The South African AI Workforce Landscape: The Case for a National AI Skills Alliance

Phuthi is the Group Executive Director of Naspers Ltd and Prosus N.V. She joined Naspers as South Africa CEO in July 2019 and was appointed to the Naspers and Prosus boards in 2024 and 2025 respectively.

Before joining Naspers, she co-founded Sigma Capital, where she served as Executive Chairperson, and was CEO of Shanduka Group from 2004 to 2015. She previously headed the Project Finance South Africa business unit at the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

Phuthi is a leading voice on digital transformation and education. She chaired the B20 Digital Transformation Task Force from December 2024 to November 2025, and in 2026 was appointed Co-Chairperson of the World Economic Forum’s Education Accelerator in South Africa. She also serves on the advisory board of Stellenbosch Business School, where she is an Honorary Professor. In 2020, she was ranked 42nd on Fortune’s Most Powerful Women International list.

Phuthi holds a BA in Economics from Rutgers University and an MBA from De Montfort University, and completed executive education at Harvard Kennedy School.

Olona is a Finance Intern at Collective X, where she supports financial and administrative functions while gaining practical experience. She is currently studying towards a Diploma in Accounting Science and is committed to developing her skills in finance and accounting. Olona holds a Higher Certificate in Accounting Science and a Certificate in Public Administration, reflecting her diverse educational background and passion for continuous learning and professional growth.

Tendani supports the financial operations and reporting functions at Collective X. With a strong foundation in accounting and finance, she brings a detail-oriented and analytical approach to her work, helping to ensure efficient and compliant financial processes across the organisation. She is currently advancing her technical expertise through studies in Data Science, reflecting a commitment to continuous learning and innovation.

Florah is a Finance Intern at Collective X, where she supports financial administration as well as audit and review activities. She holds a Diploma in Accountancy from the University of Johannesburg and is currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences through the University of South Africa. With experience in bookkeeping and accounting support, Florah brings a strong analytical mindset and attention to detail to her work.

Elzaan is the Operations Coordinator at Collective X, supporting the systems, processes and partnerships that enable effective programme delivery. With more than a decade of experience in youth development, programme management and stakeholder engagement, she has worked across the non-profit sector to advance pathways into education and employment. Elzaan holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management from Regent Business School and brings a practical, collaborative approach to strengthening operations and creating opportunities for young people to succeed.

Coral-Lee leads technology and systems enablement at Collective X, helping to design and implement the digital platforms, operational systems and technology solutions that support the organisation’s growth and impact. With more than 10 years of experience spanning digital transformation, workforce development and social impact initiatives, she brings expertise in business analysis, strategic programme delivery and Salesforce ecosystem implementation. Coral-Lee’s work focuses on improving efficiency, strengthening governance and enabling scalable solutions that support South Africa’s digital skills ecosystem.

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Phyllis is a Project Officer at Collective X, bringing over 15 years of experience in finance, administration, and project coordination in the non-profit sector. She supports implementation across high-impact projects, drawing on her expertise in monitoring and evaluation, evidence verification, and due diligence to help drive measurable outcomes. Phyllis holds a Diploma in Public Finance and Accounting from Tshwane University of Technology and a certificate in Measuring and Improving Business Performance from Cornell University.

Oageng is the In-House Counsel at Collective X, responsible for legal advisory, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance. He plays a key role in strengthening governance and enabling scalable, compliant solutions across the digital skills ecosystem. Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa in 2020, Oageng brings experience in corporate law, civil litigation, and risk management across both the private and non-profit sectors. He holds a Master’s of Law from Utrecht University and a Bachelor of Law from the University of Pretoria.

Fadzai heads up the finance team at Collective X, bringing extensive experience in accounting and finance across a range of sectors. She is a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Tebogo is a Project Officer at Collective X with 15 years of experience in project finance and coordination across non-profits and public companies. Her expertise spans project planning and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, evidence verification, and financial reporting. She holds a Diploma in Accounting and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Management Accounting through the University of South Africa.

Nsika brings over 17 years of experience in financial services, with a focus on corporate and development finance, business strategy, and insurance. He has worked with leading institutions, building a strong track record in both commercial and impact-driven environments. He holds a Master of Philosophy in Development Finance from Stellenbosch Business School and a Bachelor of Business Science Honours in Actuarial Science from the University of Cape Town. At Collective X, Nsika draws on this expertise to support our innovative financing models that enable scale and sustainability.

Kim is the Executive of Business Partnerships at Collective X, leading market enablement and sector collaboration to drive employment demand for entry-level ICT talent. With over a decade of experience in economic development and social innovation, she has collaborated with SMEs, entrepreneurs, and multinationals to unlock sustainable growth and impact. Kim holds an MBA from GIBS Business School and Bocconi University, and a BA in Culture and Communications from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Linda is a strategic development professional with experience across both the public and private sectors. With a background in economic development, auditing, and public sector funding, she brings a unique ability to bridge government and business priorities. Her expertise spans financial inclusion, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sector partnerships, with a strong track record in managing international collaboration programmes. At Collective X, Linda focuses on strengthening public sector partnerships to support scalable, systems-level change.

As the youngest member of Collective X, Alexia brings a fresh perspective and strong initiative to her role as Programme Administrator. She joined as an intern in early 2024 after matriculating with five distinctions and quickly proved her value through her work in marketing and communications. While interning, Alexia completed a project management course through the University of Cape Town, demonstrating a clear commitment to learning and growth. Now a permanent member of the organisation, she supports implementation across multiple high-impact projects in the Programme Management Office.

Melissa is the Head of Client Implementation at Collective X, dedicated to fostering partnerships that drive meaningful change. She brings over a decade of expertise in strategic information, stakeholder relations and digital transformation. With extensive experience collaborating with government, donors, and local organisations, she has led impactful initiatives across public health and digital sectors. Melissa holds a PhD in Child and Family Studies from the University of the Western Cape and certifications in digital transformation and health management.

Rob leads the impact and evaluation portfolio at The Collective X. With experience spanning research, impact, and evaluation roles at Click Learning and Harambee, Rob brings a deep understanding of social impact and workforce development. He also has a background in management consulting, supporting initiatives both in South Africa and internationally. Rob holds an MA and an MBA from the University of Witwatersrand.

Ziaad Suleman is the Chief Executive Officer of Cassava Technologies for South Africa and Botswana. With over two decades of experience in the technology industry, he has held senior executive roles at leading organisations, including IBM, where he served as Chief Operating Officer for Southern Africa, and iOCO Technology (formerly EOH), where he was Group Chief Commercial Officer and an executive committee member.

Ziaad is a recognised voice in shaping South Africa’s digital economy. He currently serves as the South African Chair for 4IR on BRICS+, is a member of the ICT 4IR Public Private Growth Initiative (PPGI), and sits on the board of the Southern Africa Philanthropy Foundation. He brings strategic leadership and a deep commitment to inclusive digital transformation to his role as a non-executive director of Collective X.

Ziaad holds an undergraduate and honours degree in Law (with distinction) from the University of Natal and an MDP in Business Management (with distinction) from GIBS Business School. He matriculated from St John’s College in Johannesburg.

Vukani is the Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft South Africa, where he leads the company’s strategic growth, market development, and ecosystem partnerships in support of South Africa’s digital transformation.

He brings over two decades of experience driving large-scale digital transformation and operational excellence across Africa. Prior to Microsoft, Vukani served as CEO of Accenture Africa, overseeing a multi-disciplinary organisation spanning technology, consulting, and industry solutions. He held full P&L responsibility, led thousands of professionals, expanded market presence, and delivered sustained performance across sectors, including Financial Services, Telecommunications, Retail, Health, Public Service, and Natural Resources.

Recognised for his ability to navigate complexity and inspire change, Vukani has been appointed by the President of South Africa to national advisory bodies on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Green Energy Transformation.

He is a strong advocate for responsible innovation, talent development, and partnerships that enable inclusive growth and long-term economic impact.

He holds a BCom in Business Information Systems and Accounting from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Pieter is the co-founder and CEO of Clickatell, a frontrunner in the chat commerce space and the first African company to receive backing from American venture capital firm Sequoia Capital. Under Pieter’s leadership, Clickatell has flourished into a global company with operations spanning multiple continents. 

Pieter has over 23 years of experience in global telecoms, mobile messaging, and mobile payments, 10 of which he spent in Silicon Valley. Apart from his corporate achievements, Pieter is deeply invested in fostering entrepreneurship as a catalyst for economic and job growth. He is a business mentor for Endeavour and the founder and chairman of SiMODiSA, an organisation focused on accelerating start-up success for South African entrepreneurs. He is also committed to enhancing digital skills in Africa, which he views as a more significant opportunity than mining or agriculture. 

Pieter has been recognised for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the mobile industry by numerous industry organisations and publications, including Global Technology Business (GTB), which named him one of its “top 40 under 40” executives in 2011, and the San Jose Business Journal, which awarded him its Social Economic Impact Award in 2012. 

Nicola is a business leader and social innovator, driving multi-sector partnerships for systems change and inclusive economic participation.

As Executive Director of Yellowwoods Holdings she leads the investment group’s efforts to drive inclusive and sustainable growth through, and with, its portfolio of businesses. She also leads Yellowwoods’ social innovation hub, impact financing and grant-making. 

Under her leadership, Yellowwoods has incubated a portfolio of African social enterprises, including the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. Other impact focus areas include Impact Sourcing, Inclusive Carbon initiatives and Early Childhood Development.

She is currently active on numerous private sector and social sector boards, a member of the South African Presidential and Ministerial advisory on youth employment and digital skills, and a member of the advisory board of the Africa Leadership Group, the Aspen Global Leadership Network, and a McNulty Prize laureate. She won the Skoll Award in 2019 and the World Economic Forum/Schwab Foundation award for Corporate Social Intrapreneurship in 2020.

Nicola was a Fulbright Scholar and holds a bachelor’s degree in Film, Politics and Psychology from Wits University and a master’s degree in Cinema and Media Studies from New York University. She has also completed the  Leadership for Systems Change programme at Harvard.

Evan is CEO and board member of Collective X, leading South Africa’s national digital skills strategy to transform youth training and employment for digital careers. Under his leadership, the organisation pursues its bold mission to create 500,000 high-value digital jobs for marginalised young South Africans by 2030. As coordinating intermediary of the national digital skills plan, Evan drives ecosystem-wide collaboration between government, training providers, and employers. He champions transforming skills financing, enabling market participation, and providing thought leadership. Evan positions Collective X at the centre of South Africa’s digital transformation, creating inclusive economic opportunities and meaningful change.

Mteto is the Executive Chairman of BSG, a prominent consulting and technology company focused on strategy execution. He is the chairman of the board of The Collective X. His extensive leadership experience has included roles as Group Chief Executive of Altron, CEO of MTN South Africa, and Managing Director of Microsoft South Africa. He also served in various leadership positions at IBM over a 12-year tenure in South Africa and Europe. Mteto’s exceptional leadership has garnered recognition, winning the EY World Entrepreneur Award Southern Africa in 2021 and CNBC Africa’s All Africa Business Leaders Awards’ Business Leader of the Year in 2019.

Aside from corporate success, Mteto authored the best-selling autobiography “Betting on a Darkie,” recounting his journey from a shopkeeper’s son to a respected business leader. Committed to mentorship, he guides executives, CEOs, and emerging professionals. In 2021, the University of Johannesburg awarded him an honorary doctorate for his contributions to IT Management. Mteto, a World Fellow at Yale University in 2004, holds a BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of KwaZulu Natal, reflecting the technical foundation underpinning his business achievements.

Samantha is the Finance Executive for Funder Management at The Collective X. She brings 28 years of financial expertise, with 17 years dedicated to non-profit organisations. She has extensive experience in managing national and international fund/grants, engaging with stakeholders across government and the private sector, and developing financial systems for complex funder reporting. Samantha is skilled in building and empowering both internal teams and external partners to achieve strategic objectives. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Regenesys Business School of South Africa.

Pontso is responsible for University Engagements at The Collective X, bringing over 20 years of diverse experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings. She has worked in a number of industries, including development funding, renewable energy, telecoms, and business consulting. Her previous roles include significant contributions at the Industrial Development Corporation and co-founding U-Network Telecoms (UNTEL). She holds a Masters in Digital Business and International Business and Entrepreneurship, amongst other qualifications.

As the Financial Accountant for The Collective X, Nkululeko plays a key role in maintaining the financial integrity and operational efficiency of the organisation. His responsibilities include assisting with the drafting of business cycle policies, handling various aspects of contracting, processing accounting transactions, reviewing accounting journals, and compiling management accounts. Nkululeko is a chartered accountant registered with SAICA.

Lebo’s adept communication and problem-solving abilities are integral to the seamless coordination of the team. In the dynamic tech landscape, Lebo is the indispensable force behind the efficiency, and smooth-running, of Collective X’s operations.

As the Head of Marketing and Communications for Collective X, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience from her 25-year career in the field. Beginning her journey as a journalist, she quickly transitioned into a corporate communications specialist. For the last 15 years, her focus has been dedicated to youth employment and related issues, highlighting her commitment to making a meaningful impact in this crucial area.

Hina is the Programme Manager for The Collective X and plays a pivotal role in driving and enabling technology platforms for the mobilisation of organisation. Her focus extends to partnerships and solutions, which help bridge the digital skills gap and grow the talent pipeline in South Africa. With her qualifications and extensive experience in management consulting, she has worked across industries to deliver customer strategies and innovative technology platforms.

As the head of Partnerships and Strategic Client Engagements at The Collective X, Fran is deeply invested in addressing unemployment in South Africa. Her role involves creating impactful solutions to bridge the digital skills gap in the country. Through her work, Fran has contributed to the establishment of a national digital skills initiative, coordinating efforts to deliver essential digital skills efficiently and effectively.

With a Bachelor of Commerce degree and over 40 years of experience in human capital management and management consulting, Dianne serves as Executive for Solution Design at Collective X. She brings deep expertise in the social impact sector, particularly in addressing youth unemployment, where her innovative and practical approach has shaped solutions that unlock scale, sustainability, and measurable impact. Her work ensures the digital skills ecosystem can align and collectively drive more impactful and scalable solutions.

Deidre is the Head of Skills and Training Partnerships for Collective X. She brings a rich background in corporate marketing, strategy and innovation, fostered through her experiences in private banking and at a leading multinational alcoholic beverage company. She is a member of several expert panels, including the United Nations Development Programme and Interpol, and also contributes as a faculty member at the University of Stellenbosch and the University of Free State’s MBA Programme.

Charity serves as the Executive of Finance and Governance for Collective X. Her responsibilities include overseeing Opex and Sustainability, Governance policies, Financial Modelling, Legal and Contracting, as well as preparing Annual Financial Statements for the entity. She has 30 years of experience in finance, primarily in the corporate and banking sectors. Charity is a Wits Alumni with various qualifications in Financial Accounting and Tax.

Andy leads Collective X’s Programme Management Office, aligning delivery with the organisation’s mission to scale inclusive digital skills and unlock employment pathways. He orchestrates national programmes blending public and private investment, demonstrating innovative co-funding models for sustainable workforce development. Andy builds governance frameworks that give funders, employers, and government partners confidence in Collective X’s scalability and impact. Through strategic partnerships, he creates connected skills pipelines supporting South Africa’s digital economy. Andy champions the SFIA framework as a national benchmark, positioning Collective X as a catalyst for workforce quality and global competitiveness.

Tim heads up systems and technology at The Collective X, leading initiatives to bridge the digital skills gaps in South Africa. He has worked in corporate finance and private equity and also founded a technology business, taking Google’s Enterprise and cloud solutions to market as a premier partner in South Africa. Tim holds an Honours degree in Investment Management from the University of Johannesburg.