MSMEs GoDigital Expo

Driven by 17 years’ experience, Yamkela Dyantyi is a seasoned Program Director and Moderator with expertise in designing and delivering high-impact events for Micro, Small, Macro Enterprises (MSMEs), corporations, and institutions.

The name Yamkela, means “To Engage with Intention” – emphasizing a purposeful connection and relational intelligence with the audiences and captures the essence of the brand’s commitment to creating inclusive and memorable experiences.

A season entrepreneur, he is the founder of the SME CEOs Group, a specialist organization for leading high-performance SME CEOs. He has also the founder of Isintu Safari, a dynamic digital platform creating tourism experiences rooted and enriched by the indigenous history of Africa. He is also the founder and
creative director of the MSMEs Go Digital Expo, a platform unpacking South Africa’s thriving innovation ecosystem, showcasing cutting-edge digital solutions and scalable ventures that fuel the transformative, exponential digital growth of MSMEs in a rapidly digitizing economy. These organizations are leading catalysts in their sectors promoting growth, innovation, and transformation. Through his leadership,

Yamkela has founded and chairs the South African Digital Economy Association and the South African Tourism Wellness Association both designed to advance the respective sectors in research, skill development and job creation.

Through his experiences, he has certified himself as a skilled sales executive, dealmaker, and PR strategist—adept at relationship-building and value-driven negotiation, he is an MSME digital transformation advocator and project manager.

Whether in the boardroom designing global impact strategies, leading a high-level business summit or moderating a thought leadership panel, Yamkela consistently delivers excellence with elegance, integrity,
and strategic insight.

Dr Pholoshi Abram Maake (PhD, MBA) currently serves as the Acting Director: Private Sector Research & Development Promotions at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. He has extensive knowledge and experience in the administration and promotion of the scientific and technological Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive. He contributes to driving and supporting the growth of R&D activities within the private sector, fostering innovation, and promoting South Africa competitiveness in the global market. Dr Maake has previously held Senior Scientist positions at various government organizations, such as South African National Biodiversity Institute, Agricultural Research Council and the NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, contributing immensely to biodiversity management, development of biodiversity policies and implementation, showcasing his commitment to advancing scientific, technological knowledge and innovation in South Africa.

Manqoba Mngomezulu, known as Q, is a cybersecurity expert and director of Inpassion, specialising in cybersecurity consulting, awareness, recruitment, and POPIA compliance. Since 2018, he has worked across various sectors, including telecommunications and non-profits. His skills include IT risk management, PCI DSS compliance, and cybersecurity operations.

Manqoba holds CISM and SCF-SABSA certifications and completed a Business Development Programme at GIBS. He is a member of ISACA and author of several books on cybersecurity, including the best-seller “Bring Back My Identity.”

Thabang Phala, also known as Abuti Rams, is a standout in the tech world, combining his skills as an IT consultant, brand innovator, and advocate for human development. He shines as the host of the Abuti Rams Show on Athari TV, where he dives into the ins and outs of business in Africa, sharing valuable insights with his audience.

Thabang’s journey in the professional world is marked by his leadership in founding BizM8 and LuminaLeap, where he serves as the guiding force and managing director. His education in Business Informatics, Cybersecurity, and Web and Application Development lays a solid foundation for his vast experience, spanning over 12 years.

Delon Sibusiso Khuzwayo (ICSA, MBA, AFS, CSCM) is a seasoned executive with over two decades of leadership experience spanning enterprise development, financial strategy, and corporate governance. He holds an MBA from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and multiple professional certifications in finance and management, including ICSA, AFS, and CSCM.

Mr. Khuzwayo has held senior and executive roles across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, leading transformative initiatives that have driven inclusive economic growth. His career includes strategic leadership at institutions such as the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), Broll Property Group (South Africa and Nigeria), Kabusha Advisory, and Food & Trees for Africa. He has successfully managed multimillion-rand programmes supporting SMMEs, township economies, and agricultural development.

In his work with national shopping centres in both South Africa and Nigeria, Mr. Khuzwayo played a pivotal role in transforming tenant mixes and delivering international-standard training to Nigerian professionals in retail property management. His efforts contributed to enhanced operational efficiency and elevated customer experience across diverse retail environments. Currently serving as Acting Executive for Zone Operations and Senior Manager for Enterprise Development at TASEZ, Mr. Khuzwayo leads a high-performing team focused on improving tenant engagement, addressing maintenance challenges, and continuously enhancing service delivery
to stakeholders.

A dynamic strategist, he excels in stakeholder engagement, capital mobilisation, and policy implementation, consistently aligning operations with national development priorities. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Khuzwayo is a committed community builder—founder of a youth-focused tennis club and a proud representative of KwaZulu-Natal in national tournaments. His unique blend of technical expertise and social impact positions him as a driving force in shaping sustainable and inclusive economic ecosystems.

Cedric Bhagaloo is the dedicated Account Manager for Space42 covering the SADC region. His professional foundation is built on a strong marketing background that spans both the Insurance and technology sectors, providing him with a unique, well-rounded perspective on market dynamics and business
development.

Cedric is a firm believer in the transformative power of technology, holding that
it possesses the building blocks necessary to change the world. However, he also recognizes a crucial corollary: for this change to be realized, the & build;
(referring to businesses, processes, and society) must be prepared to change
and adapt to technology itself. This philosophy underscores his approach to driving successful technology adoption and growth in the SADC region.

Sandile is a WITS & GIBS Alumni with over 13 years in
the IT Industry | Specialises in providing leadership and solutions around
IT Architecture| Digital Transformation Strategy| Emerging Technology
(AI) Strategy Formulation & Alignment| Business & Systems Analysis |
Certified SCRUM Product Owner (CSPO)| Technology Partner

Passionate about entrepreneurship, technology, leadership. Currently
holds a Director of Strategy on AI Deployment and Sustainability at
Etihuku PTY LTD. Sandile is also an IT Architect, consulting in various
companies across South Africa including but not limited to Telecoms,
Insurance and Banking Companies. Moreover, he plays a huge role in the
Rural development where he is part of a company called Rural Chamber
of Commerce, which is about building strong economy within the rural
areas and expanding it to other countries in Africa