The finalists for the Black ICT Achiever of the Year Awards have been announced. The winners will be named at the awards ceremony on 10 November.
The finalists in each of the main categories are:
Category: Black ICT Professional of the Year
Alf Kale, executive, public sector business, IBM SA
Qualifications:
BCom (Accounting)
Previous positions:
Executive director, Nafcoc; Business development manager, ACA Insurers
Major projects:
Installation of IBM mainframe and tape solutions for Northern Province government; rolling out Medicom software and related hardware to automate the healthcare system in the Northern Province; installation of a collaborative system in the Office of the Premier; running the IT infrastructure for the City of Johannesburg; rolling out Medicom software and related hardware for the Gauteng Provincial Government.
Awards:
IBM Best Performance 2000
Community/social contributions:
Community involvement including IT projects in Garankuwa, fundraising for schools in Mamelodi School and involvement in the Midrand Ratepayers` Association.
Dr Christopher Jardine, executive director, technology and property, Transnet
Qualifications:
PhD in Information Technology; MSc and BSc degrees in Computer Science
Previous positions:
Technologist, IBM Minnesota; Manager, Unix Academy, Johannesburg; IT advisor to the CEO, Johannesburg Transitional Metropolitan Council; general manager of strategy, general manager of Information Systems and general manager of joint ventures, Spoornet; board member of Transnet and its subsidiaries and divisions.
Major projects:
Y2K project for Spoornet and technology set up for Transnet; recapitalisation of Comozar; management restructuring proposal for Spoornet; start up of B2B Africa, the e-commerce subsidiary of Transnet.
Awards/other achievements:
Finalist in CIO of the Year 2000 Awards; chairman of the board of B2B Africa, Protekon, Propnet and Transtel.
Community/social contributions:
Sponsors a student at Africa Academy; trustee of Bill Jardine Sports Trust; trustee of Bill Jardine Scholarship Fund.
Dilley Naidoo, MD, Asiakon SA
Qualifications:
BCom, MBA, MBI
Major projects:
HP Laserjet distribution strategy for Europe; HP EMEA market strategy for PC and peripherals; strategy for DEC SA; established PC division for DEC PBU; established SGI sales in Africa.
Awards/other achievements:
Nominee, Black ICT Achiever of the Year 2000; DEC: Club 100; SGI: President`s Club; HP: President`s Club.
Community/social contributions:
Trustee of FOL orphanage; established Internet services for Soweto-USA library; trustee of Cani radio; instructor at Soweto School for the Deaf; sponsor of arts and crafts.
Fairoz Jaffer, inland growth officer, Amvia
Qualifications:
Damelin Institute of Marketing Management
Major projects:
Deployment of call centre for Hollard Insurance; sales strategy development for Amvia; development of branch office for Ndizani Technologies.
Awards/other achievements:
Top performing sales person second quarter 2000, Employee of the Month.
Community/social contributions:
Assistance to Department of Adult Education at UCT; food distribution in Nyanga.
Felix Nkusi, business development director, Mediapost
Qualifications:
HMA degree; H.Admin certificate
Previous positions:
Assistant marketing manager, IHC; consultant, Safto SA; director of international business development, Mediapost.
Major projects:
Acquired ISP and VSAT licences in 10 African countries, selected local partners, acquired international partners for PAN Africa data communication network.
Awards/other achievements:
ABR contract for PAN African online, contract for Nelson Mandela Children`s Fund Online.
Community/social contributions:
Sowetonet Project
Irene Charnley, commercial director, M-Cell
Qualifications:
Graphic Arts, Technology and Reproduction certificate; Certified Programme in Industrial Relations; MAP; PGL part 1
Previous positions:
Services division head, National Union of Mineworkers (NUM)); executive director, Johnnic; group executive director of telecommunications and regulatory, Johnnic; group executive director of strategy, Johnnic.
Major projects:
Introduction of legislation for pension and provident fund in SA, establishment of Mineworker`s Provident Fund, established AfriNET, developed AfriCAS.
Community/social contributions:
Training and mentoring previously disadvantaged individuals; IT services for Lenasia community radio station; mentorship and guidance to young black IT companies.
Joas Matsobane Legodi, financial director, Mma-O-Tlile Communications
Qualifications:
BCom, Business Management Diploma
Previous positions:
Branch accountant, African Bank; partner, Mathosa, Legodi & Associates; owner, Top Carpets, Pietersburg.
Major projects:
Implementation of financial management system for Northern Provincial Administration; establishment of integrated electronic messaging and group infrastructure for Office of the Northern Province Premier; installation and maintenance of networking equipment for Mpumalanga Provincial Government; installation and maintenance of land infrastructure and related equipment for Northern Province Government.
Awards/other achievements:
Finalist Sowetan/Sanlam Entrepreneur of the Year 1999 awards.
Community/social contributions:
Sponsors Northern Province Softball Association and a science and technology awareness campaign in the Northern Province.
Kevin Tommy, chief strategist, Network Skills
Qualifications:
N6
Major projects:
Formed Network Skills, former Enterprise Managed Solutions
Awards/other achievements:
Gauteng Provincial Government Innovation Hub and Smart Province strategies.
Community/social contributions:
Established Networking Kids, Networking Communities and Networking Partners projects.
Livingstone Chilwane, public services director, professional services, SAP
Qualifications:
BSc (Hons) Computer Science
Previous posts:
Project leader, Lebowa Government; senior consultant, Andersen Consulting; projects manager, NSB; regional IT manager, Transnet Datavia; senior consultant/projects manager, SAP Africa.
Major projects:
Creation of SAP public services and SAP public services BEE programme, setting up new consulting division within SAP public services.
Awards/other achievements:
Overachievers award, SAP Africa 1999.
Lucky Khumalo, COO, Mthombo IT Services
Qualifications:
SCO Ace in Unix, Project Management from Washington University; IT High Availability Management from Compaq High Availability University.
Previous posts:
Programmer, Nampak Corrugated; Systems Manager, Saffer & Co; Technical Accounts Manager, Compaq Computers.
Major projects:
Computerisation programme, Saffer & Co; MTN Account turn around project, Compaq; establishment of Thumb IT (M-IT).
Community/social contribution:
Establishing a computer-training centre at Theban School through the Nelson Mandela Children`s Fund.
Maphumuzane Nxumalo, director, global industries public sector, Unisys Africa
Qualifications:
Datametrics, ELP from Unisa; SBL, EDP from Wits WBS
Major projects:
Migration from VM to VSE and from VSE to MVS; outsourcing of Massmart Group IT infrastructure to Denel Informatics; outsourcing of Rentmeester Insurance to Denel Informatics; assisted Office of the Deputy President in setting up Y2K management centre in Pretoria.
Awards/other achievements:
Executive award for excellence for MVS migration at Massmart
Community/social contribution:
Mentoring IT professionals; helping canteen workers and gardeners to obtain matric qualification.
Mark Harris, country general manager, IBM SA and Central Africa
Qualifications:
BSc
Major projects:
IBM internship projects; IBM Andissa programme to incubate BEE SMMEs into ICT; training of unemployed black graduates into ICT.
Awards/other achievements:
Several IBM awards including international IBM awards, IBM global executive appointment, IBM SA MD appointment.
Mokgabudi Masilela, divisional manager, export devices, Siemens Telecommunications
Qualifications:
Telecommunications certificate; BSc Applied Physics and Engineering Electronics
Previous posts:
Engineering technician, Transducer Technology.
Major projects:
Designing community service phone for Vodacom Community Service; subcontractor for training and development in telecommunications.
Community/social contributions:
Donating computers, furniture and training to communities.
Ramusi Mothibi, divisional manager, wireless and spectrum, Transtel
Qualifications:
T2 Electrical Engineering; N6 Electrical Engineering; Diploma in Electronics and Communications; BEng (Electronics Systems Engineering)
Previous posts:
Systems engineer, Siemens; project engineer, Department of Posts and Telecommunications; Business Development Manager, Alcatel Altech Telecom.
Awards/other achievements:
Founder member of the Centre for Development of Information and Telecommunications Policy, the SA Soccer Supporters Association, the National Information and Technology Forum, the Black IT Forum, Botlokwa Communications Forum, Development Forum, Youth Telecentre and Community Radio Station; Top 200 Black ICT Achiever in 1999; Top 100 Black ICT Achiever in 2000; deputy head of the SA Telecommunications Union at the World Radio Conference 2000; project leader of the development of the SA Frequency Bandplan; co-ordinator of the Telecommunications Regulators` Association of Southern Africa and Chairperson of the Telecommunications Colloquium.
Dr Sello Rathete, executive chairman and CEO, Mma-O-Tlile Communications
Qualifications:
BSc (Honours), MSc, Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery (MBChB)
Previous posts:
Lecturer, University of the North.
Major projects:
Supply and implementation of FINEST procurement module; establishment of integrated electronic messaging and group infrastructure for office of the Northern Province Premier; supply and installation of networking equipment for Mpumalanga Provincial Government; supply and installation of land infrastructure and related equipment for Northern Province Government.
Community/social contributions:
Hosted National Science, Engineering and Technology Week 2001; official sponsor of Madnews - a Sekhukhune newspaper; sponsor of the National Council of African Women in the Northern Province.
Shantanu Goswami, country manager SA, Array Solutions (India)
Qualifications:
BEng
Previous posts:
Business manager, Peerless Technologies
Major projects:
MTN billing system with OSR in SA; assisted AfriNET to design & develop its own IT product; involvement in design and delivery of fleet manager for Cidev; involvement in design and development of healthcare solution for Nairobi West Hospital; involvement in ICT business development market study tours to Libya, Egypt, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Community/social contributions:
IT training to previously disadvantaged communities; forging partnerships between India and SA on technology training and vision for black-owned business.
Sonwabo Eddy Funde, president, SA Communications Forum
Qualifications:
MSc Electrical Engineering
Previous posts:
Deputy chairperson, SA Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (Satra); director, Independent Development Trust; executive director, SA Research & Development Trust; chief representative, ANC Australia & Pacific Mission; head, ANC Youth Section.
Major projects:
Development of new structure for Satra; chaired and recommended adjudication on the third cellular licence; drove establishment and programme of action for Trasa; chaired task team on the implementation of GMPCS MOU at the International Telecommunications Union in Geneva.
Awards/other achievements:
Peace Award from the Australian Peace Committee; awarded Key of Shelby County, Memphis Tennessee.
Community/social contributions:
Contributed toward establishment of the Soweto Development Foundation; led team to establish the Kambule Education, Training and Development Trust for Mathematics, Science & Technology for disadvantaged young South Africans.
Vusumuzi Ngubeni, enterprises executive director, telecommunications and commercial, Eskom
Qualifications:
BA Administration and Economics; Stanford Executive Diploma; Leadership certificate; Certificate in Infrastructure in a Market Economy; Siemens Telecommunications and Information Technology Programme
Previous posts:
Industrial relations officer, Mega Plastics; personnel manager, Makro; divisional personnel manager, Anglo American Amcoal; director of human resources and public affairs, Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Major projects:
Custodian of BEE procurement at Eskom
Awards/other achievements:
Kellogg Black Management Forum Excellence in Achievement Certificate of Merit; chairman of Electricity Africa, Hem-Kom, Airborne Laser Solutions and Mountain Communications; director of Setpoint Technologies, PGA and Tele-com Lesotho.
Community/social contributions:
Involvement in Ernie Els Foundation to identify promising black golfers, vice-captain of Modderfontein golf club.
Zeph Serepo, executive manager, infrastructure business, Arivia.kom
Qualifications:
BSc (Hons)
Previous posts:
IT manager, Eskom; processing services manager, Eskom
Major projects:
Merging of Eskom IT, Datavia and Ariel; protection of Eskom IT staff; upgrading of Eskom mainframes.
Community/social contributions:
Involvement in softball for young players; contributions to charity.
Category: Women in the ICT Sector
Brunnehildeh (Bondy) Zinde, business executive, national government, PQ Africa
Qualifications:
BA Social Sciences, Development Planning
Previous posts:
Executive, business development, AST-A; business development director, African Technology Holdings.
Major projects:
Sita mainframe applications and networks; Department of Agriculture migration project into Sita; Department of Foreign Affairs HR software design, development and maintenance; Vodacom/Standard Bank/PSL smart cards initiative; Cell C project management and contracting.
Awards/other achievements:
Featured on cover of Tribute magazine 1999; featured on Lebone; Top 5 finalist for Lebone Woman of the Year Award; established the Network for Women in IT; chairperson Women in IT; director of the Mamelodi Career Centre, member of Executive Women in Business, non-executive director of Umbothambo Investment Holdings.
Community/social contributions:
Involvement in SOS Children`s Village in Mamelodi; donations of computers to schools and churches; ICT guidance provided to Mamelodi Career Centre; donation to Takalani Home for Children with HIV/AIDS.
Dillo Lehlokoe, director, multimedia and e-commerce initiatives, Department of Communications
Qualifications:
BA Economics; Post-Graduate Diploma in Economics
Previous posts:
Trade and industry adviser to the Competition Commission Board; business planner, Sasol Oil; economic planner, Department of Economic Affairs.
Major projects:
Government e-commerce policy initiative; formulation of e-commerce policy and legislative framework.
Awards/other achievements:
Participating in government ICT projects including developing national ICT strategy, a government call centre and a national e-strategy.
Community/social contributions:
Facilitator of Bophelo Adult Literacy Project.
Irene Charnely, commercial director, M-Cell
Qualifications:
Graphic Arts, Technology and Reproduction certificate; Certified Programme in Industrial Relations; MAP; PGL part 1
Previous positions:
Services division head, National Union of Mineworkers (NUM)); executive director, Johnnic; group executive director of telecommunications and regulatory, Johnnic; group executive director of strategy, Johnnic.
Major projects:
Introduction of legislation for pension and provident fund in SA, establishment of Mineworker`s Provident Fund, established AfriNET, developed AfriCAS.
Community/social contributions:
Training and mentoring previously disadvantaged individuals; IT services for Lenasia community radio station; mentorship and guidance to young black IT companies.
Mathabo Mpho Pharasi, executive director, Extra Dimension 67
Qualifications:
MSc (Computation); BSc (Maths, Psychology); Diploma in Datametrics
Previous posts:
Government business manager, ICLSA
Major Projects:
Programme to support and develop companies owned by previously disadvantaged individuals.
Awards/other achievements:
Top 20 Black ITC Achiever 1999; Top IT Achiever 2000 nominee.
Community/social contributions:
Founding member of BITF and board member of Blitec; participation in 2001 OAU ICT Workshop; participation in the 2001 Commonwealth ICT Workshop; membership of the Tshwane Executive Mayor`s Advisory Committee.
Mmabatho Jeniffer Gwangwa, senior business analyst, Telkom
Qualifications:
BSc, HED, BSc (Hons) Computer Science
Previous posts:
Information technologist, SA Reserve Bank; analyst programmer, PFG Building Glass; analyst programmer, SAA.
Major projects:
SALAMI: Migration from DOS to Windows 3.11; OSCAR: Implementation of SAP R/3 module - sales and distribution; SAT 3 / WASC: Underwater cable project; Televoting: Marketing telephone voting product; VOIP: Billing voice-over IP calls; Retail/Wholesale Reconciliation: Calls details and financial reconciliation between national and international calls.
Awards/other achievements:
Awarded bursary of recognition from Standard Bank, bursary from Department of Education, bursary from FRD.
Community/social contributions:
Tutoring first-year students in computer science, installing computers and software for small businesses; mentoring students entering ICT.
Nombulelo Pinky Moholi, deputy vice-president, sales and marketing, Telkom
Qualifications:
BSc Electronic Engineering; Senior Executive Programme; Strategic Marketing Management
Previous posts:
Design engineer, GEC; senior systems engineer/data networks consultant, Siemens; technology training project director, Matla Trust; payphone business GM, regulatory affairs group executive, international and special markets managing executive, Telkom SA.
Awards/other achievements:
Shareholder representative to the board of governors of Intelsat; official representative of Telkom SA to the International Telecommunications Union; official representative of Telkom to Sata; member of the SA advisory group (African Communications Ministers) on ICT development, member of advisory task group to oversee drafting of the White Paper on Telecommunications Reform and the Telecommunications Act of 1996; member of the Broadcasting Act steering committee; founding member and trustee of the board of the Centre for Development of Information and Technology Programme; founding member and chairperson of the National Telecommunications Forum.
Community/social contributions:
Volunteer Maths tutor at the Tembisa Saturday School; former member of advisory board for the Centre for Research in Engineering Education at UCT.
Dr Sebiletso Mokone-Matabane, acting managing director and chief executive officer, Sentech
Qualifications:
PhD (Educational Administration); MS (Television and Radio); BA (Political Science)
Previous posts:
Assistant to executive director, Chamba Productions; production supervisor, WBUR Radio; operations assistant, UN Development Programme; assistant to the president, Cook Productions; media specialist, learning resources director, media services co-ordinator, instructional technology co-ordinator, Austin Community College; project manager, Tertiary Education Programme Support.
Major projects:
Task group on development of the film industry; communications task group on government communications, made recommendations leading to the establishment of the GCIS.
Awards/other achievements:
Listed in the South African Leading Women directory and the Who`s Who in Southern Africa directory; Distinguished Graduate Award from the College of Education, The University of Texas.
Community/social contributions:
Head of the South African delegation to Americas Telecom in Brazil; member of South African delegation to the ITU in Kyoto and the African Development Forum, Addis Ababa; secretary of the South African Communications Forum; member of stakeholders task team on Broadcasting Policy; advisory member of the National Research and Technology Foresight Project; member of the Ministerial ICT Round Table Advisory Council.
Category: Infopreneurs in Africa
Fairoz Jaffer, inland growth officer, Amvia
Qualifications:
Damelin Institute of Marketing Management
Major projects:
Deployment of call centre for Hollard Insurance; sales strategy development for Amvia; development of branch office for Ndizani Technologies.
Awards/other achievements:
Top performing sales person second quarter 2000, Employee of the Month.
Community/social contributions:
Assistance to Department of Adult Education at UCT; food distribution in Nyanga.
Felix Nkusi, business development director, Mediapost
Qualifications:
HMA degree; H.Admin certificate
Previous positions:
Assistant marketing manager, IHC; consultant, Safto SA; director of international business development, Mediapost.
Major projects:
Acquired ISP and VSAT licences in 10 African countries, selected local partners, acquired international partners for PAN Africa data communication network.
Awards/other achievements:
ABR contract for PAN African online, contract for Nelson Mandela Children`s Fund Online.
Community/social contributions:
Sowetonet Project
Mavis Ampah Sintim-Misa, CEO, African Connection
Qualifications:
BA Economics; Master of Public Policy with an emphasis on International Trade and Finance
Previous posts:
Intern at the World Bank; consultant on finance and trade at the World Bank in Washington DC; budget and financial analyst at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; projects officer at the World Bank; head of corporate finance at the Securities Discount Company in Ghana, management consultant to the Volta River Authority; co-ordinator for the Telecom Privatisation and Reform Programme; World Bank consultant to the Ghana Ministry of Transport and Communications; CEO of Spectrum International; CEO of African Connection.
Achievements:
Adviser to the government of Ghana on the liberalisation of the country`s telecommunications sector; assisted the National Communications Authority to develop a regulatory framework; advised private telecommunications companies on commercial, policy and regulatory issues; exchange student at Trinity College, Oxford University, in 1985; provided advisory services on telecommunications sector reform in the Ivory Coast, Gambia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Benin and SA; managed and co-ordinated the first private international telecommunications conference in Ghana (African Telecom Summit).
Dr Nii Narku Quaynor, chairman and CEO, Network Computer Systems
Qualifications:
BA in Engineering Science; BEng; MSc and PhD degrees in Computer Science
Previous posts:
Senior engineering manager, Digital Equipment Corporation; UN Development Programme assistant to the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation.
Major projects:
Assisted several African countries to strengthen their internetworks; mobilised Africans to build relevant supporting institutions for the Internet in the region; introduced value-added networks in West Africa; established network computer systems to provide technology solutions in West Africa.
Awards/other achievements:
Chairman of AfriNIC (Regional Internet Registry for Africa); taught at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Italy, China, Colombia, Sri Lanka and Mexico.
Shakes Mkhonza, consultant, Implitec Holdings
Qualifications:
ND Information Technology
Previous positions:
Developer, IBM; Web developer, Intredoc; Internet Developer, Safika Online; Consultant, Implitec.
Major projects:
Involved in development of e-Commerce/Shopping Cart, Web-based CV management system, Web-based project management system; African content portal; Web-based truck tracking system; Web site customisation; African Music, Kwaito and youth entertainment sites.
Community/social contribution:
Involved in NetDay South Africa, aimed at connecting South African schools to the Internet.
Vivian Pather, managing director, AfriNET
Qualification:
Management Executive Diploma
Previous posts:
Project manager, Nedcor Bank; IT Officer, Experian SA
Major projects:
Developed credit bureau system for a South African company; established an IT company in 1999, fully owned by its staff, with 90% of staff members from previously disadvantaged groups; developed a real-time, online authentication product to combat fraud in the consumer credit industry.
Community/social contributions
Creating an environment to train and mentor PDIs and teach them IT and life skills; providing IT services for the Lenasia Community Radio Station East Wave; providing mentorship, guidance and experience to young black IT companies.
Vusumuzi Ngubeni, enterprises executive director, telecommunications and commercial, Eskom
Qualifications:
BA Administration and Economics; Stanford Executive Diploma; Leadership certificate; Certificate in Infrastructure in a Market Economy; Siemens Telecommunications and Information Technology Programme
Previous posts:
Industrial relations officer, Mega Plastics; personnel manager, Makro; divisional personnel manager, Anglo American Amcoal; director of human resources and public affairs, Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Major projects:
Custodian of BEE procurement at Eskom
Awards/other achievements:
Kellogg Black Management Forum Excellence in Achievement Certificate of Merit; chairman of Electricity Africa, Hem-Kom, Airborne Laser Solutions and Mountain Communications; director of Setpoint Technologies, PGA and Tele-com Lesotho.
Community/social contributions:
Involvement in Ernie Els Foundation to identify promising black golfers, vice-captain of Modderfontein golf club.
(ITWeb is the official online media partner of the Black ICT Achievers Awards 2001.)
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