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As IT leaders prepare for another demanding year, some have taken a conscious step back from executive roles to recalibrate and return with renewed focus. CIO South Africa spoke to three leaders who have navigated this path.

Whether it is early morning kayaking off Durban’s coast, structured cardio for mental clarity, or meditation balanced with time in nature, South African CIOs are increasingly intentional about personal wellbeing and we spotlight those who are using physical activity and mindfulness to sharpen decision making and sustain energy.

CIOs across South Africa reveal the festive rituals they cherish most, from daily chocolate indulgences and coastal retreats to family Christmas lunches and afternoon naps. As the year winds down, these leaders make sure to hold on to the traditions that bring comfort and nostalgia.

From high-level summits to award ceremonies and targeted leadership events, CIO South Africa curated experiences that connected IT executives, showcased innovation and celebrated achievements in 2025.

A new wave of senior appointments in 2025 highlighted the growing influence of women who are shaping technology strategy and operational transformation across major South African organisations.

South Africa’s technology leaders approach reading as a source of insight, development and balance in their professional and personal lives. Their selections reflect a blend of leadership philosophy, industry awareness and personal curiosity.

Nominations for the “Oscars of IT” are now officially open, following the success of the third annual CIO Awards. This is your opportunity to acknowledge exceptional CIOs and IT leaders for their pivotal contributions to organisational success.

As global organisations explore models that combine IT and HR to meet the demands of an evolving workplace, CIO South Africa asked leading local executives whether the same shift could take root in the country.

Absa group CITO Johnson Idesoh reflects on his triple wins and outlines how the recognition will drive his team’s next phase of digital and data innovation.

On 6 November, CIO South Africa hosted an exclusive dinner at the Saxon Hotel, bringing together leading IT executives from the mining sector to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping technology in mining.

With youth unemployment above 60 percent, IT leaders stress the urgent need for strategic skills development, mentorship programmes and anti-fragile organisational thinking.

Industry leaders emphasised the importance of aligning data strategy with business objectives through adaptive governance, stakeholder engagement and robust data maturity frameworks to drive real-time decision-making, at the IT Indaba.

For panellists at the recent 2025 IT Indaba session on agentic AI, the conversation about artificial intelligence was about meaning rather than machines.

Technology leaders at the IT Indaba 2025 explored how organisations can unlock the power of data to drive decision-making and innovation.

The first-ever IT Indaba brought together Josh Souchon, IT executive at Opp-Gen; Faith Burn, CTOO at Landbank; and Mary Mahuma, CIO of Philip Morris Southern Africa who explained what it really takes to build a lasting IT career.

Some of South Africa’s top CIOs share the productivity hacks they use to help them manage on high pressure days.

Land Bank CTOO Faith Burn stressed the importance of building diverse, multigenerational teams at the recent Executive Day held in the Melrose Arch District.

Top C-suite leaders at the 2025 Executive Day came together for a day of connection, knowledge sharing and value creation.

IT executives share their views on what they think should be done and what they are doing to support women in tech pursuing leadership roles.

On 13 August, CIO South Africa convened a select group of IT leaders for an intimate dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff for robust discussion and futures thinking on scaling AI across enterprises.