees strategic advisory teams across major hubs including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lagos, Nairobi, and Dubai. With a career spanning over two decades, Terrence has established himself as a trusted advisor to C-suite leaders, drawing on his extensive experience as an Associate Partner at BSG and a Senior Manager at Accenture to drive large-scale digital transformations and cloud-native modernizations. A graduate of the University of KwaZulu-Natal with an Honors degree in Computer Science, he holds an AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional credential and is deeply committed to the African tech ecosystem, frequently guest lecturing and supporting initiatives like the LEAP Science and Maths School. Outside of his professional leadership in Cloud and AI, Terrence is an active volunteer and advocate for education, science and technology, and animal welfare.

Group Chief Information Officer

Khomotso Molabe is the Group Chief Information Officer for Personal and Private Banking at Standard Bank Group, where he leads large-scale technology and digital transformation initiatives focused on building a client-centric, platform-driven banking organization. With a distinguished career spanning roles including Chief Engineering Officer and Chief Information Officer, he has overseen enterprise-wide capabilities across IT, data and analytics, information security, innovation, and business transformation. Khomotso is also a Board Member of Efma, contributing to global collaboration and best practice sharing in financial services. An alumnus of the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School and a participant in digital transformation studies at MIT Sloan School of Management, he is passionate about developing leaders, unlocking Africa’s growth potential, and driving innovation that delivers meaningful impact for clients, communities, and the broader financial ecosystem.

Group Senior Executive for Strategic Trade

Dr Stavros Nicolaou is the Group Senior Executive for Strategic Trade at Aspen Pharmacare Holdings, serving on the Group executive with oversight across more than 60 countries. He has almost 34 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry and is widely recognised for his contributions to healthcare and industrial pharmacy. He serves on several industry boards and advisory councils, including the President’s National Orders Advisory Council. Dr Nicolaou is passionate about diversity and transformation, championing localisation, and strengthening public-private partnerships to improve access to treatment and health outcomes in emerging markets.

Head of Information Security

Mankoana Nhlebela is a seasoned technology and information security professional with over 20 years of experience and proven capability in information security governance, risk, and compliance. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Informatics, Honours in Strategic Management, with CISA and CISM certifications, and, as an advocate for continuous learning, is an MBA candidate. She has extensive experience within telecommunications, banking and consulting, with broad pan-African exposure. She currently holds the position of Head of Group Information Security GRC and programme at MTN Group, overseeing 16 markets across Africa.

Chief Information Security Officer

Venisha Nayagar is a globally recognized cybersecurity executive and currently serves as Group Chief Information Security Officer at Life Healthcare, where she leads the group’s cyber and data protection strategy to safeguard patient information across international operations. A three-time CISO with extensive Pan-African and global experience, she has built and optimized security operations centers (SOCs), strengthened financial crime and AML frameworks, enhanced digital forensics capabilities, and embedded robust IT governance and risk management practices across complex enterprises. Previously, she founded and led CRYPT IT, a specialist information security and risk management consultancy, and held senior security leadership roles at Sun International, Standard Bank Group, and Barclays. A multiple award-winning leader—including recognition among the Top 50 Women in Cyber Security Africa and Inspiring 50 SA Tech Women—Venisha is also an advisory board member, published thought leader, and dedicated mentor committed to advancing women in technology and strengthening cyber resilience across industries.

Chief Technology Officer of Network Infrastructure

Jan Liebenberg is Chief Technology Officer of Network Infrastructure for Southern & Eastern Africa at Nokia, where he spearheads the company’s Network Infrastructure technology strategy and oversees the technology and product management services in the region.

With almost 30 years of experience in telecommunications, Jan has strong expertise in technology trends, technology evolution, network architecture, and customer engagement to drive business development and build thought leadership.

Jan has held various positions in Siemens and Nokia, ranging from product development, product management, solution management, solution architecture, Country Director, CTO for Mobile Networks and CTO for Southern Africa. Jan has experience within all technology domains of the telecommunication landscape and with all sectors, public, private, consumer, enterprise and government.

Jan started his career in access system development at the CSIR before joining Siemens Telecommunications.

Jan holds a Master’s degree in technology management. He is passionate about connecting the unconnected to ensure digital inclusion for all. This can only be achieved through partnerships and by defining the problem statement before selecting the technology.

Chief Technology Officer

Verushca Hunter is a senior technology executive and transformational leader with nearly three decades of experience leading large-scale digital, data, and AI-enabled transformation. She currently serves as Chief Information Officer, where she focuses on platform modernisation, responsible AI adoption, governance, and value-driven execution across complex organisations. Known for bridging strategy and delivery, Verushca brings a pragmatic, human-centred perspective to how leaders can harness AI to create sustainable impact in business and society.

CEO and Country Head

Ayanda Swana is the CEO and Country Head of Siemens Healthineers South Africa, leading the Southern African business. He brings over 25 years’ experience across Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, with expertise in strategy, operations, sales and marketing, and people leadership. Previously, he led sales at Siemens Healthineers Southern Africa and held senior regional and global roles at Boehringer Ingelheim. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Nursing Science from Wits and a marketing qualification from IMM, combining clinical insight with commercial expertise.

Managing Director of Application Services

Lauren Wortmann is the Managing Director: Applications for the Middle East and Africa at NTT DATA Middle East and Africa, where she leads cloud and application services strategy to accelerate digital transformation and AI-driven innovation across the region. With over 17 years in the IT services industry, she combines deep expertise in cloud adoption, applications modernization, and customer experience with a strong background in sales and marketing to align technology solutions with measurable business outcomes. Lauren began her career in 2007 and spent more than a decade at Dimension Data, where she played a key role in launching the Technical Accelerate Programme (TAP) to address emerging technology skills gaps in areas such as AI and robotics. An alumna of INSEAD’s Global Leadership Programme, she is also a Standard Bank Top Women Nominee (2023) and a Wired4Women Awards finalist (2024), recognized for her commitment to advancing women in technology while championing responsible innovation and future-ready skills.

Head of Information and Cyber Security Centre and Chief Researcher

Dr Jabu Mtsweni is the Head of Information and Cyber Security Centre and Chief Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), NRF-Rated Researcher (C2), and a Certified Cybersecurity Manager, Research Fellow at the Stellenbosch University, IITPSA Professional Member, and Technical Leader of the National Policy Data Observatory, a Department of Science and Innovation initiative to support data-driven decision making and policy formulation in government.

Dr Jabu Mtsweni is an accomplished researcher and technology expert in the field of Computer Science, particularly in the areas of Cyber and Information Security. He holds a PhD degree in Computer Science from the University of South Africa and various leadership certificates from various institutions. He has recently been honoured as one of the Top 50 Cybersecurity Professionals in South Africa, NTSF-South32 Management Award winner (“Science Oscar”), and has also received several awards during his 20+ years career as an ICT technician, lecturer, researcher, software engineer, cybersecurity specialist, and security leader.

He is also a member of the International Telecommunication Standards (ITU) on Study Group 7 dealing with issues relating to cyber security and AI security. A member of an international non-profit organization called Charter of Trust that promotes security principles across multi-national organisations. He is also a National Representative on Technical Committee (TC9) in the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) dealing with ICT and Society. He is also a member of the Digital Equity Committee in IFIP. Furthermore, he has participated in a few international collaborations with experts across the globe.

He is an author, speaker, teacher, mentor, and motivator and has published over 90 peer-reviewed conference and journal articles over the years in different forums focusing on ICT4development, Socially Relevant Computing, Information and Cybersecurity, and Data science. He regularly speaks as an invited speaker at local, international cybersecurity conferences, radio and tv programs. He has worked with both the public and private sector partners in large and complex ICT projects.

Head of Core Platforms, Cloud Engineering, Applications, Infrastructure, ITSM and Operations

Tshidiso Ledimo is a senior technology executive and transformation leader currently serving as Group Head: Core Platforms, Cloud Engineering, Applications, Infrastructure, ITSM & Operations at Santam Insurance. In this role, he leads enterprise-wide platform strategy and operational excellence across cloud, infrastructure, core insurance systems (including Guidewire), and service management—ensuring scalability, resilience, security, and measurable business value across Santam Limited and Santam Namibia.

With over a decade of leadership experience spanning financial services and media, Tshidiso has held strategic roles at MultiChoice Group, Standard Bank South Africa, and Barclays. His expertise covers IT service management, production systems availability, cyber and security transformation, risk and compliance governance, and large-scale service integration. He is recognized for translating enterprise strategy into executable roadmaps, optimizing total cost of ownership, strengthening vendor ecosystems, and building high-performance teams across geographies.

An MBA candidate in Digital Transformation at Johannesburg Business School and a holder of multiple industry certifications including CISA, COBIT, ITIL, and ADMP, Tshidiso combines technical depth with strong business acumen. He is passionate about cloud transformation, operational resilience, and positioning technology as a strategic growth enabler within complex, regulated environments.

Head of Marketing Insights and Technology

Timothy Spira is a highly accomplished digital strategist and marketing executive currently serving as the Head of Marketing Insight and Technology at Investec. In this role, he leads the integration of data science, omnichannel platforms, and artificial intelligence to drive group-wide growth and modernize marketing practices. With a deep background in the media sector, Timothy previously held several high-profile leadership positions, including Global Head of Digital Content at Investec, GM of Online at eNCA, and CEO of FinMedia24 at Media24. He is also a significant figure in the South African industry landscape, having served as the Publisher Portfolio Chair for IAB South Africa, where he was instrumental in shaping digital media regulation. An alumnus of the University of the Witwatersrand with an MBA and additional studies at HEC Paris, Timothy is a thought leader on the intersection of human creativity and AI, frequently advocating for education systems and business models that prioritize uniquely human qualities in an increasingly automated world.

Head of IT and Group Risk

Raymond Tsongorera is a seasoned Information Technology leader with deep experience in technology enablement and digital transformation. He holds an MSc and a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science, complemented by certifications and professional training in Systems Development, ERP platforms, Enterprise Architecture, Project Management, Agile delivery, Artificial Intelligence, and IT Leadership. Raymond thrives in complex, fast-paced environments where innovation, collaboration, and accountability are key to delivering meaningful outcomes. His career spans multiple industries, including financial services, insurance, retail, logistics, higher education, and property and mortgage origination. He has led large-scale migrations, implemented intelligent automation initiatives, and designed data-driven technology strategies that enable smarter, faster decision-making and sustainable business value.

Director of Financial Services Technology

Kevin Moodley CA(SA) is the Director of Financial Services Technology at BDO South Africa, where he leads technology-driven audit and risk strategies for a diverse portfolio of financial services clients. With deep expertise in emerging technology risk, AI adoption, and digital finance transformation, Kevin specializes in integrating technology into audit methodologies across corporate and investment banking, treasury, credit, retail and business banking, stockbroking, and insurance. Prior to joining BDO, he held senior roles in technology advisory at KPMG South Africa, advising financial institutions on leveraging technology to solve complex business challenges. A Chartered Accountant (SA) and member of SAICA, Kevin holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and a Bachelor of Business Science from the University of Cape Town, and is a recognized thought leader on the responsible use of AI to modernize the finance function while effectively managing emerging risks.

Chief Technology Officer

Pat Masithela is a high-impact executive and technology leader with over 23 years of international experience across digital transformation, strategy, and risk advisory. Currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer at Tracker Connect, he oversees the full spectrum of technology functions, including telematics services, engineering, and business solutions. His career is distinguished by senior leadership roles at major organizations, including serving as CIO for Liberty Two Degrees and as a Partner at Deloitte, where he specialized in IT risk and governance. Pat holds an MBA with Distinction from Hult International Business School and possesses a unique multidisciplinary academic foundation in finance, accounting, and information technology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Known for his ability to bridge the gap between technical innovation and board-level strategy, he has a proven track record of developing robust operating models and leading complex digital journeys for major financial and commercial entities.

Head of Information Technology

Gloseije (Jessy) Bazolana, MBA, is the Head of Information Technology and former Software Development Lead at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in Gauteng, South Africa, where he plays a strategic role in advancing digital transformation, cybersecurity, and health informatics initiatives. With over seven years of experience in designing and managing web- and mobile-based business applications, he leads enterprise technology planning, security strategy, and the development of resilient information systems that support national disease surveillance and public health response. Jessy has been instrumental in strengthening Notifiable Medical Conditions (NMC) reporting platforms and data integration systems, ensuring secure, data-driven decision-making in outbreak preparedness and response. A graduate of the University of Johannesburg, where he earned his BSc and BSc Honours in Informatics, he combines technical expertise in software engineering, cloud computing, and database administration with strong leadership and mentorship, fostering high-performing teams committed to innovation, quality, and continuous improvement.

Chief Information Officer

Quantin van Rensburg serves as the Chief Information Officer at Platinum Health Medical Scheme, where he leads the organisation’s digital and technology strategies with a strong focus on innovation and operational excellence. With extensive experience spanning both the healthcare and retail sectors, Quantin brings a deep well of expertise to his role, ensuring that all IT initiatives are executed to the highest standards. Additionally, Quantin has a passion in platform engineering and architecture, software development, data management.

Platinum Health operates as a Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO), uniquely positioned to harness digital transformation and data-driven approaches to enhance healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and manage costs effectively. Under Quantin’s leadership, the scheme recently became the first in the healthcare sector to implement Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite services—a groundbreaking move that guarantees secure, uninterrupted access to critical medical systems and patient records, thereby ensuring business continuity under any circumstances.

Quantin was the Group Head on leading Digital Transformation and Data Services initiatives in Netcare and was also the Head of Information Technology at WeBuyCars during the company’s expansive growth period.

Chief Technology Officer

Simon Frank is the Chief Technology Officer for South Africa at Iress, where he leads technology strategy, engineering execution, and innovation across the firm’s local operations. With over a decade at Iress, he has held senior leadership roles including Head of Engineering for Market Data and Business and Implementation Lead for Portfolio Management Solutions, driving scalable platforms that support investment and wealth management clients. Simon brings deep expertise at the intersection of financial markets and technology, underpinned by prior roles at StatPro, Taquanta Asset Managers, Kagiso Media, and MWEB. A CFA Charterholder and holder of the Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM) from the CFA Institute, he combines strong financial acumen with technical depth. Simon holds a BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Stellenbosch University and is known for his pragmatic leadership style, guiding teams through complex technology transformations in the financial services sector.

Director of SEO and Technology Solutions

Sahil Maharaj is an AI Engineer and Senior Director of Digital & Technology Solutions at Jellyfish, where he leads AI strategy, SEO innovation, and advanced technical marketing initiatives across SSA, MENA, EMEA, and APAC. With over 13 years of experience, he blends software engineering expertise with strategic digital leadership, guiding cross-functional teams across South Africa, India, the UAE, Israel, and Australia to deliver high-impact solutions for global brands. Sahil is known for translating complex AI and technology concepts into commercially viable, results-driven strategies, driving measurable ROI, client retention, and regional growth. He previously established and scaled Jellyfish’s SEO and Technology Solutions capability in Dubai, building operational frameworks and embedding cutting-edge digital practices in the region. A Certified AI Practitioner with credentials from IBM and an alumnus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Sahil is passionate about responsible AI adoption, product innovation, and building custom tools that merge generative AI, front-end engineering, and data-driven marketing to shape the future of digital transformation.

Associate Director

Johan Alberts is an ICT professional with over 25 years of experience delivering large-scale enterprise platforms in highly regulated environments. He is currently completing an MBA in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Cumbria, researching how affect and professional identity shape responses to AI-driven change in contract research organisations. Johan brings a pragmatic, execution-focused perspective on how AI can strengthen healthcare operations while balancing risk, governance, and real-world constraints.

General Manager and Country Leader

Smangele Nkosi is a seasoned South African senior business executive and corporate governance leader with over 27 years of experience in the telecommunications sector. She currently serves as General Manager and Country Leader for South Africa at Cisco, bringing extensive expertise in commercial strategy, sales leadership, digital transformation, and business operations. Her previous leadership roles include Acting Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Executive: Sales at Telkom Openserve, Managing Director at ECI Telecom Africa, and Account Director at Nokia Siemens Networks. Known for her strategic vision and ability to drive profitability, she has a strong track record of leading high-performing teams, delivering complex projects, and enhancing shareholder value across multiple territories.

Chief Data and Analytics Officer

Leone Van’t Zand is a strategic data and analytics leader currently serving as CDAO: Conversational AI at FNB South Africa. With nearly 15 years at FNB, she has held several senior leadership roles, including Head of Credit & Analytics (FNB Connect) and Head of Acquisitions and CVM Analytics (FNB Life), driving data-led decision-making across the business. She is passionate about transforming information into measurable business value, combining rigorous quantitative expertise with innovative thinking to design scalable AI and analytics solutions. Leone holds an MSc in Quantitative Risk Management (Cum Laude) from North-West University and is recognized for translating complex insights into clear, actionable strategies that enable impactful, customer-centric outcomes.

Executive Vice President

Bryan has 30 years of experience driving change, innovation and growth in Technology, Banking, Insurance and Retail.  He is now the Executive Vice President for EMEA for iTuring.ai, an enterprise AI platform company that automates from data to decision, with zero code.  His primary focus is to help companies to take advantage of AI and Machine Learning within a trusted governance and risk managed framework.  Prior to joining iTuring.ai, Bryan held executive positions at Instant Life, AIG, Nedbank, FNB, and TransUnion and has a master’s degree in commerce from University of Johannesburg.