South Africa’s 10 Fastest Growing Companies to Know April2024

Transforming Educaon Across Connents

South Africa's entrepreneurial spirit is a beacon of hope, driving economic growth and social progress across our nation.

Editor’s Note

BeNotAfraidofGrowingSlowly;BeAfraidOnlyof StandingStill.”ForcompaniesinSouthAfrica today,thiswiseadageringstruerthaneverbefore. Ournation'seconomyisrapidlyaccelerating,with businessesofallsizessweptupinapowerfulsurgeof expansionandopportunity.Inthiselectrifyingclimate,the greatestriskisnotgrowingtooslowly—it'sfailingtogrow atall.

Grow or Be Consumed

SouthAfrica'scorporateindustryisexperiencinga renaissanceofentrepreneurshipandinnovationacross industries.Newmarketforces,technologies,andambitious startupsarerelentlesslychallengingincumbentswithfresh businessmodelsandideas.Theraceisonforestablished playerstoadapt,evolve,andcapturetheupsidegrowth.

Butthisescalatingpaceofchangeisadouble-edgedsword. Whileitopensnewvistasforscalingandmarket breakthroughs,italsospellspotentialobsolescencefor thosestuckoperatingwithastatusquomindset.In2024, standingstillisthestraightestpathtostagnationand decline.Thecompaniesthatarefuture-proofingtheir successaren'tjustputtingoutfiresorchasingshort-term gains.They'reboldlyreinventingtheircorevalue propositions,processes,andorganizationalculturesforthe modernage.Theyunderstandthatperpetualgrowth,evenif achievedgradually,isanexistentialnecessityforlongevity.

Thisgrowthimperativemanifestsacrossallverticalsand sectors.Telecommunicationsgiantsareracingtodeploy5G whilenurturingcontent-backedandfintechofferings.

Highveldminingupstartsarebringinginnovativesafety technologiesandsustainablepracticestotheindustry.Ecommerceplayersaresettingupregionallogisticshubsto optimizelast-miledeliverynationwide.Acrosstheboard, sustainedprogressisking.

However,growthmustbepurposefulandalignedwithcore strengthsandmarkettrends.Recklessexpansionwithout foresightmerelyseedsfutureretrenchment.Thepath forwardrequirescontinuousassessment,asharpened vision,andtheoperationalrigortoexecuteagainstbold goalsovertime.Ofcourse,conceivingthesefresh innovationsandrealizingtheirgrowthpotentialrequires substantialinvestment—capital,talent,andsheercreative energy.It'sagenerationalchallengethatwillbewonby inspiredandtenaciousorganizationswillingtoplaythe longgame.

In2024'sSouthAfrica,theexistentialchoiceisclear:grow purposefullyyetconstantly,orbeconsumedbythe acceleratingforcesofchange.Therisksofmovingtoo aggressivelypaleagainstthemortaldangerofstandingstill. Soembraceyourentrepreneurialspirit,rethinkyourgrowth vectors,andchargeforwardwithgritandvision.Thenext renaissanceisunderway.

TheCIOWorldbringsforthaneditionhighlighting companiesfromacrossSouthAfricawhoareconstantly innovatingandpropellingthemselvestogreaterheights.In thisedition,entitled "South Africa's 10 Fastest Growing Companies to Watch in 2024," wehighlightadiversearray ofambitiousenterprisessurgingaheadthroughapotentmix ofvisionaryleadership,operationalexcellence,andmarketattunedstrategies.

Haveagoodreadahead!

-AlayaBrown Managing Editor

Editor-in-Chief

Deputy Editor

Managing Editor

Assistant Editor

Visualizer

Art & Design Head

Art & Design Assitant

Business Development Manager

Business Development Executives

Technical Head

Assitant Technical Head

Digital Marketing Manager

Research Analyst

Circulation Manager

David

Richard

Cape Town Helicopters www.helicopterscapetown.co.za

CM Soluons www.cm-soluons.co.za

Eduvos www.eduvos.com

Empact www.empactgroup.co.za

GMG Mining Machines and Supplies (GMG) www.gmgmining.co.za

Halo Aviaon www.haloaviaon.com

Ryan Horsman CEO Company

Herotel www.herotel.com

Mediamark www.mediamark.co.za

Lindie Strauss CEO

Mpilo Technologies www.mpilotech.co.za

Neuro-Link www.neurolink.company

Mark Corser

CEO

Siegie Brownlee CEO

Steven Fox CEO

Mike Wang CEO

Van Zyl Botha Co-founder and CEO

Mark Quinn CEO

Denzil Fillis CEO

Dr. André Vermeulen

CEO

Descripon

Cape Town Helicopters operates Airbus helicopters cerfied for low noise emissions, ensuring minimal impact on the Cape Peninsula Nature Reserve while providing exceponal aerial experiences.

With experse in process engineering and financial analysis, CM Soluons delivers customizable services, ensuring excellence in every project with a focus on efficiency and strategic insights.

Born from a rich history of educaonal innovaon, Eduvos emerged in 2021 as a beacon of high-quality blended learning in Africa, driven by Exeo Capital and Stellenbosch Business Instute, fostering a transformave approach to educaon.

With tailored soluons in catering, cleaning, and facilies management, Empact is the preferred partner for excellence in Southern Africa.

SGMG offers innovave soluons and expert support to exceed producon targets. With a focus on quality, efficiency, and customer sasfacon, GMG is the trusted partner for mining ventures worldwide.

With a fleet of state-of-the-art helicopters and experienced pilots, Halo Aviaon provides personalized travel soluons for business and private clients across the UK and Europe.

With a mission to connect all South Africans to fast, affordable internet, Herotel has become a leading Fibre Network Operator, bridging the digital divide and offering reliable services with a focus on customer sasfacon.

Celebrang 25 years of excellence, Mediamark connects adversers with engaged audiences through mul-channel sales soluons, rooted in a proud South African heritage and a commitment to empowering disadvantaged communies.

MpiloTech is a pioneer in personalized soware development and digital banking soluons, commied to addressing unemployment challenges by transforming individuals into skilled Cizen Developers.

For over three decades, Neuro-Link has led the way in performance opmizaon consultancy, leveraging neuroscience to develop agile leaders and organizaons, seng new standards with exclusive neuro-agility assessments and soluons.

Featuring

Transforming Education

Across Continents

NTENTS

Dr. André Vermeulen

Transforming Minds, Elevating Performance

Creating a Connected Nation and Fostering Inclusive "Access to Information"

Mpilo Technologies Developing Solutions Decoding Success

A Journey of Innovation, Practical Skills, and Blended Learning Excellence!

Whatifeducationwasajourneyofdiscovery ratherthanadestination?Unlikeastatic destination,ajourneyimpliesmovement, progress,andevolution.Similarly,educationisnotconfined tothefourwallsofaclassroomorlimitedtoaspecifictime frame.It'sacontinuousandfunctionalprocessthatextends beyondformaleducationintothevastlandscapesoflife experiences,curiosity,andself-discovery.Eachlesson, whetherlearnedinaclassroom,athomeorencounteredin theexpeditionoflife,contributestothegrowthand evolutionofanindividual.

Eduvosemergesasabeaconoftransformativelearning, embodyingthebeliefthateducationisaversatile exploration.Thejourneyofthisinstitutionisrootedina richhistorydatingbackto1979,andnow,underthe visionaryleadershipofSiegieBrownlee,theinstitution standsattheforefrontofredefiningeducationinAfrica.

AstheCEOofEduvos,sheisnotjustaleader;buta catalystforchangeintheeducationlandscape.The institution'sjourney,markedbymergersandtransitions, reflectsacommitmenttostayingaheadofthecurve.Her leadershipisdrivenbysimpleyetprofoundquestions:What willthefunctionandbenefitofauniversitybeinyearsto come?Howwillpeoplelearnintothefuture?Whichskills willindustryrequiregoingforward?"Thesequestions encapsulateEduvos'sphilosophy,wherelearningisnota staticendpointbutadynamicexpedition.

Theinstitution'sinceptionin1979,itstechnological prowessthroughtheComputerTechnologyInstitute,and thesubsequentmergersleadingtothePearsonInstituteof HigherEducationlaidthegroundworkforwhatEduvosis today.In2021,apivotalmomentarosewiththeconsortium ofExeoCapitalandStellenboschBusinessInstitutetaking ownership.ThismarkedthebirthofEduvos,signallinga reneweddedicationtohigh-quality,blendedlearningacross theAfricancontinent.

Underherguidance,Eduvosisredefiningthenarrativeof education.Theinstitutionisnotjustadaptingtochange;it isdrivingthechange.Withafocusonblendedlearning, Eduvosequipsstudentswiththeskillsneededfora dynamic,interconnectedworld.Brownlee'sleadership reflectsacommitmenttofosteringalearningenvironment thatgoesbeyondtraditionalparadigms,embracingtheidea thateducationisanongoingdiscovery

Join us on this journey of transformation, where education is not a static destination but a continuous exploration, led by the innovative spirit of Siegie Brownlee and the dynamic institution that is Eduvos.

ALeader'sJourney

Siegie,withover25yearsofexperienceinPrivateHigher EducationManagement,remainssteadfastinher commitmenttothefieldthatbringsherthegreatestjoy, fulfilment,andpurpose.Renownedasadynamicand visionaryleader,sheinspiresandmotivatesteamsto achieveorganizationalgoals,drawingonherextensive backgroundinprivatehighereducation,andherinquisitive mindofunderstandingthefuture.

Asastrategicandagilethinker,Siegiepossessesthe knowledge,insights,andexperienceneededtosuccessfully transformorganizationsanddepartments.Herreputationfor buildinghigh-performingteamsstemsfromheradaptability andresilienceinovercomingchallengesandmotivating leadersandemployeestothriveinthefaceofadversity

Alignedwiththevaluesoftheorganisationssherepresents, Siegieauthenticallyleadswithintegrityandstrongethical values.Hersuccessliesinheradaptabilitytoaneverchangingbusinesslandscapeandherabilityto communicateandinspireseamlesslyinbothpublic speakingandvirtuallyonline.

Siegie'sunwaveringcommitmenttoshapingthefutureof highereducationisevidentinhermissiontoprovide quality,affordableprivatehighereducation,placing studentsatthecentreofthelearningmodel.Sheenvisions graduatesenteringsocietyequippedwiththeknowledge andskillstocontributepositivelyandmakeameasurable impactintheircareersandorganizations.Shebelievesthat Eduvosgraduatesneedtobeshiningexamplesof competence,ethicalvaluesandinnovationinthe communitiesandsocietiestheyliveinandserve.

Siegie'salignmentwithEduvosreflectshercommitmentto establishinganinstitutionthataddressesprevalentsocioeconomicinjusticesbyprovidingaffordable,qualityhigher educationtotheAfricancontinent.Eduvossharesthis vision,believingthat“Africaisjusttoorichtobepoor.”

Withamissiontoshapepotential,studentbystudent, towardAfrica'sprosperity,Eduvosaimstoempowerthe continent'syouth,whichmakesupmorethan40%ofthe world'syouth.Througheducation,Eduvosenvisionsthese

youngpeoplemakingapositivedifferenceinAfricaand contributingtoitsgrowthanddevelopment.

ProgressiveApproach

IndescribingEduvos,Siegieemphasizestheinstitution's progressive,forward-thinking,agile,andfast-pacednature. Theorganisation,alongwithitsdedicatedstaff,actively embodiesa"growthmindset,"wholeheartedlyembracing contemporarytechnologies,innovations,andshiftsinthe professionalandacademiclandscapes.Thiscommitment aimstobetterequipstudentswiththeessentialskillsand knowledgeneededtothriveinthepresentandfuturejob market.

Eduvosmaintainsacontinuouscommitmenttostaying currentbyregularlyupdatingitscurriculum,classrooms, andteachingmethodstoreflectchangesinindustry,student requirementsandtheprofessionalsphere.Theinstitution hasadopteda asanextensionof "flippedclassroommodel" thehybridmodelthatisaimedatincreasingthevalueof learninginaclassroomandencouragingincreased collaboration.

Takingaboldstepintothefuture,Eduvosseekstointegrate FourthIndustrialRevolutiontechnologiessuchasAIand VRintoitseducationalframework.Inpursuitofthisgoal, theinstitutionhasestablishedapartnershipwiththeU.S.basedcompany,EONReality Throughthiscollaboration, EduvosintendstoseamlesslyincorporateAIandVRintoits teachingmethods,providingstudentswithadistinct competitiveedgeinthejobmarket.Thisapproachensures thatstudentsnotonlyunderstandthesetechnologiesbutare alsoadeptatapplyingthemintheirdailylives.Siegie believesthatfacilitatorsshouldbecustodiansof “edutainment.”

InternationallyRecognizedQualifications

Eduvosoffersanarrayofover20fullyaccredited,globally acknowledgedqualificationswithinitsfour future-facingfaculties: AppliedScience,Commerceand Law,Humanities,andInformationTechnology The qualificationsrangefromdegrees,honour'sdegrees,higher certificates,pre-degreefoundationprogrammes,andonline shortcourses.

Theinstitution,dedicatedtodrivingrelevance,consistently updatesandreassessesitsqualificationstoalignwiththe evolvingdemandsoftheprofessionallandscape.In2023, EduvosrespondedtothesurgingdemandforskilledAI

engineers,spurredbythewidespreadadoptionofAItools likeChatGPT,byintroducinganAzureAIEngineering qualification.

RecognizingtheglobalandAfricanmarketforgamingand esports,Eduvoshasalsolaunchedtwogaming qualifications. Thisstrategicmoveaimstoaddressthe prevailingskillsgapinthegamingindustrywithinthe Africancontinent.

ApproachtoFlexibleLearning

Inensuringaflexiblelearningapproachforitsstudents, Eduvosadopts , variousmodesoflearningdelivery encompassingon-campus,online,anddistancelearning. Theinstitution'sflexiblelearningstrategyaccommodates bothfull-timeandpart-timestudyoptions,providinga comprehensiveeducationalexperience.Regardlessofone's entrypointinthelearningjourney,Eduvosoffersadiverse rangeofqualificationstailoredtomeetindividualneeds. Manyofthesequalificationsarealsodesignedforworking professionalslookingtoupskillorre-skill,ensuringtheir continuedrelevanceintheversatilejobmarket.

HolisticLearningEnvironment

Eduvosprovidesstudentswithanall-encompassing learningexperiencethatencompassesacademic,wellness, campus,student-life,andhealthdimensions.ItsEdu-vibe

permeatesthecampuses,fosteringastrongsenseof communityamong“Vossies”(theaffectionatetermfor students).Thestudentbodyreflectsdiversity,with representationfromover40countries.

AteamofStudentAffairsAdvisorsserveasdedicated "personalbankers”tostudents,remainingreadilyavailable tohelp,support,andguidestudentsatanytimeandstageof theirlearningjourney.ThecomprehensiveStudentAffairs agendaspansstudentwellness,academicsupport,student funding,studentactivities,careerguidance,international studentsupport,studentinclusivity,andemploymentaidamongstothers.

Campusesserveaslivelyhubsforavarietyofstudent activitiesandclubs,includingMootcourtteams,debate clubs,poetryslams,soccerteamsandesportstournaments. Eduvosrecentlylaunchedesportsleaguesacrossall12 campuses,establishingitselfasoneofthelargesthigher educationleaguesinthecountry.Itprovidesvaluable learningopportunities,particularlyinSTEMfields, requiringstudentstocollaborate,analysestrategies,and understandcomputerhardwareandsoftware.Theesports initiativehasemergedasasignificantavenueforstudents acrosscampusestoconnectwitheachother.

CommitmenttoStudentGrowthandEmployability

Initscommitmenttosupportingstudentsontheiracademic andcareerjourneys,Eduvosoffersarangeofresourcesand servicesdesignedtoenhancetheircompetitivenessinthe jobmarket.

Itacknowledgesthatitsroleextendsbeyondtheclassroom asthefirststrideinitsstudents'professionaltrajectory The qualificationsprovidedbyEduvosaremeticulouslycrafted toimbuestudentswithrelevance,ensuringtheyhavea distinctadvantageinthecompetitivejobmarket.

Attheheartofthiscommitmentisadedicatedcampus EmployabilityCentre,ahubofactivitythatorganises eventssuchasCVwritingworkshops,jobinterviewskills, andindustrybreakfasts.Thiscentreservesasavital conduit,connectingstudentswithemploymentand internshipopportunities.Furthermore,theEmployability Centrefacilitatesnetworkingbetweenstudentsandindustry professionals,fosteringinvaluableconnectionsand knowledgeexchange.Forthoseaspiringtopursueadvanced studies,theCentreoffersguidanceandsupport.

Eduvoscampusesoftenhost providing CareerFairs,

studentswithdirectaccesstoindustryprofessionals.These eventsofferaplatformforstudentstoexplorejob opportunitiesandinternshipprogrammesrelevanttotheir chosenfieldsofstudy.Thefairsareinstrumentalin equippingstudentswithinsightsintopotentialcareerpaths andthechancetoengagewithindustryleaders.

Theinstitution'scommitmenttopractical,real-world experiencesisevidentintheexpansionofitsIndustry Partnershiplist.In2023,Eduvosestablishednumerous EmployabilityAffiliationAgreements,enhancingstudents' employabilitythroughpracticalskills,industryknowledge, andnetworkingopportunities.Participationininternships, jointgraduateprogrammes,andcollaborationwithindustry professionalsatevents,providesstudentswithhands-on experience,makingthemmoreappealingtoprospective employers.

Eduvoshassolidifiedpartnershipswithkeyentitiessuchas OldMutual, NationalFuneralDirectors’ PepkorIT,andthe Association.Thesecollaborationsofferstudentsunique

opportunitiestointeractwithandlearnfromseasoned professionalsintheirrespectivefields,furtherenriching theiracademicandcareerpursuits.

SustainingRelevanceinEducation

Eduvosemploysaproactivestrategytoremainattunedto industrytrendsandevolvingeducationaldemands,ensuring thecontinualrelevanceandfutureorientationofits curriculum.

Withineachacademicfaculty,itsetsupIndustryAdvisory BoardsspanningCaptainsofIndustryacrossdiverse industries.Regularengagementswithindustryleaders guaranteethattheinstitution'sprogrammesalignwith currentindustryneeds.Accreditationfromvarious professionalbodiesfurthercontributetomaintaining currencyandrelevanceacrosstheiracademiccontent.An outward-lookingethosensuresthatstudentsbenefitfrom industryimmersionthroughmandatoryWorkIntegrated

LearningProgrammes,exposuretoguestlecturers,and hands-onengagementwithreal-worldbusinesschallenges andcasestudies.

Thefacultiesincludeadynamicblendofacademicsand industryprofessionals,equippedwithfirst-handknowledge ofindustryhappenings.Thisuniquecompositionenables themtoadaptthecurriculumdynamically,ensuringit remainsresponsivetoindustrydynamics.TheAcademic Teamoftenrevisesthecontentofeachqualificationto ensurethatstudentsreceivearelevantandcurrenteducation thatpositionsthemascontributorsuponenteringthe workforce.

MakingWavesGloballyinDiverseSectors

EduvossecuredaprestigiousPMR.AfricaDiamondArrow Awardthisyear,recognizingitasthepremierprivatehigher educationproviderinSouthAfrica.Inanextensivesurvey conductedbyPMR.Africa,featuringresponsesfromkey professionalssuchaslinemanagersandHRmanagersin largecompanies,governmentdepartments,andstate-owned enterprises,theirgraduatesstoodoutacross12criteria. Theseencompassedskillslikeworkplaceapplication, innovation,andacademicknowledge,withEduvos graduatesreceivingthehighestscores.Furthermore,five EduvosstudentswerelaudedintheTop100oftheDHL GradStarAwards.

AchievementsingraphicdesignhighlightedEduvos students'exceptionaltalent,earningthemaccoladesatthe prestigiousannualStudentGoldPackAwards.In2022, Eduvosbecamethefirstprivatehighereducationinstitution inSouthAfricanominatedtoprovideitsstudentsaccessto GoldenKeyMembership.Currently,over300Eduvos graduateshavereceivedinvitationstojointheesteemed GlobalGoldenKeySocietywhichrecognisesacademic excellence.Amongtheseaccomplishedindividualsis BiancaLeeBurgess,analumnaingraphicdesignwhohas venturedintotheworldofspecialeffects,contributingto BAFTAandEmmyaward-winningshowssuchasThe BookofBobaFett,TheMandalorian(Season3),andBlack Mirror

LouisOosthuizen,whopursuedapart-timejobwhile earninghisSoftwareEngineeringdegreeatEduvos,has progressedtoattainaBachelorofScienceHonoursin InformationTechnology(SoftwareEngineering).AsaFullStackDeveloperproficientinmultipleprogramming languages,Louis'suniquestudypathenabledhimto

transitiondirectlytoadeveloperrolewithoutundergoinga traditionalgraduateprogramme.

SuhannaPitamberembarkedonhereducationaljourneyat EduvoswithaHigherCertificateinInformationSystems (SoftwareDevelopment)andlatergraduatedwithan ACCA-accreditedBachelorofCommerceinAccounting qualification.Thisqualificationhaspavedthewayforherto completeherACCAarticlesatoneofSouthAfrica's premierauditfirms,solidifyingherpositioninthe accountingprofession.

VisionandGrowthStrategy

Eduvos'svisionforthefutureandupcominginitiativesare poisedtomakeasignificantimpactontheeducation landscape.In2023,theinstitutioncelebratedaremarkable milestonebywelcominga offirst-year recordnumber students,surpassingtheenrolmentofmanypublic universitiesinSouthAfrica.

Anticipatingcontinuedgrowthintheyearsahead,Eduvos hasundertakenstrategicmeasurestoaccommodatethe increasingstudentpopulation.Thisincludestherelocation ofsomecampusesandtheexpansionofothers.Whilethese endeavoursoftenpresentlogisticalchallenges,the institutionviewsthemaspositiveindicationsofitsrolein addressingtheeducationalneedsoftheburgeoningyouth populationinAfrica.

EduvosaspirestosolidifyitspositionasAfrica'sleading privateuniversityinfutureyears.Thisambitiousgoal involvesnotonlyexpandingdigitalofferings,increasingits presenceinAfrica,butalsointegratingmeta-technologies moredeeplyintotheteachingmethodology This technologicalfocusassistsEduvosindeliveringtop-quality, practicalhighereducation.

Underliningtheinstitution'scommitmenttotransparency andshowcasingitsimpact,Eduvosfeaturesadedicated sectioninits titled"VossieFeatures."Inthisspace, Blog studentsopenlysharetheirlearningjourneys,sheddinglight onthetangibleandpositiveinfluenceEduvoshasontheir academicandpersonaldevelopment.

Theinstitutionisdeterminedtobuildonthissignificant momentum,ensuringthatitscontributionstoeducation continuetothriveandevolveintheyearstocome.

Empowering Individuals, Leaders, and Organizations Through Neuroscience for Optimal Performance!

Haveyoueverwonderedwhatmakessome individualslearnfaster,thinkmoreflexibly,and achieveextraordinaryresults?

Withinthebroaddomainofhumanintellect,where potentialmeetsperformance,theanswerliesinthe groundbreakingfieldofneuro-agility.Imagineaworld whereourunderstandingoflearning,potential identification,andcognitiveflexibilitytranscendscultural, racial,andgenderboundaries.ThisisthevisionthatDr. AndréVermeulen,thevisionaryCEOofNeuro-Link,has beentirelesslypursuingforoverthreedecades.

Inaworldwhereadaptabilityiskey,Neuro-Linkemerges asaninternationalperformanceoptimizationconsultancy specializingintheneuroscienceofperformance improvement.Dr.Vermeulen,withapassionforneuroagility,leadsateamdedicatedtodevelopinghighperformingindividuals,leaders,teams,andorganizations. Thequestionthenbecomes:HowdoesNeuro-Linkachieve this?

Neuro-Link'sapproachisrootedinunderstandingthebrainmindconnectionandleveragingittoequipindividualswith theskillsessentialfortheever-evolvingworkplace. Throughuniqueneuro-agilityassessmentsandbrain-mind learningsolutions,theygobeyondtraditionalmethods, fosteringemotionallyintelligent,agileleaders.Theirfocus extendstoselectingtherighttalent,unlockingtheirfull potential,andminimizingtheriskofhumanerror,resulting inamarkedimprovementinoverallperformance.

WhatsetsNeuro-Linkapartisnotonlyitscommitmentto excellencebutalsoitsexclusiveownershipofneuro-agility assessmentsandlearningsolutions.Asthesoleproprietor andprimarylicensor,Neuro-Linkempowersglobalpartners

andpractitionerstoutilizetheirgroundbreakingNeuro AgilityProfile™assessmentsandlearningsolutions.This marksapivotalmomentinthelandscapeofperformance optimization,creatingarippleeffectthatreachesevery corneroftheglobe.

Below are the interview highlights:

Pleasebriefusaboutyourselfandwhatinspiredyouto embarkonthissector.

Iamthefoundingmember,owner,andCEOofNeuro-Link, aconsultancyspecializingintheneuroscienceof performanceoptimization.Asaworkplaceconsultant, havingbeenonthefrontlinesofexperiencingworkplace challengesandneedswithourclientsformorethan30 years,Ihavealwaysbeensearchingforinclusive approachestohelpingclientssolvelearning,performance, potentialidentification,andhumanerrorchallenges.Ihave learnedthatfollowinganeuroscienceapproachto developingpeopleisthebestsolutiontobeinginclusiveof culture,race,andgenderinglobalpeopledevelopment practices.Sincethen,Ihavebeenapassionatestudentof neuroscience.Throughbrain-basedlearningand development,myinteresthasevolvedintodevelopinga constructthatIhavedefinedasneuro-agility.

Iamathoughtleaderinthespecializedfieldofneuroagility,abrain-mindconstructandframeworktoimprove brainfitnessandcognitiveflexibility.Itisastudyand practicefocusingonoptimizingthebrain-mindelements thatincreasetheease,speed,andflexibilitywithwhich peoplethink,learn,andprocessinformation.Neuro-agility providesnewinsightsintohowuniquelypeoplelearnand whysomelearnfaster,easier,andaremorementally flexiblethanothers,deepeningourunderstandingofissues suchaspotential,learningchallenges,theriskforerror,and notbeingbrainfit.

Asabusinessinnovator,Ibelievethat"one can’timprovewhatonecan’tmeasure." Therefore,Ihavedeveloped,trademarked,and patentedvariousNeuroAgilityProfile™(NAP) assessmentsandlearningsolutionsthatareused bythousandsineducation,business,andsports acrosstheglobetoincreasebrainperformance andcognitiveflexibility.Theseunique assessmentsandlearningsolutionshelppeople andbusinessesdriveperformanceforward, createagileorganizations,andobtain extraordinarybusinessresults.Althoughneuroagilityisatermcreated,trademarked,and patentedbymein2017,neuro-agilityhasbeen andstillisaworkinprogresssince1992. Neuro-agilityhaseversincebecomemy passion,purpose,andfieldofexpertise.

Whatdoyoubelievearethekeyfactorsthat havecontributedtotherapidgrowthand successofyourcompanyinrecentyears?

Followinganeuroscienceapproachtopeople developmentpractices,anchoringthese practicesintothehardscienceslikephysiology, neurophysiology,chemistry,andgenetics becauseit:

• Closesperformancegapsonmind-brain elementsthatimpacttheease,speed,and cognitiveflexibilitywithwhichpeople learn,think,andprocessinformationthat hasnotbeensufficientlyaddressedbefore.

• Offersaninclusiveapproachrequisiteto globallearningandagilitypractices.

• Offersnewinsightsonhowpeoplelearn, howtalentedtheyare,theirpotentialrisk forerror,andwhysomelearnfaster,easier, andmoreflexiblethanothers.

• Offersinnovativeperformance optimizationsolutionstoaddressthe performancegapsthathavenotsufficiently beenaddressedbefore.

• Showcasesaneuroscienceframeworkfor learning,talentdevelopment,and performanceimprovement.

• Integrateseasilywithotheragilityconstructs,talent selection,talentdevelopment,andperformance improvementpractices.

• Offersahigherreturnoninvestmentintalent developmentandperformanceimprovementinitiatives whengroundedinthehardsciences.

• Separatesfactsfromfiction,therebysolidifying learningandperformanceimprovementpractices.

• Significantlycontributestodevelopingcognitive flexibilityandagilemindsets,essentialtodeveloping anagileworkforce.

• Havingaclearandaccurateunderstandingofwhatthe futureofworklookslikeandhowtodeveloptalentand skillsneededinatechnologicallyadvancedworld.

• Offeringneuro-agilityassessmentsandperformance optimizationlearningsolutionsthroughtechnology, enablingpeopletolearnatanytimeandplaceoftheir convenience.

Howdoesyourcompanyfosterinnovationwithinits teamstostayaheadofthecompetitionanddrive continuousgrowth?

• Wekeepthehierarchicalstructuresofourteamsasflat aspossible.

• Ourteamsconsistofsmallgroupsofcross-functional, high-performing,agilepeoplewhohavethemental flexibilitytocontinuouslysense,explore,andrespond tonewopportunitieswithease,speed,flexibility, surprise,andcompetitivesuccess.

• Exceptforstrongvocationalskills,wetrainallteam memberswithemotionalintelligenceandneuro-agility skillstobehigh-performing,agilecontributorstotheir teams.

• Continuouslearningisessentialtostayingaheadofthe curve.

Inwhatwayshasyourcompanyadaptedtomarket trendsandchangestosustainitsgrowthtrajectory?

• Westaycurrentontalentdevelopmenttrendsforthe futurebylearningfromandcontributingtovarious globaltalentdevelopmentplatformsandinitiatives, liketheAssociationforTalentDevelopment(ATD), whichisoneoftheleadingglobalorganizationsfor talentdevelopmentintheworld.

• Beingapart-timelecturerandmemberofthe NeuroscienceResearchGroupoftheUniversityof Pretoriahelpstostaycurrentwithneuroscience researchbycontinuouslylearningfromneuroscientists andtranslatingneuroscienceresearchintopractical toolstodeveloppeople,improveperformance,and drivebusinessresults.

• Asworkplaceconsultants,weareonthefrontlinesof experiencingworkplacechallengesandneedswith clients,sowestayintouchwithreal-timechallenges andneeds.

Canyouhighlightanyspecificstrategiesorinitiatives thathavebeenparticularlyinstrumentalinthefastpaceddevelopmentofyourcompany?

• Acceleratingwhatwedothroughstate-of-the-art technologyhassignificantlyimpactedtheeaseand speedwithwhichwecanofferanddeliverNeuroLink’sproductsandservices.

• Ensuringourstaffstayscurrentmeanscontinuously learningthetechnologicalandhumanskillsneededto thriveinatechnologicallyadvancedworld.

• Developingspecificsystemsandprocessestoexecute outcomeswithmoreefficiency

Howdoesyourcompanyprioritizeandinvestintalent acquisitionanddevelopmenttosupportitsgrowth objectives?

• Itisessentialtoattract,retain,anddevelopthemost skilledandcapableemployees.

• Allstaffmembershavetocontinuouslyreskilltoadapt todifferentpostswithinthecompanyandupskillby learningnewskillstooptimizetheirperformance.

• Neuro-Linkalsoassistsemployeeswithfinding purposeintheworktheydoandaligningwhotheyare withthejobfunctionstheyperform.

Whatrolehastechnologyplayedinthegrowthofyour company,andhowdoyoustayabreastofthelatest technologicaladvancementsinyourindustry?

Stayingabreastofthelatesttechnologicaladvancementsis mandatoryforanycompanythatwantstobecompetitivein atechnologicallyadvancedworld.Technologyhashelped

usexpandouruniqueproductsandservicestoallcornersof theworld,enablingustoaccessandrenderuniqueproducts andservicestonewmarketsthatwepreviouslydidnothave accessto,whichhasimpactedourgrowthsignificantly Neuro-Link’sstate-of-the-arttechnologyisalsoan acceleratorofwhatwedo,enablingustodeliverneuroagilityassessmentsandlearningsolutionsquicklyand easilyacrosstheglobe.

Pleaseprovideuswithafewclienttestimonialsaswell asanyawardsorrecognitionthataccuratelyreflectyour achievementsinthisindustry.

Dr Vermeulenhasbeenanexecutivecoachtokingsand queensofAfrica,captainsofindustry,mentalcoachesto beautypageantslikeMissModernWomenandMissSouth Africa,andOlympicsportsicons.Hehasalsobeeninvited tokeynotehundredsofinternationalconferenceson neuroscience-relatedtopicsandcontributedtonumerous prestigiousplatformslikeTEDx,WBECS,andATD.

Furthermore,hehasalsobeenrecognizedbyGoldenKey InternationalasanHonoraryMember:“Andréhasroutinely displayedthepassion,vision,anddedicationnecessaryto beconsideredamongthebestinthefieldofthe neuroscienceoflearningandperformanceoptimization.”

PennyHeyns,adoubleOlympicgoldmedalistandbronze medalist,says,“TheNeuroAgilityProfileisagreattoolfor athletes,parents,andcoachestounderstandtheirpotential andwhatopportunitiestheycancreatetodevelopafast, focused,andflexiblebrain.”

Strategies to Manage a Fast-GrowingCompany

Managingafast-growing companycanbeanexciting yetchallengingendeavor. Withrapidgrowthcomesaplethoraof opportunities,butalsoauniquesetof challengesthatcanbedifficultto navigate.Inordertoensurethatyour companycontinuestogrowandthrive, it'sessentialtohaveastrategic approachinplace.

Inthisarticle,wewillexplore10 strategiesformanagingafast-growing company Thesestrategiesarebasedon theexperiencesofsuccessful companiesthathavenavigatedthe challengesofrapidgrowthand emergedstrongerthanever.By understandingandimplementingthese strategies,youcanpositionyour companyforlong-termsuccessand ensurethatitcontinuestogrowand thrive.

Whetheryou'reastartupfounder,a businessleader,oraninvestor,these strategiesareessentialreadingfor anyonelookingtomanageafastgrowingcompany.Fromprioritizing profitable,fast-growingmarketsto nurturinggrowthinadjacentbusiness areas,thesestrategieswillhelpyou navigatethechallengesofrapidgrowth andsetyourcompanyupforsuccess.

PutCompetitiveAdvantageFirst

Ahighreturnoninvestedcapital (ROIC)indicatesabusinessmodel poweredbyacompetitiveadvantage. Companiesthatgeneratestronger returnsattractanddeploymorecapital, creatingavirtuouscyclethatenables themtogrowfasterandgeneratestill higherreturns.Forexample,a departmentstorechainhadabusiness modelthat,in2007,enableditto expanditsstorenetworkfrom approximately900locationstoover 1,500by2017,resultinginrevenue growthof9%peryearandan impressive29%inannualshareholder returns.

MaketheTrendYourFriend

Pursuelarge,fast-growingmarkets whereyourcompetitiveadvantagecan beleveraged.Companiesthatpursue large,fast-growingmarketstendto growfasterandgeneratehigherreturns thanthosethatfocusonsmaller, slower-growingmarkets.Forexample, acompanythatpursuedthetrendofecommerceintheearly2000swasable togrowrapidlyandgenerate significantreturnsforitsshareholders.

PrioritizeProfitable,Fast-Growing Markets

Don'tbealaggard.It'snotenoughto gowiththeflow;youneedtooutgrow yourpeers.Companiesthatprioritize profitable,fast-growingmarketstend togrowfasterandgeneratehigher returnsthanthosethatfocuson smaller,slower-growingmarkets.For example,acompanythatprioritized thetrendofmobiletechnologyinthe early2010swasabletogrowrapidly andgeneratesignificantreturnsforits shareholders.

TurbochargeYourCore

Focusongrowthinyourcoreindustry; youcan'twinwithoutit.Companies

thatfocusongrowthintheircore industrytendtogrowfasterand generatehigherreturnsthanthosethat focusonotherareas.Forexample,a companythatfocusedongrowthinits coreindustryofsoftwaredevelopment intheearly2000swasabletogrow rapidlyandgeneratesignificantreturns foritsshareholders.

LookBeyondtheCore

Nurturegrowthinadjacentbusiness areas.Companiesthatnurturegrowth inadjacentbusinessareastendtogrow fasterandgeneratehigherreturnsthan thosethatfocussolelyontheircore business.Forexample,acompanythat nurturedgrowthintheadjacent businessareaofcloudcomputingin thelate2000swasabletogrowrapidly andgeneratesignificantreturnsforits shareholders.

GrowWhereYouKnow

Focusongrowingwhereyouhavean ownershipadvantage.Companiesthat focusongrowingwheretheyhavean ownershipadvantagetendtogrow fasterandgeneratehigherreturnsthan thosethatfocusonotherareas.For example,acompanythatfocusedon growinginregionswhereithada strongbrandpresenceandaloyal customerbasewasabletogrowrapidly andgeneratesignificantreturnsforits shareholders.

BeaLocalHero

Committowinningonthehomefront. Companiesthatcommittowinningon thehomefronttendtogrowfasterand generatehigherreturnsthanthosethat focusonotherareas.Forexample,a companythatcommittedtowinningin itshomemarketoftheUnitedStatesin theearly2000swasabletogrow rapidlyandgeneratesignificantreturns foritsshareholders.

GoGlobalIfYouCanBeatLocal

Expandinternationallyifyouhavea transferableadvantage.Companiesthat expandinternationallyiftheyhavea transferableadvantagetendtogrow fasterandgeneratehigherreturnsthan thosethatfocussolelyontheir domesticmarket.Forexample,a companythatexpandedinternationally inthelate2000s,leveragingits transferableadvantageine-commerce, wasabletogrowrapidlyandgenerate significantreturnsforitsshareholders.

AcquireProgrammatically

Combinehealthyorganicgrowthwith serialacquisitions.Companiesthat combinehealthyorganicgrowthwith serialacquisitionstendtogrowfaster andgeneratehigherreturnsthanthose thatfocussolelyonorganicgrowthor acquisitions.Forexample,acompany thatcombinedhealthyorganicgrowth withserialacquisitionsintheearly 2010swasabletogrowrapidlyand generatesignificantreturnsforits shareholders.

It'sOKtoShrink

toGrow

Ruthlesslypruneyourportfolioifyou needto.Companiesthatruthlessly prunetheirportfoliotendtogrow fasterandgeneratehigherreturnsthan thosethatfocusonmaintainingalarge portfolio.Forexample,acompanythat ruthlesslypruneditsportfoliointhe early2010swasabletofocusonits corebusinessandgeneratesignificant returnsforitsshareholders.

Inconclusion,managingafastgrowingcompanyrequiresastrategic approachthatfocusesonleveraging competitiveadvantages,pursuing large,fast-growingmarkets,and nurturinggrowthinadjacentbusiness areas.Byfollowingthese10strategies, youcanensurethatyourcompany continuestogrowandthrive.

- Alaya Brown

Ibelievethataccesstoinformationisabasichuman

right.Further,Ibelievethatafunctioningdemocracyis dependentonaccesstoinformation.Therefore,tohave asuccessfulcountrywithempoweredpeople,youneedto connectpeople,andyouneedtoconnectthemtoinformation;fibreissimplythebestandmostcost-effectivewayto achievethat,inadensepopulation,andonalargescale.VanZylBotha.

VanZylBotha,theCo-founderandCEOofHerotel,isn't justtalkingaboutinternetconnectivity;he'stalkingabout bridgingthedigitaldividethatseparatescommunitiesand playingasmallpartinfosteringathrivingdemocracy.In theheartofhisbeliefliesapowerfulquestion:Cantrue empowermentandsuccessbeachievedwithoutbeing connected?

Afterco-foundingHerotelin2013,VanZylembarkedona missiontotransformthefixedwirelessindustrythrougha consolidationstrategy.By2018,hehadtakenthereinsas CEOandbroughtaboutaremarkableturnaround.Today, Herotelstandstallasoneoftheleadingfibreandwireless networkplayersinSouthAfrica,employingover1,600 peopleacrossmorethan70offices.

VanZylandhisteams’strategicprowessisevidentinthe completionof33acquisitionsinjustfouryears,turning Herotelintoapowerhouse.Thecompany,underhis leadership,providesservicesinmorethan500townsand suburbstoover200,000fixed-networkbroadband customers.Managingapproximately2,505wirelesstowers andoverseeing242fibreprojects,Herotel'simpacton SouthAfrica'sconnectivitylandscapeisundeniable.

ButforVanZyl,successisn'tjustmeasuredinnumbers.He understandstheprofoundsocietalimpactofconnectivity EnterDigitalVillage,Herotel'scorporatesocialinvestment. Withamissiontoconnectonefreecustomerforevery payingcustomer,DigitalVillageishiswayofaddressing thedigitaldivide.DigitalVillage,operatingasanNGO,has alreadyprovidedfreeWiFihotspotsandaccesstoover 100,000peopleinimpoverishedSouthAfricantownships. VanZyl'svisionextendsbeyondcorporatesuccess;it reachesintotheheartsofcommunities,aimingtoempower andupliftthroughconnectivity

Inanerawheresuccessstoriesareoftenconnectedto boardrooms,VanZylBothaandtheentireteamofHeroes standasabeacon,remindingusthatthetruemeasureof successisinthepositiveimpactwemakeonthelivesof thoseweconnectwith.

Below are the interview highlights:

Couldyougiveourreadersaninsightintoyour companyanditsinceptionstory?

Herotelbeganitsexceptionaljourneyin2013withasimple mission:toconnectallSouthAfricanstofaster,more affordableInternet,regardlessoftheirlocation.Ourfocus hasbeenonsecondarytowns,cities,andhistorically underservedareas.Overtheyears,wehaveovercome challenges,workedin178differentmunicipalitiesinSouth Africa,andgrownexponentially.Today,westandproudly asthethirdlargestFibreNetworkOperator(FNO)and largestfixed-wirelessnetworkoperatorinSouthAfrica, coveringover500townsandsuburbs.

Wehaveunited33partnersundertheHerotelbanner, creatinganationalpresenceandachievingeconomiesof scalethatallowustooptimizeoperationsandprovidecosteffective,high-qualityInternetsolutions.Withoutthese partners,wewouldnothavebeenabletoachievethis. EveryWISP(WirelessInternetServiceProvider)ispartof oursuccess.Ourexpansionintofibrein2019waspivotal. HerotelFibrewasbornandco-foundedbyFrancois Wessels,EldredEkermans,andHelmutNel.HerotelFibre enabledustoofferevenmorereliableandhigh-speed servicesalongsideourwirelessnetwork.Wirelesssimply cannotdeliverwhatfibrecan.

Ourunwaveringcommitmenttoourvision,“Everyone Connected,”isattheheartofeverythingwedo.

Wefocusonbridgingthedigitaldivide,ensuringfast, affordableInternetreacheseverySouthAfricanhomeand business.Ourdedicationtocustomerexperience,availability,andlowcostsetusapartasthepreferredproviderfor all.

Whatdoyoubelievearethekeyfactorsthathave contributedtotherapidgrowthandsuccessofyour companyinrecentyears?

Apivotalfactorinourrapidgrowthisourdistinctionasthe local,best-valuefiberproviderin2021.

Theuniquedifferentiationliesinourapproachtobuilding, maintaining,andsellingournetwork,whichsetsusapart fromotherFibreNetworkOperators(FNOs)andInternet ServiceProviders(ISPs).Whereverpossible,wedeploy aerialfibernetworks,whicharequickertodeployandallow ustooffermorecost-effectiveproductstothecustomer.By sellingdirectlytothecustomer,wecutouttheadditional complexityandcostofusinganISP-resellermodel,giving morevaluetothecustomer.

Additionally,thewealthoflocalexperiencebroughtbythe 33partnersundertheHerotelbanner,withastrategicfocus ontownsratherthanmetros,hasplayedacrucialrolein propellingoursuccess.Strategicallypositionedlocal organizationsforpersonalizedcommunityengagementalso contributetooursuccess.

Howdoesyourcompanyfosterinnovationwithinits teamstostayaheadofthecompetitionanddrive continuousgrowth?

Oursuccessisunderpinnedbyrobustmanagementpillars andastrongcommitmenttoourvaluesandculture.First andforemost,aprocess-drivenapproach,settingclear goals,andfollowingtherightprocessesareimperative;the rightprocesswillgiveyoutherightresult.Beingalarge organizationwithcomplexsystems,cleargoalscreate focus,andourprocessesguideustoachievethesegoals. Learningfromprocessoutcomes,successes,andfailures facilitatesconstantimprovement.Wearenotafraidtofail; welearnfromourfailures.Ensuringqualityfromthestart iscritical,soembeditintotheprocessratherthantreatingit separately.

Respectforpeopleisanotherfundamentalpillar,promoting activeemployeeengagementinimprovingtheirdailywork. Recognizingthatindividualsatalllevelspossessin-depth knowledgeoftheirtasks,engagingthemensuresacomprehensiveunderstandingofchallengesandopportunitiesfor excellence.

Continuousimprovementiswovenintoourculture, challengingeverythingandfosteringanatmosphereof perpetuallearning.Inadynamicbusinesslandscape,being adaptableiskeytoseizingopportunitiesandavoiding pitfalls.Encouragingourtalentedindividualstoactively seekandimplementimprovementsiscrucialforsustained success.

Inwhatwayshasyourcompanyadaptedtomarket trendsandchangestosustainitsgrowthtrajectory?

Ouradaptabilitytomarkettrendsisevidentinourstrategic initiatives.Wethinkofourselvesasbeingtechnology agnostic;weusethebesttechnologysolutionforthe customer

Introducingprepaidoptionsinselectmarketsdemonstrated ourresponsivenesstotheneedforflexibility.Furthermore, ourshifttowardshumanizingthebrandinthepastyear, movingawayfromhardselling,reflectsourcommitmentto understandingandmeetingcustomerneeds.Continuous monitoringofmarkettrendsandbeingadaptableinour processesallowsustostayagile,sustainingourgrowth trajectory.Weunderstandthatcustomersdon’twantfibre, theywanttobeconnected.

Canyouhighlightanyspecificstrategiesorinitiatives thathavebeenparticularlyinstrumentalinthefastpaceddevelopmentofyourcompany?

Astrategicdecisionthatsignificantlyfueledourfast-paced developmentwasthefocusonlargertownsratherthan metros.

Optingtoproceedwithinfrastructurebuildsonlyinareas devoidofoverbuildingorthepresenceofotherFibre NetworkOperators(FNOs)hasallowedustoeffectively expandourreachandcapturemarketsthatmighthavebeen overlookedbyothers.Weventuredintotownswherenoone elsewouldgo.

Howdoesyourcompanyprioritizeandinvestintalent acquisitionanddevelopmenttosupportitsgrowth objectives?

Ourcommitmenttotalentacquisitionanddevelopmentis demonstratedthroughourinternalHerotelAcademy We identify,train,andempowercandidatesinthecommunities thatweserve,providingthemwithcertificationand subsequentlytransformingthemintobrandambassadors. Thisinitiativenotonlyenhancesourworkforce'sskillsbut alsocreatesopportunitiesforpersonalgrowth.

Remarkablesuccessstoriesincludecandidatesadvancing frombrandambassadorstojuniorareamanagersand,in someinstances,evolvingintosmallofficemanagers, exemplifyingourdedicationtointernaltalentdevelopment. Wehave34coursesontheonlineHerotelAcademy,

ouremployeeshavesignedin54,688times,andwehave issued9,054certificates.Trainingandupliftmentarea cornerstoneofourbusinessandpartofourculture.

Whatrolehastechnologyplayedinthegrowthofyour company,andhowdoyoustayabreastofthelatest technologicaladvancementsinyourindustry?

AsanetworkoperatorandanInternetServiceProvider (ISP),technologyisattheheartofouroperations.

Thedependenceontechnologytokeepourbusiness runningpresentsbothchallengesandopportunities.While wedon'tattempttostayabreastofeverytechnological developmentduetothevastlandscape,weprioritize awarenessofkeyadvancements,includingAItechnologies andmarketingtechnologies,toensureourbusinessremains efficientandcompetitiveinthealreadycompetitive environmentthatwefindourselvesin.Wedomostofthis in-house,usingbest-of-breedwhereweneedto.

WebuildContentDistributionnetworksorCDNs,it'slike ourownedgedatacenters,andwedothisinallourmajor hubs.Thismeansthatalargepartofourcontentisalways local.Theadvantageisthatwesavemoneyandcanpass thisontoourcustomersandthatouruserexperienceis fasterwithlesslagandlessbuffering.Noneofourcompetitorsdothis.

Sharesuccessfulexperiencesorchallengesfacedin enteringnewmarketsordemographics.

Ourexpansionintonewmarketsinvolvedintroducinga productnamedHeroPrepaid,accompaniedbyintensive trainingoflocalbrandambassadors.

Thechallengesencounteredincludedinitialresistancefrom somemarkets,necessitatingourintegrationinto

communities.Overcomingthesechallengesemphasizedthe significanceofcommunityengagementinsuccessful marketentry

Onceaccepted,communitiesopenedtheirdoors,highlightingtheimportanceofbuildingtrustandrelationshipsby beinglocalandnotsittinginsomefar-awayheadoffice.

Howdoyoumaintainacustomer-centricapproachina rapidlygrowingenvironment,ensuringthatcustomer satisfactionremainsatoppriority?

Wepresentthecustomerateveryleveloftheorganization andateveryfunction.Wearedevelopingcustomer-centric metricsandtargetsfortheentirecompanythatwillbe monitoreddaily.

Pleaseprovideuswithafewclienttestimonialsaswell asanyawardsorrecognitionthataccuratelyreflectyour achievementsinthisindustry.

Ourachievementsincludebeingacknowledgedby Analyticoasthebest-valuefiberISPinSouthAfricain 2022,atestamenttoourcommitmenttoprovidingexceptionalservice.

Anothersignificantachievementisattainingrecognitionas thethird-largestfibernetworkoperatorinSouthAfrica withinjustfouryearsofourfirstbuild.Thisremarkable transitionsignifiesourpivotfromawirelessISPtoamajor playerinthefibrelandscape.

Inadditiontoindustryawards,oursuccessisechoedinthe positivefeedbackreceivedfrombothcustomersandevent organizers.EngagementssuchastheTembisaMileandthe IdiskieNine-NineSoccerTournamenthavenotonly allowedustoshowcaseourservicesbuthavegarnered testimonialshighlightingourdedicationandimpactonour communities.Onecustomerwhowascutofffromtheir copperlinebecauseofadiscontinuednetworkthankedus afterdeployingfibrebysaying,“Wecannowspeaktoour familiesagain;youhavegivenusbackourhumanity.”This iswhatkeepsusgoing.

Thisisourcommitmenttoconnectingtheunconnected.

- Roy T. Bennett

A Journey of Innovation and Social Impact!

Settingoutonabusinessjourneyislikeexploring

unfamiliarterritory Whatdoesittaketotransforma dreamintoasuccessfulreality?Howdoesone transformadreamintoathrivingenterprise?Thenarrative ofMpiloTechnologies,ledbyDenzilFillis,notonly answerstheseproblems,butalsoprovidespersuasiveproof ofsuccessfulintegration.

Establishedin2015andheadquarteredinJohannesburg, Gauteng,MpiloTechhasbecomesynonymouswith excellenceinpersonalizedsoftwaredevelopment,digital bankingfrontofficesolutions,UX/UIresearchanddesign, resourceaugmentation,andadiverserangeofservices.A brainchildtothefounder,Denzil,MpiloTechisaspecialist softwaredevelopmentcompanyhasnotonlyevolvedwith theever-changingtechnologicallandscapebuthasalso undertakenacrucialmission:addressingSouthAfrica's escalatingunemploymentchallenges.

AstheChiefExecutiveOfficerofMpiloTechnologies (Pty)Ltd.,Denzilbringsawealthofexperienceinproject planningandtechnicalworkings.Hisjourneywiththe company,fromitsearlydaystoitscurrentstature,signifies adeep-rooteddedicationthathasbeenpivotalinnavigating thepathtosuccess.

However,whatsetsMpiloTechapartisnotjustits technologicalprowessbutalsoitscommitmenttojob creationintheDigitalTransformationspace.The groundbreakinginitiative,“UnearthingGreatnessin UnexpectedPlaces,”transformsindividualswithzero exposuretoDigitalTransformationintoskilledCitizen Developers,creatingapipelineofsuccessstoriesthat redefineopportunityandpotential.

Below are the interview highlights:

Pleasebriefusaboutyourselfandwhatinspiredyouto embarkonthissector.

WithoutanyexposuretocomputersortheITindustry,I wenttouniversitywantingtostudymathematicsandgot introducedtotheworkofIT,particularlyprogramming. Whilethelearningcurvewassteep,Imanagedtocomplete myBachelorofSciencesinMathsandComputerScience.

IstartedoffworkingforacompanymuchlikeMpiloTech, anemergingblacksoftwarecompany.Igrewmyskillsand experienceovertheyearsworkingatlargeinsuranceand bankingcompanies.Iwasfortunatetoworkwithalarge Indiansystemintegratorwhointroducedmetotheconcept ofSoftwareDevelopmentBestPractices(CMMI).Isawa gapintheSAmarketwhereCMMIwasvirtuallyunheard of,andIembracedthisandstartedlearningasmuchasI couldaboutthediscipline.

Ihavestudiedsoftwaredevelopmentbestpractices, particularlyCMMI,thefoundationofMpiloTechnologies. Thisinvestmenthasseenussucceedandisdrivingus furtheralmostdaily.

Couldyougiveourreadersaninsightintoyour companyanditsinceptionstory?

18yearsago,Ihadbeentryingtogetabusinessoffthe groundonapart-timebasiswithlittlesuccess.Atthesame time,myfirstchildhadbeenborn,andassuch,startinga businesswasrisky.However,Iwasintroducedtoabook calledTheAlchemistbyPauloCoelho,whichtalksabout theuniverseconspiringtohelponeachieveone’sdestiny. Afterfinishingthebook,Iliterallyquitmyjobandstarted myentrepreneurialjourney Asthebookalludedto,

ImanagedtosecuremyfirstcontractwhileIwasworking mynoticeperiod,andprettymuch18yearslater,Iamatthe pointwherewehaveasuccessfulsoftwaredevelopment companywithover100staffmembersdeliveringenterprise softwaresolutionsto,amongstothers,thebankingsector

Whatdoyoubelievearethekeyfactorsthathave contributedtotherapidgrowthandsuccessofyour companyinrecentyears?

Thekeysuccessfactorisperseveranceinthefaceof significantadversity.Sinceinception,Ihavebelievedintwo things,namely,softwaredevelopmentbestpracticesandan unknowntechnologycalledKony,whichIbroughttoSouth Africamorethan10yearsago.

IntermsofKony,thefirst8yearsbroughtzeroROIasthe technologywasbleedingedge.Unfortunately,SouthAfrica isalaggardintermsofsoftwareadoption,andassuch,I havemadelittleprogressintermsofgettingthesoftware sold.However,in2019,myfortuneschangedwhenKony waspurchasedbyTemenos,thelargestbankingsoftware companyintheworld.Ourpartnershiptransferredfrom KonytoTemenos,andthatiswhereourdigitalbanking journeybegan.Todate,MpiloTechisaffectionatelyknown asatrustedTemenosInfinityDigitalBankingSalesand Deliverypartner.Wehaveseveraldigitalbanking implementationprojectsunderourbeltandareworkingon quiteafewnewopportunities.

Howdoesyourcompanyfosterinnovationwithinits teamstostayaheadofthecompetitionanddrive continuousgrowth?

Webelieveininnovationontwofronts,namelyBusiness ProcessInnovationandTechnologyInnovation.Our commitmenttoSoftwareDevelopmentBestPracticesinthe formofCapabilityMaturityModelIntegration(CMMI) seesMpiloTechastheundisputedleaderonthisfrontonthe Africancontinent.Currently,wehavethemostCMMIcertifiedassociatesandrecentlyappointedanewCIO,Alok Goswami,whoisAfrica’sonlycertifiedCMMILead Appraiserandisgloballyrecognizedinthisregard.

Further,ourpartnershipswithleadingproductproviders TemenosandHCLSoftwareallowusaccesstobleedingedgetechnologythatourcompetitorsdonothaveaccessto.

Ibelievethatweareatleast5yearsaheadofanySouth AfricancompetitorintheDigitalBankingandMulti eXperienceAppDevelopmentSpace.Ourcontinued partnershipandinvestmentinthesetechnologieswillseeus leadthewayinSouthAfricaandtheworld,forthatmatter

Inwhatwayshasyourcompanyadaptedtomarket trendsandchangestosustainitsgrowthtrajectory?

TheCOVID-19pandemicisanexcellentexampleofhow MpiloTechwasnotonlyabletowithstandtheeffectsofthe pandemicbutalsomanagedtoreachgreaterheights.

Duringthepandemic,weembracedRemote&Hybridwork andmanagedtoretainourexcellencelevelswithhigh customersatisfaction.

Canyouhighlightanyspecificstrategiesorinitiatives thathavebeenparticularlyinstrumentalinthefastpaceddevelopmentofyourcompany?

Ourwillingnesstoadoptleading-edge,complex technologieshasdifferentiatedusfromourcompetitors. Furthermore,ouradoptionofSoftwareDevelopmentBest PracticesintheformofCMMIhasgivenustheabilityto competewithlargemultinationalcompanies.Anexample ofthisiswhenwewereabletowinalargeDigitalBanking ProjectwiththelargestcorporatebankinAfrica,edgingout thecompetitionforsomeofthem,someofwhomhaveover 10,000employees.

Whatrolehastechnologyplayedinthegrowthofyour company,andhowdoyoustayabreastofthelatest technologicaladvancementsinyourindustry?

TechnologyisattheforefrontofthegrowthofMpiloTech. Beingatechcompany,wearealwaysonthelookoutforthe newestandmostinnovativetechsolutionsonthemarket. 2024willseeusmakeannouncementsofnewkeystrategic partnershipsandinnovationsfortheSouthAfricanmarket.

Intermsofmarketexpansion,canyoushareany successfulexperiencesorchallengesyourcompanyhas facedwhileenteringnewmarketsordemographics?

Ourambitionisfirmlytobecomeapan-Africancompany andultimatelyaglobalsolutionsprovider Webelievewe areonourwaytobecomingthiswiththeworkwearedoing inMauritiusandfutureprojectsthatwillseeusdeliver solutionsinatleast9otherAfricancountriesoutsideof SouthAfrica.

SouthAfrica'sfastest-growing companiesaredistinguished fromothersinthecountryby theirremarkablegrowthrates, innovativetactics,andenduranceinthe faceofadversity Thesebusinesses haveoutperformedexpectations, establishingthemselvesasindustry leadersandmakingsubstantial contributionstoSouthAfrica's economicdevelopment.

FocusonInnovationandTechnology

Onekeyaspectthatdistinguishes SouthAfrica'sfastest-growing companiesistheiremphasison innovationandtechnology.These companiesareoftenattheforefrontof technologicaladvancements, leveragingdigitalsolutionstodrive growthandefficiency.Forinstance, companieslikeDeimosCloudand BlueskyDigitalSolutionsarepioneers inprovidingcloudservices,custom softwaredevelopment,andIT solutions,showcasingacommitmentto cutting-edgetechnology.

AgilityandAdaptability

Fast-growingcompaniesinSouth Africademonstrateremarkableagility

andadaptabilityinrespondingto marketdynamicsandchanging consumerneeds.Thesecompaniesare quicktopivottheirstrategies,embrace newtrends,andcapitalizeonemerging opportunities.Theirabilitytonavigate challenges,suchastheCOVID-19 pandemic,whilemaintaininggrowth momentumhighlightstheirresilience andflexibility.

StrongFocusonCustomer Experience

Anotherdistinguishingfactoristhe strongfocusoncustomerexperience exhibitedbySouthAfrica'sfastestgrowingcompanies.Thesecompanies prioritizedeliveringexceptional service,personalizedsolutions,and seamlessinteractionswithcustomers.

Byplacingthecustomeratthecenter oftheiroperations,theybuildloyalty, trust,andlong-termrelationshipsthat drivesustainablegrowth.

IndustryDisruptionandMarket Leadership

Fast-growingcompaniesoftendisrupt traditionalindustriesandredefine marketnormsthroughinnovative businessmodelsanddisruptive technologies.Theychallengethestatus quo,introducenewparadigms,and leadthewayinshapingindustry trends.CompanieslikeLuxity,apreownedluxuryreseller,have revolutionizedtheretailsectorby offeringaffordableluxuryitemsand sustainableshoppingoptions.

CommitmenttoSustainabilityand SocialImpact

ManyofSouthAfrica'sfastest-growing companiesdemonstrateastrong commitmenttosustainability, environmentalresponsibility,and socialimpact.Thesecompanies integratesustainablepracticesinto theiroperations,promoteethical businessconduct,andcontributetothe communitiestheyserve.Byaligning growthwithsocialresponsibility,they createapositiveimpactbeyond financialsuccess.

StrategicPartnershipsand Collaborations

Collaborationsandstrategic partnershipsplayavitalroleinthe growthtrajectoryoffast-growing companies.Thesecompaniesforge allianceswithindustryleaders, technologyproviders,investors,and otherstakeholderstodriveinnovation, expandmarketreach,andenhance competitiveness.Byleveraging synergiesandsharedexpertise,they accelerategrowthandunlocknew opportunities.

TalentDevelopmentandEmployee Engagement

SouthAfrica'sfastest-growing companiesprioritizetalent development,employeeengagement, andacultureofcontinuouslearning. Theyinvestintheirworkforce,nurture talent,andcreateaconducive environmentforinnovationand creativity.Byempoweringemployees, fosteringacultureofinclusivity,and recognizingachievements,these companiesattracttoptalentandfoster ahigh-performanceculture.

FinancialPerformanceandMarket Positioning

Oneofthemostevidentdifferences liesinthefinancialperformanceand marketpositioningoffast-growing companiescomparedtoothers.These companiesexhibitrobustrevenue growth,strongprofitability,anda competitiveedgethatpropelsthemto thetopofindustryrankings.Their abilitytooutperformpeers,generate substantialreturns,andmaintaina solidmarketpositionunderscorestheir exceptionalperformance.

EcosystemEngagementandSupport:

SouthAfrica'sfastest-growing companiesactivelyengagewiththe broaderbusinessecosystem,including governmentagencies,industry associations,andacademicinstitutions. Theyparticipateininitiativesaimedat fosteringentrepreneurship,driving innovation,andsupportingeconomic development.Bycollaboratingwith stakeholdersandcontributingto ecosystem-buildingefforts,these companiesplayapivotalrolein shapingthefutureofSouthAfrica's businesslandscape.

Data-DrivenDecisionMaking

Ahallmarkoffast-growingcompanies istheirrelianceondata-driven decision-makingprocesses.These

companiesleverageanalytics,metrics, andinsightstoinformstrategic choices,optimizeoperations,and identifygrowthopportunities.By harnessingthepowerofdata,theygain valuableinsightsintomarkettrends, customerpreferences,andcompetitive dynamics,enablingthemtostayahead ofthecurveandmakeinformed decisionsthatdrivegrowth.

GlobalExpansionandMarket Penetration

ManyofSouthAfrica'sfastest-growing companieshaveexpandedtheirreach beyonddomesticborders,tappinginto internationalmarketsandestablishing aglobalpresence.Whetherthrough exportinitiatives,strategic partnerships,ordirectinvestments, thesecompaniesleverageopportunities forexpansionandmarketpenetration ontheglobalstage.Theirabilityto navigatediversemarkets,adapttolocal nuances,andcapitalizeonglobal trendscontributestotheirsustained growthandsuccess.

ContinuousInnovationandR&D Investment

Fast-growingcompaniesdemonstratea commitmenttocontinuousinnovation andinvestmentinresearchand development(R&D).Theyallocate resourcestowardsdevelopingnew products,services,andtechnologies thataddressevolvingmarketdemands andcustomerneeds.Byfosteringa cultureofinnovation,experimentation, andrisk-taking,thesecompaniesstay aheadofcompetitorsanddrive sustainedgrowthoverthelongterm.

ResilienceandLong-TermVision

Lastly,SouthAfrica'sfastest-growing companiesexhibitresilienceanda long-termvisionthatsetsthemapart fromothers.Theynavigatechallenges, setbacks,anduncertaintieswitha steadfastcommitmenttotheirgoals

andvalues.Ratherthanfocusingsolely onshort-termgains,thesecompanies prioritizesustainablegrowth,ethical businesspractices,andcreatinglasting valueforstakeholders.Theirabilityto weatherstorms,adapttochanging environments,andstaytruetotheir visionunderlinestheirstatusas industryleadersanddriversof economicprosperityinSouthAfrica.

Inconclusion,SouthAfrica'sfastestgrowingcompaniesstandoutfortheir innovation,agility,customer-centric approach,industrydisruption, sustainabilityfocus,strategic partnerships,talentdevelopment,and financialprowess.Thesecompanies representthevanguardofbusiness excellence,drivingeconomicgrowth, fosteringinnovation,andshapingthe futureofthecountry'scorporate landscape.

- Alaya Brown

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