CIO South Africa caught up with Thuto Masasa, partner and national head of advisory at BDO South Africa, for insights into the qualities this year’s CIO Awards judges kept a close eye on.
With just over a week until Mzansi’s top IT executives step into the limelight at the second annual CIO Awards, often called the ‘Oscars of IT’, Thuto Masasa, one of the esteemed judges, offers a sneak peek into what it takes to be an award-winning CIO, and the significance of the event for the local IT community.
“In an outstanding CIO, I look for a blend of visionary leadership and technical expertise. A successful CIO must have the ability to not only manage and optimise existing IT systems but also to foresee and implement innovative technologies that can transform their organisation for growth, efficiencies and/or customer centricity,” says Thuto Masasa, partner: national head of advisory at BDO South Africa.
“Strategic thinking, adaptability, and excellent communication skills are key qualities that enable a CIO to align IT initiatives with broader business objectives, driving growth and competitive advantage.”
According to Thuto, CIOs are at the forefront of tackling global challenges, which is why IT professionals play a much bigger role than merely ‘keeping the lights on’ – they also attempt to address some of the biggest challenges facing society today.
“In areas like climate change, they can lead the development of energy-efficient technologies and data-driven solutions for sustainability. In healthcare, IT innovations are improving patient outcomes through advanced analytics and telemedicine. In cybersecurity, protecting critical infrastructures and personal data is a growing priority. The role of IT is increasingly critical in shaping a more sustainable, secure and connected future,” Thuto points out.
Previous CIO Awards winners have noted that the recognition extends beyond the individual, representing a win for the entire organisation and the teams behind them. For Thuto, these awards not only celebrate individual excellence, but also encourage other IT leaders to strive for continuous improvement.
“The CIO Awards recognise and celebrate excellence in IT leadership, providing a platform for leaders to showcase their achievements,” she explains. “For the nominee, it’s an affirmation of their contributions, while for their organisation and team, it reflects a shared commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
The awards also foster an atmosphere for networking and unwinding, creating opportunities to build valuable relationships. Thuto is especially excited to witness the recognition of the nominees and the transformative impact of their leadership.
“The awards also provide an opportunity to celebrate the talent and dedication of IT professionals who are driving innovation and shaping the future of technology. It’s always inspiring to see how these leaders have tackled challenges and contributed to their organisation’s success,” she concludes.
