Interview

When the market can’t deliver, Santam group CIO Sam Nkosi develops his own data platforms and technology talent.

Barloworld’s Karin Höne learnt during dog training that reward can be a powerful motivator and uses this in her career to retain and attract top cyber talent.

With over 25 years of experience in the telco industry, Schalk Visser has gone from the nuts and bolts of engineering at Telkom to leading a team of 210 at Cell C in a dual leadership role of CITO.

Recently retired Motus CIO David Long realised early in his career that project and people management were equally important to any IT leader’s success, and plans to impart this wisdom as an executive coach and industry consultant.

Modernising legacy systems is no longer a luxury, it’s a business imperative. But for CTOs like Mbusiswa Nyuswa from Old Mutual iWYZE, the challenge lies in balancing risk with resilience. CIO South Africa explores how today’s technology leaders can approach transformation strategically.

It's no exaggeration to say that the life of a technologist is demanding and constantly on the move, something that became clear when CIO South Africa caught up with Mahendra Beharie, vice president IT at DHL Express, sub-Saharan Africa. He took a moment from navigating the streets of Johannesburg to have a chat with the community’s senior writer, Reabetswe Rabaji.

From birthday celebrations at Spur Steak Ranches to gourmet burgers at RocoMamas, Spur Corporation has become a staple in South African dining culture. But behind the scenes, a complex technology ecosystem keeps the experience consistent and seamless across regions. Spur Corporation CTO Marius du Toit lifts the lid on how IT drives operational excellence across the group’s diverse portfolio.

Pieter Steyn recently ventured into corporate executive coaching, guiding senior executives and colleagues across diverse industries over and above his day-to-day job of leading IT in the aviation space. He shares the purpose behind his coaching journey and reflects on the mentors who have shaped his leadership path.

In June 2024, Brad Eliot, took on a new challenge as CTO of International Media Investments (IMI). Tasked with overseeing technology across IMI’s prestigious media brands, including Sky News Arabia, The National, Al-Ain News, and CNN Business Arabic, Brad has spent the past 10 months navigating a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Stor-Age’s group head of ICT, Schalk Lesch says that in his environment, technology serves as a crucial enabler – supporting staff, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency rather than replacing human-driven processes.

In an era of rapid digital transformation, cloud security remains a critical concern for CIOs and IT leaders. Gerhard Swart, chief technology officer at Performanta, unpacks common misconceptions about cloud security, the hidden risks enterprises often overlook, and the rise of AI-driven cyber threats. 

Stor-Age group head of IT, Schalk Lesch, shares how he went from finance to IT and how he is leveraging technology in the booming self-storage industry.

In the ever-evolving world of information and communications technology (ICT) where her team has to walk the tight sustainability rope in a mega operation managing forests at the South African Forestry Company, ICT operations manager Alma Solomon is leading with kindness.

A self-described ‘techie’ and ‘curious learner’, Obey, Redefine Properties’ head of information systems, constantly pursues growth. The MBA candidate’s background in commerce and his drive to innovate make him the kind of leader all businesses need: a strategic, big-picture thinker. He shares why he deploys new technology gradually – and that IT doesn’t bite.

iSSC Group CEO Emil Henrico isn’t your typical executive – he’s also a helicopter pilot, effortlessly transitioning from navigating the skies to leading in the boardroom.

The CFO-turned-CTO reflects on his unconventional journey into IT and how an unexpected left turn became the right move.

Ever wondered what the future of insurance looks like? Just ask Sibusiso Mbingo, CIO of glu Mutual. After nearly two years in the role, he takes CIO South Africa on an insightful journey into what it takes to build a future-fit, customer-focused insurer.

Empact’s IT technical team lead Danie du Preez shares his journey from working in nature to leading technical solutions, and how he balances innovation with practical business needs.

Tshifhiwa shares key insights on what aspiring executives should consider before making the leap and how to set themselves up for success.

Pieter explores the dynamic world of aviation, where IT transcends its traditional role as a 'cost centre' to become a powerful revenue driver.