Sometimes things need to be built and sometimes, they need to be broken down to understand their purpose, their limits, or their failure points. BC Technologies’ head of technology Dionne Swart shares the early lessons that shaped him, and how those moments taught him to lead, to learn and to build teams differently.

MakwaIT’s business unit lead for digital platforms and solutions, Lesedi Modibane, and head of network solutions, Ntando Dhlamini, share how MakwaIT’s integrated approach – bringing together cloud, data, cybersecurity and observability – is empowering organisations to shift from reactive to proactive, intelligence-driven IT management.

Moloti Nkune, CIO of the MICT SETA, balances the thrill of AI, data and digitalisation with the grounding influence of resilience and people-first leadership.

CIO of the Department of Public Service and Administration Tandile Stuurman traces the beginning of her path to IT to her early exposure to computers and her father’s insistence on excellence. She now channels that influence to drive adoption, strengthen cybersecurity and build a failure-friendly culture.

While today’s IT leaders sit at the intersection of innovation, risk and human impact, BDO South Africa’s chief information and digital officer (CIDO) Khaya Mbanga says the role is becoming less about systems and more about resilience and shaping a future where AI and human ingenuity work together.

A childhood spent in a small town saw Canon SA’s IT manager Martin Viljoen develop a self-taught resourcefulness that has shaped his independence in his IT career.

Whether it’s rebuilding banking architecture, uplifting her team and women or raising a family in nature, Absa Personal and Private Banking Specialised Operations Technology CIO Khanyisa Mhlaba is shaping systems, breaking boundaries and unlocking human potential.