Telkom elevates digital leadership with appointment of Sello Mmakau as group CDO

post-title

Sello played a pivotal role in guiding Momentum Corporate’s transformation from a traditional insurer to a cutting-edge insurtech company. With his expertise and vision, he aims to lead Telkom into the next frontier of digital innovation.

Telkom, Africa’s largest integrated communications company, has appointed Sello Mmakau as its new group CDO. He is currently serving as the chief information and digital officer (CIDO) of Momentum Corporate and will assume the role of group chief digital officer (CDO) at Telkom Group, effective 1 April 2024.

With more than two decades of distinguished experience, Sello brings a proven track record of driving impactful digital transformations across various industries. His tenure as group CIO at Afrocentric Health Group, CIO at Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), and leadership roles at entities such as the Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA) and the Department of Home Affairs underscore his expertise in navigating complex organisational landscapes.

Sello’s ethos revolves around proactive leadership, advocating for CIOs to not merely seek a seat at the executive table, but to assert their presence and influence. His philosophy emphasises the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and a pioneering spirit in embracing emerging technologies and swiftly introducing innovative solutions to the market.

He holds a bachelor of arts (honours) from the University of Pretoria, and a bachelor of commerce and a master of business leadership (MBL) from the University of South Africa.

Related articles

Frictionless trust at scale: How we are empowering Africa’s digital future

Across the continent, Africa’s digital economy is writing one of the most remarkable growth stories of the modern era. From Nairobi to Lagos, dynamic mobile-first ecosystems, rapid smartphone adoption, and thriving tech hubs are bypassing traditional Western legacy cycles entirely. Yet, this hyper-growth brings a complex mandate: as digital adoption accelerates, so do cyber threats, complex cross-border compliance demands, and the urgent need to balance ironclad security with seamless customer experiences.

2026 IT Indaba: How to avoid burnout in the tech industry

With technology teams being asked to move faster, deliver more, and respond to an endless stream of competing demands, the risk of burnout is higher than ever. In a panel discussion at the 2026 IT Indaba, Josh Souchon, IT executive at Opp-Gen, Phila Ndarana, CTO at the Auditor General of South Africa, and Popi Kunene, operations director at Mgoza Group, tackled this dilemma.

Top