NKULULEKO MHLABA
Nkululeko Mhlaba
Driving the Future
Intoday'sfast-pacedworld,digitaltransformationis nolongerachoicebutanecessity.SouthAfrican CEOsareattheforefrontofthismovement,driving innovationthatisreshapingindustries,improving customerexperiences,andcreatingnewgrowth opportunities.Theseleadersarenotsimplyadopting technology,theyareleveragingittosolvereal-world challengesandpreparetheirbusinessesforthefuture.
Attheheartofthistransformationthereisagroupof visionaryCEOswhounderstandthatdigitalinnovation goesbeyondjustimplementingnewtools.Itisabout usingtechnologytoenhanceoperationalefficiency, streamlinebusinessmodels,anddrivenewrevenue streams.Theseleadersarerevolutionizingindustriesby embracingemergingtechnologieslikecloudcomputing, artificialintelligence(AI),andtheInternetofThings (IoT),whicharebecomingcriticaltostaying competitiveintheglobalmarket.
Akeytrendamongthesevisionaryleadersistheirfocus oncreatingadigitallyinclusiveenvironment. Recognizingthepotentialofdigitalplatformsto empowerbusinesses,manyCEOsareensuringtheir companiesnotonlymodernizeoperationsbutalso delivervaluethatextendstocustomers,employees,and communities.Byutilizingdigitalsolutions,these leadersarehelpingbusinessesreachnewheightsin productivityandcustomerengagement,creating personalizedexperiencesandnewavenuesforgrowth.
Moreover,theseCEOsarecommittedtonarrowingthe digitaldivideinSouthAfrica.Theyarechampioning initiativesthatpromotedigitalliteracy,expandaccessto technology,andensurethatthebenefitsofinnovation
areaccessibletounderservedcommunities.Throughtheir leadership,theyarehelpingbridgethegap,providing opportunitiesforindividualswhowerepreviouslyexcluded fromthedigitaleconomy
Sustainabilityalsoplaysacrucialroleintheseleaders' digitalstrategies.Theyarefocusednotonlyonshort-term innovationbutoncreatinglastingvaluethrough responsible,sustainablepractices.Whetherit’sreducing carbonfootprintsoraddressingsocietalchallengeswith data-drivensolutions,theseCEOsareensuringtheirdigital transformationeffortsalignwithbroadersocialand environmentalgoals.
Despitethebenefits,thedigitaljourneyisnotwithoutits challenges.CEOsmustbalancetheneedforinnovation withtheresponsibilityofprotectingdataandensuring privacy.Theriseofcybersecuritythreatsisaconstant concern,buttheseleadersareinvestingincutting-edge solutionstosafeguardtheirorganizationsandensure resilienceinarapidlychangingdigitallandscape.
TheimpactofthesevisionaryCEOsextendsbeyondtheir companies.Bydrivingdigitaltransformation,theyare contributingtothebroadereconomicgrowthofSouth Africa,creatingjobs,andpromotingsustainability.Their leadershipislayingthefoundationforabrighterfuture,one wheredigitalinnovationfuelseconomicprosperityand inclusiveness.
InthepagesofCIOBusinessWorld,wecelebratethese transformativeleaderswhoarepavingthewayforthenext generationofbusinesses.Theircommitmenttodigital innovation,sustainability,andinclusivityisnotonly reshapingtheirindustriesbutalsopositioningSouthAfrica asakeyplayerintheglobaldigitaleconomy
From theEditor’s desk
Pioneering Digital Transformation with Phungela
26
Driving Innovation in Traditional Industries
Leading Innovation with a Growth Mindset
18 Bernard Wanyama: Navigating the Tech Landscape
30 Kirsty Gordon: Kirsty Gordon's Impactful Legacy in Travel
38
22 How Women Leaders are breaking the Glass-Ceiling Effect and Enabling Transformations in the Modern Industry The Role of Technology in Transforming South Africa's Construction and Mining Industries
April, 2025
Cover Story
NKULULEKO MHLABA
Pioneering Digital Transformation with Phungela
Nkululeko Mhlaba CEO
Phungela
Inthedynamicworldofdigitaltransformationandenterprise technology,fewleadersexemplifyinnovation,resilience,and strategicforesightasprofoundlyasNkululekoMhlaba,CEOof Phungela.Hisjourneyfromthebankingsectortofoundingandleading oneofSouthAfrica'smostinnovativetechnologyfirmsisatestamentto hisvision,determination,andcommitmenttoreshapingthedigital landscape.ThroughPhungela,hehasnotonlynavigatedthe complexitiesofthetechindustrybuthasalsolaidthefoundationfor sustainableandinclusivedigitalgrowthinAfricaandbeyond.
TheJourneytoLeadership
NkululekoMhlaba’sprofessionaljourneyisastoryofcontinuous learning,strategicdecision-making,andperseverance.Withastrong educationalbackground,includingaBachelorofScienceinBusiness AdministrationandManagementfromtheUniversityofPannonia, HungaryalongwithaDiplomainDigitalMarketingandStrategyfrom DublinBusinessSchool,aswellascertificatesfromHarvardBusiness SchoolandtheUniversityofJohannesburg,hewaswell-equippedto embarkonacareerinthebusinessandtechnologysectors.Heisalso pursuingaMasterofPhilosophyinInclusiveInnovationfromthe UniversityofCapeTownGraduateSchoolofBusiness.
Hisearlycareerbeganinthebankingindustry,whereheheldkey positionsatreputedbanks.Theserolesallowedhimtodevelopessential leadershipskills,workwithhigh-performingteams,anddrivebusiness growthwithinahighlycompetitiveindustry
Histenureinbankingprovidedasolidfoundationinfinance,strategic management,andcustomer-centricsolutions,whichwouldlaterprove instrumentalinhisentrepreneurialjourney.Histruepassionlayin technologyanddigitalinnovation,promptinghimtotakeaboldstepin 2020byfoundingPhungelawithjustR2000andalaptop.
BuildingPhungelafromthegroundupcamewithitsfairshareof challenges.Financiallimitations,earningthetrustofclients,and assemblingatalentedteamwereamongtheinitialhurdles.Thetech industryisconstantlyevolving,requiringadaptability,forward-thinking,
andcontinuousinnovationtostayahead. Despitethesechallenges,Nkululekoremained steadfastinhiscommitmenttoexcellenceand growth.Today,Phungelastandsasaleading enterprisetechnologyanddigitalsolutions firm,playingasignificantroleinhelping businessesnavigatedigitaltransformation, optimizeoperations,andachievesustainable success.
My journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and the belief that with the right mindset, anything is possible. “ “
Phungela’sMissionandVision
PhungelaisheadquarteredinSandtonJohannesburgand regionalofficesthroughoutSouthAfrica.ItisanISOcertified,award-winningenterprisetechnologyanddigital solutionsfirmdedicatedtohelpingbusinessesharnessthe poweroftechnologyforgrowth.PhungelaisanISO 22301:2019(BusinessContinuityManagement)and 31000:2018(RiskManagement)certifiedentity.Phungela
alsohasthefollowingISOStandards-ISO/IEC27001:2022 –Informationsecurity,cybersecurity,andprivacy protection—Informationsecuritymanagementsystems, ISO9001:2015–Qualitymanagementsystems.
AsaproudlyBBBEELevel1companywith51%women ownershipand100%BlackandYouthownership,Phungela iscommittedtodigitalinnovationwhilefosteringeconomic empowermentandinclusivity.
Atitscore,Phungela’smissionistoempowerclientsbydeliveringinnovative andintegratedtechnologysolutionsthatenablethemtobecomeleadersin theirindustries.Thisisachievedthroughacombinationofexpertise,a collaborativecompanyculture,andstrategicpartnershipswithglobal technologyleaders.ThevisiondrivingPhungelaistobecomethepremier digitaltransformationfirminSouthAfrica,recognizedfordelivering sustainablebusinessvalueandshapingthefutureoftechnologyacrossthe continent.Phungelaisoncoursetoattainitsgoalofinternationalexpansion inEurope,MiddleEast,andAmerica.
AUniqueApproachtoDigitalTransformation
Phungela’scompetitiveedgeliesinitsfour-leggedvalueproposition, ensuringthatbusinessesachievecomprehensivedigitalsuccess.
1. Strategy–Helpingbusinesses developandexecutedigital transformationstrategies,including ICTroadmapsanddigital transformationplanning.
2. Technology–Deliveringinnovative digitalsolutionssuchasweb development,softwaresystem integration,ERPsystems,document management,cybersecurity,andcloud hosting.
3. Consulting–Providingexpert advisoryandimplementationservices inbusinessprocessmanagement,IT projectmanagement,ITauditand governance,andtechnicalsupport.
4. Digital–Enhancingbrandpresence andengagementthroughdigital marketing,PRandcommunication, andonlinebrandmanagement.
ThisholisticapproachenablesPhungelato standoutintheSouthAfricanconsulting industry,redefininghowbusinesses integratetechnologyforefficiency, security,andlong-termsuccess.
AVisionfortheFuture
NkululekoMhlabaenvisionsPhungelaas amultinationaltechnologypowerhouse withaglobalfootprint,particularlyacross Africa,Europe,andemergingmarkets.His long-termgoalistopositionPhungelaasa leaderinenterprisetechnology,digital transformation,andinnovation-driven solutionsthatimpactmillionsofusers worldwide.BeyondPhungela,heaspires tocontributetoglobaltechnologypolicy, entrepreneurshipecosystems,anddigital transformationstrategies.Byscaling inclusiveinnovations,supportingtechdriveneconomicgrowth,andmentoring emergingentrepreneurs,heseekstoshape thefutureofdigitaltransformationbothin Africaandinternationally
StrategicFutureGoalsforPhungela
Phungela’sroadmapforthefutureis ambitiousandbuiltonexpansion,
innovation,andsustainability.Someofthefirm’skeygoals include:
• Expandingintointernationalmarkets,particularlyin Africa,theMiddleEast,andEurope,withafocuson enterprisetechnologyandpublicsectordigital transformation.
• EstablishingaResearch&Development(R&D) divisiontodriveinnovationinenterprisearchitecture, cybersecurity,anddigitaltransformationsolutions.
• EnhancingitspresenceinEdTech,providingscalable digitallearningsolutionsfortechnicalandvocational educationtraining(TVET)institutionsanduniversities.
• InvestinginAI-drivenandcloud-basedsolutionsto optimizeoperationsforbothpublicandprivatesector organizations.
• Buildingastrongleadershippipelinetoensure sustainablelong-termgrowth.
• Strengtheningpartnershipswithglobaltechnology providers,positioningPhungelaasatrusted implementationpartnerforOracle,Microsoft,and SAP-basedsolutions.
• Expandingitscybersecuritydivision,solidifying Phungela’sroleasaleaderinISO-certifieddigitalrisk managementservices.
ChallengesintheAfricanDigitalLandscape
SouthAfricaandthebroaderAfricancontinentfaceunique challengesthatmustbeaddressedtoensurethesuccessful adoptionofdigitalinnovation.Someofthekeyobstacles include:
• DigitalSkillsandLiteracy:Ashortageofdigitalskills preventsmanybusinessesfromfullyleveraging technology.Investmentinupskillinginitiativesis crucial.
• CybersecurityandDataProtection:Theriseincyber threatsnecessitatesstrongercybersecurityframeworks, laws,andawarenessprograms.
• DigitalTrustandAdoption:Manybusinesseshesitate toembracedigitalsolutionsduetoconcernsaround cost,reliability,andsecurity.
• LocalizationandInclusivity:Manydigitalplatforms failtocatertoAfrica’sdiverselanguagesandeconomic realities,highlightingtheneedformobile-first,costeffectivesolutions.
Phungelaiscommittedtotacklingthesechallengesby providingscalable,secure,andinclusivedigitalsolutions thatempowerbusinessesandupliftcommunitiesacross Africa.
BalancingLeadershipandPersonalLife
Asasuccessfulleader,NkululekoMhlabahasdevelopedanintentionalanddisciplined approachtobalancingprofessionalandpersonalcommitments.Heprioritizes:
• Delegation:Astrongexecutiveteamallowshimtofocusonstrategicdecisions whiledelegatingoperationalresponsibilities.
• TimeManagement:Astructuredscheduleensurestimeisallocatedforbusiness growth,personaldevelopment,andfamily.
• Health&Fitness:Adisciplinedfitnessroutinecontributestomentalclarityand overallwell-being.
• Faith&Reflection:Groundinghimselfthroughfaith,meditation,andreading providesastrongsenseofpurposeandfocus.
AdviceforEmergingCEOs
ForaspiringCEOslookingto makeanimpactinSouthAfrica, Nkululekooffersthefollowing advice:
• Buildwithpurposeand focusonsolvingreal-world problems.
• Developresilienceand adaptabilityinadynamic businesslandscape.
• Investinpeople,mentorship, andstrongpartnerships.
• Embracedigital transformationandposition businessesasglobalplayers.
• Upholdintegrity, professionalism,and accountability
• Neverstoplearningand evolvingasaleader
TheFutureofBusinessin SouthAfrica
Lookingahead,Nkululekosees SouthAfrica’sbusiness landscapeshiftingtoward Everything-as-a-Service(XaaS), whereorganizationsoptimize operationsthroughflexible,costeffectivedigitalsolutions. Phungelaaimstoleadthis transformationbyofferinginhousesoftwareandvalued partnersolutionswrappedasa service,ensuringclientsachieve operationalefficiencywith cutting-edgedigitalsolutions.
“
Our
vision is to become the premier digital transformation firm in South Africa, recognized for delivering sustainable business value and shaping the future of technology in the region.
“
ThroughPhungela,Nkululeko Mhlabaisnotonlyredefiningthe digitaltransformationspacebut alsoshapingthefutureofAfrican enterprisetechnology,proving thatwithvision,resilience,and innovation,thepossibilitiesare limitless.
Driving Innovation in Traditional Industries
Innovationisoftenassociatedwithtechstartupsand
digitaldisruptors,butitisjustascritical—ifnotmore so—fortraditionalindustriessuchasmanufacturing, agriculture,logistics,healthcare,andconstruction.These sectors,longconsideredstableandslow-moving,arethe backboneofglobaleconomies.Yet,tothriveinaneverevolvingworld,theymustadapt.Thechallenge,however, liesinchangingsystemsandmindsetsthathavebeenin placefordecades,oftenbuilton“thisishowwe’vealways doneit.”
Manyoftheseindustriesoperatewithindeeplyentrenched frameworks.Theyrelyonlegacysystemsthatareoutdated buttooexpensiveorriskytoreplace.Theworkforcemaybe accustomedtospecificroutinesandcouldberesistantto adoptingnewways.Moreover,regulatoryconstraintsoften limitflexibility,whilenarrowprofitmarginscandiscourage risk-takingandexperimentation.Despitethesehurdles, traditionalindustriesarerichwithuntappedpotential, especiallyasnewtechnologiesbecomemoreaccessibleand customerexpectationscontinuetorise.
Intoday’smarketplace,innovationisnolongeroptional;it isessentialforsurvival.Consumerdemandsareshifting rapidly—theywantfasterservice,sustainableproducts,and personalizedexperiences.Traditionalindustriesmust respond.Agricultureisintegratingdronetechnologyand precisionirrigationtoincreaseefficiency.Manufacturingis transformingwithautomation,robotics,andAIthatreduce errorsandstreamlineprocesses.Logisticscompaniesare usingpredictiveanalyticstooptimizedeliveryroutes,while healthcareprovidersareturningtotelemedicineand wearabledevicestoofferbetterpatientcare.Thesechanges arenotjustenhancements;theyarelifelinesthatcan redefinewhattheseindustrieslooklikeinthefuture.
Thefirststeptowardmeaningfulinnovationisashiftin culture.Itstartswithleadershipthatvaluescuriosity, learning,andexperimentation.Organizationsmustfosteran environmentwhereemployeesfeelsafeproposingnew ideasandaren’tpenalizedforfailure.Innovationgrows wherethereisatoleranceforriskandamindsetthat embracestheunknown.Oncetheculturalfoundationisin place,companiescanbeginintegratingtechnology strategically Thisdoesn'tmeanatotaloverhaulfromthe start.Itoftenbeginswithsmallbutimpactfulchanges—like movingtoacloud-basedinventorysystemorusingsensors forreal-timemonitoring.Theseupgradesmayseemminor butcansignificantlyimproveefficiencyandaccuracy.
Collaborationalsoplaysacrucialroleinmodernizing traditionalsectors.Manyestablishedcompaniesarenow partneringwithinnovativestartupstobringfreshthinking andnewcapabilitiesintotheirecosystem.These collaborationsofferalow-riskwaytotestandadoptnew ideas.Atthesametime,internalinnovationshouldnotbe overlooked.Companiesmustempowertheiremployees, especiallythoseonthefrontlines,totakeinitiative, experiment,andinnovate.Intrapreneurshipcandrive powerfulchangesfromwithinwhenteammembersfeel supportedinturningtheirinsightsintosolutions.
Anothercrucialelementisdata.Traditionalindustries collectenormousamountsofinformationbutoftenfailto useiteffectively.Embracingdataanalyticscantransform decision-making,fromunderstandingcustomerpreferences toimprovingsupplychainoperations.It’saboutbecoming smarter,notjustfaster
Therearealreadyexamplesthatprovetransformationis possible.JohnDeere,oncejustanameinfarmequipment, nowbuildsAIandmachinelearningintoitsproducts, makingfarmingmoreefficient.ShippingtitanMaerskis leveragingblockchaintoreducepaperworkandenhance transparencyinglobaltrade.GeneralElectric,knownforits industrialroots,hasbecomealeaderinindustrialIoT Thesecompaniesshowthattraditiondoesn’thavetohold backprogress—itcanbethespringboardforinnovation.
Ultimately,drivinginnovationintraditionalindustriesis aboutevolution,notrevolution.It’snotaboutabandoning whatworks,butaboutbuildingonexistingstrengthswith freshideas,newtechnologies,andanopenmindset.The journeymaybechallenging,buttherewards—moreagile operations,happiercustomers,andfuture-proofedbusiness models—makeitwellworththeeffort.
MINDSET
Intoday’srapidlyevolvingbusinesslandscape,
innovationisn’tjustabuzzword—it’sanecessity.The keytodrivingmeaningfulinnovationliesinsomething farmoreintrinsicthantoolsortech:agrowthmindset
PopularizedbypsychologistCarolDweck,agrowth mindsetisthebeliefthatabilitiesandintelligencecanbe developedthroughdedication,hardwork,andcontinuous learning.Leaderswhoembracethismindsetempowertheir teamstoexperiment,learnfromfailure,andconstantlypush boundaries.
WhatIsaGrowthMindsetinLeadership?
Atitscore,agrowthmindsetmeanswelcomingchallenges, persistingthroughobstacles,andviewingfailureasa learningopportunity.Leaderswiththismindsetdon'tjust focusonshort-termwins—theyinvestinlong-term potential.Theybelievetheirteam’stalentscanbecultivated andaren’tafraidtotakecalculatedrisks.
Comparethistoafixedmindset,whereindividualsbelieve theirabilitiesarestatic.Leaderswithafixedmindsetmay resistchange,fearfailure,andstiflecreativity—behaviors thatarepoisontoinnovation.
WhyGrowthMindsetFuelsInnovation
Innovationthrivesinanenvironmentwherepeopleare encouragedtothinkdifferently,challengethenorm,andnot fearfailure.Here’showagrowthmindsethelpsleadthat change:
• Encouragesexperimentation:Leaderswithagrowth mindsetunderstandthatnoteveryideawillsucceed. Theyallowroomfortesting,iteration,andlearning.
• Buildspsychologicalsafety:Employeesaremore likelytoshareboldideaswhentheyknowtheirleaders won’tpenalizethemformistakes.
• Drivescontinuousimprovement:Agrowthmindset valueslearning.Teamsareencouragedtoupskill,try newmethods,andadaptquickly.
Thisapproachdoesn’tjustboostmorale—itdirectly impactsperformance,creativity,andproblem-solving capabilities.
LeadingbyExample
Themosteffectivewaytoembedagrowthmindsetinan organizationisforleaderstomodelitthemselves.This means:
• Admittingwhentheydon’tknowsomething
• Askingforfeedback
• Celebratingeffortoverperfection
• Reframingfailuresasvaluableexperiences
Whenteammembersseeleadershipembracing vulnerabilityandgrowth,they’remorelikelytoadopt similarbehaviors.
CreatingaCultureofInnovation
Leaderswithagrowthmindsetdon’tjustchangetheirown habits—theyreshapethecompanyculture.Herearesome practicalwaystocreatethatenvironment:
• Rewardlearningandexperimentation,notjust results.
• Holdregularbrainstormingsessionswhereallideas arewelcome,nomatterhowunconventional.
• Implementfeedbackloopstoensureeveryonehasa voiceinrefiningideasandprocesses.
• Encouragementorshiptoshareknowledgeandfoster collaborativegrowth.
Byembeddingthesepractices,organizationscultivatea culturethatwelcomesinnovationateverylevel—notjust thetop.
OvercomingChallenges
Shiftingtoagrowthmindsetisn'twithoutchallenges. Resistancetochange,deeplyingrainedbeliefs,andfearof theunknowncanallbebarriers.However,withclear communication,consistentmodeling,andcommitmentto learning,leaderscanguidetheirteamsthroughthe transition.
Conclusion
Leadinginnovationwithagrowthmindsetisabout believinginpotential—yourownandthatofyourteam.It’s notabouthavingalltheanswers,butbeingwillingtosearch forthem.Inaworldthatdemandsconstantevolution,the mostinnovativeleaderswillbethosewhoaren’tafraidto learn,adapt,andgrow
A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
