Mr Itiseng Kenneth Morolong was appointed as Deputy Minister of The Presidency from 3 July 2024. He previously also served in this position from 6 March 2023 to 19 June 2024.
Prior to his appointment to the National Executive, he served as a member of the Parliament Standing Committee on Finance and as an alternate member of the Standing Committee on Appropriations.
Due to various political roles he has played, he has developed a keen interest in prudential public administration of state affairs. His leadership roles in both the ANC, Parliament, and now the Executive arm of the State cumulatively made him an advocate for a transformative public administration.
He is currently registered for a BA Public Administration with the Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA). He was born on the 17 February 1982, in Ipelegeng Township, Schweitzer-Reneke, North West Province. He attended Itshupeng Secondary School where he matriculated.
His political awareness was sparked at the very early age of 9, which saw him take an active role in the political activities and campaigns in his local community, mobilising children behind the banner of the ANC. This participation was organised through the ANC Young Pioneers (Masupatsela) of which he became its President from 1991-1994.
Kenny also participated in the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) through which he mobilised the school-going youth towards the concept of people’s education for people’s power. He became Provincial Chairperson of Cosas in North West, from 1998 – 2000, where he and his generation of Cosas youth led a campaign to integrate the public schooling system. This saw the integration of black learners into former Model C and whites-only public schools.
Throughout his life, he participated in ANC structures invariably occupying different positions of responsibility and leadership from the Young Pioneers, Cosas, ANCYL, and the ANC itself.
He was elected as a member of the ANC Provincial Executive Committee in 2011 and was appointed as the ANC Provincial Spokesperson.
In 2013, he was appointed by the President of the Republic of South Africa as the Executive Deputy Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency from 2013-2016. He was reappointed to the NYDA Board in 2017, a position he held until his election as a Member of the Sixth Parliament of the Republic of South Africa in 2019.
Matome Madibana is an accomplished executive with over 15 years of diverse and proven executive management experience in the public sector. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA), Matome oversees all facets of the organisation, driving pivotal skills development initiatives in the media and ICT sectors.
Mr. Madibana’s career is marked by significant roles that highlight his leadership and expertise. Before becoming CEO, he held key positions such as Senior Manager: Corporate Services and Acting Senior Manager: Education, Training, and Quality Assurance (ETQA). His strategic vision and sector acumen were particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he successfully navigated the organisation through unprecedented challenges, placing digital transformation at the forefront of MICT SETA’s agenda.
Andre Wentzel joined the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) as interim Chief Executive Officer on 1 July 2025, after an 18-month period of retirement.
He is a specialist in regulatory compliance and held the senior executive designation Head: Standard Bank Group Anti-Financial Crime and served as Standard Bank’s representative director on the Board of SABRIC until retirement.
He has extensive experience in banking and financial crime risk management and has focused over the last two decades on the implementation of Anti-Money Laundering, Counter Terrorist Financing, Anti-Bribery and Corruption and Financial Sanctions Control Programmes as well as Fraud Risk Management.
Andre was a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and a member of the international Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) until retirement. He holds tertiary qualifications in money laundering control and criminal justice & forensic auditing (UJ).
Trevor Rammitlwa has been the CEO of BANKSETA and Executive Manager: Strategic Support at CATHSSETA. He is also formerly the Managing Director at Case Global Partners. He also served as a Senior Manager: Learning and Development at Nedbank. Trevor has 23 years of experience working in the Talent Development and previously occupied other various managerial roles. He has served as a Board Member for Micro Finance South Africa, Bataung Development Agency and Investors In People South Africa. He now serves in the advisory board of National Peace Accord Trust and participates in ABSIP’s workgroup/Sub-committee on economic policy. Trevor has an MBL degree and is currently studying towards a PhD in Management at the Centre for Economic and Management Sciences, UNISA. Trevor has local and international exposure in executing skills development programmes, extensive experience in developing executives in the banking sector as well as working in collaboration with local and international Business Schools. His ambition is to contribute to the development of skills including digital skills at all levels as a contribution towards the wellbeing of South Africa’s businesses and government.
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.
Prof Elmarie Kritzinger joined the University of South Africa’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology in 2000 and currently holds the position of Professor in the School of Computing (Department of Information System). Prof Kritzinger continued her PhD completing her PGCE and a MEd (ICT in Education). She is currently NRF C2 rated within South Africa.
Prof Kritzinger has established herself as a mature researcher and has published in accredited national and international journals, contributed to chapters in books and presented at peer-reviewed conferences. Although her research focuses primarily on Information Security (Cyber) Awareness, she is cross-disciplinary skilled in the fields of information systems and education.
Founding member and project leader of a Cyber Awareness Project within the School of Computing at UNISA, her aspiration is to provide school children and communities in South Africa and Africa with a cyber awareness supporting documents to enrich their knowledge and ensure they are cyber safe. This project is multi-institutional with partners in industry, academia, government and public sector. As part of her corporate citizenship, Prof Kritzinger has successfully organized colloquiums and workshops on key discussions relating to cyber awareness and have been an invited as speaker for several workshops and conferences on the topic of Information Security Awareness and Education.
A number of honours, Master’s and Doctoral students are currently under her supervision within the fields of cyber safety, information systems and education.
Research areas:
- Cyber Safety for communities, school, industry, and governments.
- Culturalization of digital devices for education within 4th IR
- Information Security Management
- Digital ecosystems
- Education of ICT for the future
- Information Governance
Professor Sizwe Snail ka Mtuze is a renowned expert in Cyberlaw and AI law, holding a prestigious position as Professor of Law at a top South African university. He teaches and conducts research in Cyberlaw, AI law, and Data Protection. As a Visiting Professor at Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he shares his expertise with students and faculty.
His impressive background includes serving as a Member of the Information Regulator of South Africa from 2016 to 2021, where he played a crucial role in shaping the country’s data protection and privacy landscape. He was also a key contributor to the drafting of South Africa’s Cybercrimes Act, serving on the advisory committee responsible for shaping this critical legislation.
Dr Namosha Veerasamy is a principal researcher at the Cyber Security research group within the Information and Cyber Security Centre at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. Namosha’ s research focus is on cybersecurity, cyber awareness and cyber threat trends. Namosha was one of the initial members of the Information Warfare Group which has since expanded into the Information and Cyber Security Centre.
Namosha is the author of over 50 peer-reviewed publications including publications in leading international journals in the field, like the International Journal of Information Warfare and the International Journal of Cyber Warfare and Terrorism.
Namosha is a keen mentor to many upcoming researchers within her environment and also regularly examines post-graduate dissertations at various institutions like the University of Johannesburg, University of Western Cape and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Namosha is a member of the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2, as well as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) holding CISSP and CISM certifications. She serves on the conference committees of the International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security, European Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security and Information Security South Africa. She is also on the editorial board of the International Journal of Cyber Warfare and Terrorism.
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.”
Shandré Kim Jansen van Rensburg is an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminology and Security Science at the University of South Africa. She holds a Master of Arts (Criminology) degree (cum laude) and a DLitt et Phil (Criminology) qualification. Her research focuses on criminology, victimology, and security science. In 2018, she was honoured as the youngest female doctoral graduate by Elsevier and received a Women in Research (WiR) grant. In 2024, she received the Principal’s Award for Research Excellence and the Best Mentor Award for 2024 from the Human Sciences Research Council, in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation. She publishes her work locally and internationally and has successfully supervised Masters and PhD students to completion.
Galeboe Mogotsi is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he oversees and manages all facets of cybersecurity to ensure the protection, integrity, and availability of the institution’s infrastructure and information assets. With over 18 years of experience in digital technology and cybersecurity, Galeboe is both a visionary strategist and a hands-on leader, adept at steering organizations through dynamic technological landscapes.
He has a proven track record of fostering security-conscious cultures and leading impactful digital transformations across diverse sectors, including education, defense, and finance. As a Certified IT Business Professional, a Chartered CIO, and an MBA graduate specializing in the management of information security, Galeboe brings both deep technical expertise and strong business acumen to his leadership roles.
Beyond his CISO role, Galeboe is the Co-Founder and Vice Chair of the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) South African Chapter Board, where he contributes to shaping the future of cloud security and advancing cybersecurity practices across the region.
Passionate about innovation, he actively explores and leverages emerging technologies and cybersecurity solutions to create value and enhance organizational performance. Widely regarded as a trusted advisor and thought leader, Galeboe is a sought-after industry speaker on topics such as cybersecurity resilience, emerging technologies, and business transformation
André Martin McDonald received the B.Eng., B.Eng.(Hons.) and M.Eng. degrees in Computer and Electronic Engineering from the University of Pretoria in 2004, 2005 and 2010, respectively, as well as the Ph.D. degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2024. He is currently a Principal Researcher at the Defence and Security Cluster of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), where he conducts interdisciplinary research in domains such as cybersecurity and radar system engineering, and develops novel and innovative cybersecurity products and solutions. He has a twenty-year track record of regular publication in peer-reviewed academic journals and the proceedings of international conferences. His research interests include network intrusion detection and prevention, radar clutter modelling and simulation, signal processing, dynamical systems and mathematical modelling.
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.
Lisema Matsietsi is a prominent author and senior advisor with two published books and nearly two decades of banking experience. He is a PhD candidate where he researching Leveraging Disruptive Technologies to Bridge Skills Gaps, Transform Work Readiness, and Reimagine Public-Private Collaboration in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He is a member of the Institute of Directors (M.Inst.D) and a Chartered Development Financial Analyst (CDFA). Additionally, he serves as an independent trustee at Grassridge Winds of Change Community Trust, chairman of Golden Valley Wind Facility Community Trust and Empowervate Trust, and a senior technical advisor in the GIZ Digital Skills for Jobs and Income (DS4JI) project, supporting NEET youth transitions to employment.
Dr Makaziwe Makamba is a director for digital transformation at the National School of Government (NSG) in South Africa. She previously worked as a Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Research Expert /Director, specialising in Computer Science (4IR Research Expert – Computer Science), at the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) in South Africa, where she was involved on the plethora of programmes looking at governance, policy and use of technology (emerging technologies) in acceleration socio-economic development. She has also worked at the Centre for Fourth industrial revolution (C4IR, SA) South Africa, as a senior researcher. She has a blended plethora of experience, as she worked in private sector, academia and in public sector.
Dr Makamba was also part of the people that provided the inputs on the Draft recommendations on the ethics of AI for UNESCO. Dr Makamba has been invited by UNESCO to provide a talk on various events such as capacity building on AI and Digital Transformation for Civil Servants and ethical use of AI. She has been involved in various AI developmental work for the Southern Africa region. She has been involved on the AI dialogues and AI initiatives across the globe to deliberate on AI benefits to society, economy and risks involved with this cross-cutting sectorial technology. She also contributed to both national and international platforms in technology discussions, specifically on the 4IR technology discussions and the impact of technology in driving socio-economic development.
Dr Makamba was recently invited by U.S. Department of State, together with the Atlantic Council GeoTech Center to attend and discuss at OECD Working Party on AI governance discussions in AI Paris, France and also in Cape Town , South Africa to provide some expertise on AI use cases and to explore opportunities and challenges around implementation of AI for economic development.
Dr Makamba holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science from the University of South Africa (UNISA). Her areas of interest include but not limited to; Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, E-services, System Integration, Internet of Things (IoT), and Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D). She has Master’s in Computer Science from University of Fort Hare. She also holds Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science Honours from the same University.
Dr Makamba won a Rising Star award of the Year award from Intelligent ICT Awards, Africa 2025. She was previously nominated as an Inspiring Fifty 2020, in South Africa. She was also nominated on the Women in Tech Global excellent awards, in rising star of the year category. She has been recently nominated by wired4women awards and top 6 finalist for trailblazing career in ICT. She has been honoured as a top 50 powerful leaders driving technology forward by digital transformation tech Exito, in South Africa March 2025.
She serves as a programme committee member in various international conference society. She also serves as a board member and committee member in various organisations. She is also a founder and executive director of an NPO called Rise Science, that focuses on educating young people about technology in underserved areas. Her inextinguishable passion comes from her belief in the power of technology to solve socio-economic challenges.
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.