Dr Mosima Masethe

Academic & Researcher
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)

Dr Mosima Masethe is an academic and researcher in the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Technology from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), where her doctoral research focused on developing context-aware word embedding models for morphologically rich, low-resourced African languages, using Sesotho sa Leboa as a case study. Her research advances the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, and multilingual language technologies, contributing to the preservation and digital inclusion of African languages.

Dr Mosima’s research interests span AI, LLMs, NLP, ML, DL, DS, IR, and EAI, with a strong focus on developing intelligent solutions for healthcare, education, and multilingual computing. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and international conference proceedings, with her work receiving growing recognition within the global research community. In recognition of her research excellence and potential as an emerging research leader, she was awarded the prestigious National Research Foundation (NRF) Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP) grant, which supports the development of high-impact researchers and strengthens research capacity in South African higher education. Through this award, she continues to expand her research programme, supervise postgraduate students, establish collaborative research partnerships, and contribute to innovative, socially impactful AI solutions that address real-world challenges.

Getrude Sidiki

Insights & Strategy Research
Government Communication & Information Systems

Getrude Sadiki is currently employed as an insights and strategy researcher at the Government Communication and Information Systems. She is a professional research specialist with more than 15 years of experience in the areas of research design, data analysis, project management, monitoring, and evaluation. She holds a Master of Arts specialising in Research Psychology from the University of Limpopo. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of South Africa. Her doctoral research employs a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of incarcerated sexual offenders within the South African correctional services. She persists in making significant research contributions to the Justice, Crime, Prevention, and Security Cluster. She is continuing to contribute to existing knowledge through peer-reviewed publications. She is a member of the Psychological Society of South Africa, Psychology Today, and the Inside-out Outside-in South African Corrections Interest Group. Her research interests include comprehending the psychological factors influencing behaviour change and mindset shifts.

Prof. Nobert Jere

Computer Science Lecturer
University of Fort Hare (UFH)

Prof. Nobert is a Pan Africanist who holds a PhD in Computer Science. He is currently an Associate Professor in Computer Science at University of Fort Hare. He is multi-disciplinary research focusing of sustainable digital solutions. His research is centred around sustainable emerging technologies i.e Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, ICTs, Digital Transformation, Data Science and HCI.

He serves as a member of South Africa- Sweden Research Forum in the digital technologies workgroup. He has published over 80 articles in accredited journals and conference proceedings. He has supervised to completion over 30 Postgraduate students at both PhD and Masters level in Computer Science, Information Systems, Informatics and IT. He is currently a South African National Research Foundation rated researcher. He is a Certified ISO 27001 and ISO 20000 lead auditor, TOGAF ICT Governance Certified.

Prof. HD Masethe

Lecturer & Section Head
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

Dr Hlaudi Daniel (HD) Masethe is a Lecturer and Section Head in the Department of Computer Science at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Data Science, Knowledge Graphs, and Low-Resource Language Technologies, with a strong interest in developing AI solutions for education, healthcare, and sustainable development. He is a supervisor of postgraduate research, contributed to curriculum development, led academic initiatives, and actively collaborates with researchers and industry partners to advance AI research and innovation in Africa.

Beyond academia, Dr Masethe is actively involved in community engagement and AI capacity building through his contributions to Deep Learning IndabaX, where he supports the growth of AI skills, mentorship, and research collaboration across the continent. He also serves as a peer reviewer for leading international journals published by Springer Nature and reviews conference submissions through the Conference Management Toolkit (CMT), contributing to the advancement of high-quality scientific research. His commitment to research excellence,
mentorship, and community development continues to promote responsible and inclusive AI for societal impact.

Beyond academia, Dr Masethe is a devoted Deacon and Chairperson of the Technical Group at Spoken Word Distribution Center in Mamelodi, where he serves the community by leading the development of multimedia web applications and supporting the live streaming of church services through Mamelodi Tabernacle. Guided by the biblical principle, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23), he uses his technical expertise to advance ministry, enhance digital outreach, and strengthen community engagementthrough technology, reflecting a commitment to serving both God and society with excellence.

Ina Smith

Programme Director
Academy of Science of South Africa

Ina Smith is a leading open science and open access advocate in Africa, with more than 20 years’ experience advancing equitable access to scholarly knowledge in the Global South. Her work spans open access publishing, repositories, journal platforms, research infrastructure, policy development and capacity building. She has played a pioneering role in the development of open scholarly communication infrastructure in South Africa, including UPSpace, SUNScholar, SUNJournals, Khulisa Journals, SciELO SA-related work and the African Scientists Directory.

Since 2014, she has served at the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), where she has contributed to major national and continental open science initiatives, including the African Open Science landscape study, the ASSAf Open Science Policy and the ASSAf Science Engagement Strategy. Internationally, Ina serves as Community Manager and Senior DOAJ Ambassador for Africa and has contributed significantly to strengthening the visibility, quality and inclusion of African journals in global open access systems. She was also instrumental in supporting the recognition of DOAJ within South Africa’s DHET Research Outputs Policy. Her work is driven by a commitment to openness, equity, collaboration and the responsible use of digital technologies, including AI, to strengthen scholarly communication and open science in Africa.

Dr. More Manda

Director
The Data Intensive Research Initiative of South Africa (DIRISA)

Dr. More Manda is the Director for the Data Intensive Research Initiative South Africa (DIRISA). He a scholar and expert in  digital business and business strategy. He holds a PhD in Information Systems, an MBA from the University of the Witwatersrand, and a Master of Information Technology from the University of Pretoria, providing him with a strong foundation in both technical and leadership aspects of digital and information technologies.

His professional journey spans various sectors, including Mining, Manufacturing, International Development, Public Sector, Civil Society, and Education. Prior to his current role at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), he was the Executive Manager of Information and Communication Technology at MINTEK, where he led the organization’s digital transformation strategy.

Dr. Manda also serves on the board of the Global Centre for Risk, Innovation, and Internet Society, where he contributes to global discussions on digital risk and innovation. Additionally, as a Professor of Practice for Data Science and AI at the University of Johannesburg, he drives academic research and education in these fields. Dr. Manda’s extensive publications on 4IR, digital transformation, e-government, and public policy offer valuable insights into how digital technologies can enhance business value,  societal welfare and governance. His work continues to shape the future of digital innovation and its practical applications in the modern world.

Dr Sabelo Dlamini

Director
The South African National Research Network (SANReN)

Sabelo is the Director of the South African National Research Network (SANReN), he is in charge of overseeing the country’s high-speed research and educational network. He previously oversaw research and innovation at the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) as the senior manager of that department. Before joining SITA, he was International Data Corporation (IDC)’s senior research and consulting manager. He was in charge of IoT and telecoms research in Sub-Saharan Africa, covering more than 20 countries.

Additionally, he served as a principal telecoms engineer at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), where he oversaw the creation of the research group on network function virtualisation and software-defined networking. He is a senior member of IEEE and a Fellow of SAIEE, and he is registered as a professional engineer (PrEng) with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

He earned his BScEng (Computer Engineering) and MScEng (Electrical Engineering) degrees from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Cape Town, in South Africa, respectively.  Sabelo’s research interests are in network automation and orchestration, software-defined networking, and cybersecurity.

Mr Mervyn Christoffels

Director
The Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC)

Mervyn Christoffels is a prominent executive and thought leader in Information Technology, with over 25 years of international experience in steering extensive ICT initiatives and digital transformation. As the Director of the Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC) in South Africa, he oversees a team that delivers innovative solutions in high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing for researchers, academics, and commercial users across Africa. His responsibilities include fostering strategic collaborations with global institutions to promote technological advancements.

Mervyn’s career includes leadership roles across Africa, Europe, and the United States, with notable senior positions at Nokia Siemens Networks, America Online (AOL), Deutsche Bank, and Coca-Cola. As the former Executive Director, he led Africa’s largest Sakai Learning Management System cloud migration and modernised enterprise resource planning systems, significantly enhancing the institution’s digital capabilities. His expertise encompasses enterprise architecture, ICT strategy development, and risk management, supported by certifications in PRINCE2, TOGAF, and COBIT 5.

Recognised for his contributions, Mervyn has received awards such as the Virtualize Africa Ambassador Award and accolades for his research at the European Conference on Leadership, Management, and Governance. A committed educator, he has taught at the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business, integrating his industry experience with academic knowledge.

Mervyn Christoffels is a forward-thinking leader dedicated to harnessing technology to tackle complex issues, promote innovation, and empower communities through education and collaboration. His efforts continue to shape the trajectory of ICT in Africa and beyond.

Dr. Katlego Phoshoko

Data Services and Applications Manage
The Data Intensive Research Initiative of South Africa (DIRISA)

Dr. Katlego W. Phoshoko operates at the nexus of science, cyberinfrastructure, and strategic leadership, transforming data into a national asset. As Data Services and Applications Manager at DIRISA, a vital component of the CSIR’s National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System (NICIS), he drives the modernization of South Africa’s research data infrastructure, aligning platforms with global FAIR, CARE, and TRUST principles.

Following a foundational career as a Principal Systems Scientist at the University of Limpopo leading high-performance computing, his mandate now balances infrastructure governance with national human capital development. Dr. Phoshoko holds a PhD in Physics specializing in Computational Materials Science, a multi-disciplinary BSc, and management credentials in Data Analysis, Project Management, Strategic Management, and Business Development.

He drives innovation through active professional memberships in the Research Data Alliance (RDA), the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the IEEE, and the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP).

Mr Elias Sepuru

Senior Software Engineer
The Data Intensive Research Initiative of South Africa (DIRISA)

Mr Elias Sepuru is a Senior Software Engineer based in Midrand, South Africa, with over six years of experience across banking, research, and business intelligence sectors.

A graduate of Wits University with a BSc(Hons) in Electrical & Information Engineering, he specializes in backend and web development using Spring Boot, Angular, Django, and Java 21. Known for his leadership and mentorship, Elias has driven award-winning projects, modernized enterprise systems, and contributed to high-performance computing initiatives at CSIR.

Passionate about innovation and community development, he actively mentors students and promotes coding education across South Africa.

Dr. Sthembiso Mkhwanazi

Head of Operations
The Data Intensive Research Initiative of South Africa (DIRISA)

Dr Sthembiso Mkhwanazi is the Head of Operations at NICIS-DIRISA, where he leads the operations team responsible for delivering critical support services to DIRISA. He holds a PhD in Commerce and Administration from Cranefield College, specialising in Programme and Project Management.

Dr Mkhwanazi brings extensive experience in project and operations management, strategic planning, and the coordination of complex programmes within the national cyberinfrastructure environment.

Mr Sifiso Mgaga

Information & Cyber Security Centre Researcher;
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Sifiso Mgaga is a Senior Data Software Engineer at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), working within the National Policy Data Observatory (NPDO) under the Information and Cyber Security Centre. He serves as a Service Delivery Technical Lead, where he designs and develops data-driven platforms that transform complex administrative, geographic, and public-sector datasets into practical tools for planning, monitoring, and decision-making.

His work focuses on building reliable data pipelines, interactive dashboards, geospatial analytics, and policy-support systems that help stakeholders better understand service delivery pressures, demographic change, labour-market patterns, infrastructure needs and regional inequalities across South Africa. Sifiso combines strong software engineering, data modelling, and analytical skills with a deep interest in using data for public value.

He is passionate about developing accessible digital tools that make evidence easier to interpret and use by municipalities, planners, analysts, researchers and decision-makers.

Dr Nosipho Mavuso

Lecturer
iYunivesithi Sisulu University (WSU)

Nosipho holds an academic position in the Department of Business and Application Development at iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu. She obtained her PhD in Information Technology from Nelson Mandela University, where she focused on developing an Artificial Intelligence-based Career Choice Framework for Undergraduate Students. Her expertise in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has enabled her to make significant contributions to research areas such as big data analytics, artificial intelligence, technology-driven knowledge creation, education recommender systems, and ICTs for Community Development. Her work has been published in accredited journals and presented at both local and international conferences.

Nosipho is dedicated to applying her research practically by collaborating with various stakeholders, organisations, and communities. Her research projects consistently demonstrate her commitment to academic excellence and innovation. In addition to her research, Nosipho is actively engaged in teaching and mentoring, with a special emphasis on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and general ICT Career Development. She also enhances her educational influence by organising workshops and webinars that address social challenges faced by young women, particularly in the ICT sector. Nosipho is motivated to empower those around her, create opportunities for emerging female researchers, and advance the field of ICT. Her primary aim is to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications, thereby impacting both academic discourse and societal outcomes.

Dr. Isabel Linda Zulu-Moyo

Lecturer
University of Eswatini (UNESWA)

Dr. Isabel Linda Zulu-Moyo is a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics, Statistics and Operations Research at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) and is currently completing an MSc in Risk Management and Insurance. Her research interests lie in the application of artificial intelligence and simulation techniques to risk analytics, with a particular focus on the development of risk analytics dashboards. She also has done research in predictive risk modelling, financial distress prediction, stock return dynamics, credit risk modelling, and climate finance, helping policy makers to make data informed decisions.

Dr. Dennis Mabalane

Lecturer
University of Botswana (UB)

Dr. Dennis Kealeboga Mabalane is an educational technology specialist specializing in learning design, digital pedagogy, and eLearning transformation. Currently serving as the Manager of Content Design and Development at the University of Botswana, Dr. Mabalane has spent the last 15 years helping academic institutions design impactful digital learning environments and navigate educational technology shifts.

He is best known for his administrative and developmental oversight of enterprise learning platforms like Moodle, Turnitin, and Articulate 360, as well as leading strategic educator training initiatives in modern frameworks like STEAM-driven pedagogy. Outside of his professional work, Dr. Mabalane holds a PhD in Educational Technology and is a dedicated fitness enthusiast who enjoys regular walking and jogging.

Dr. Arnold Stephanie

Advisor
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

Dr Stephanie Arnold is an Advisor to the Data Economy team at GIZ, where she is currently implementing the Team Europe Action “Data Governance in Africa.” She is also a Senior Associate Researcher at the Brussels School of Governance. Her work focuses on innovative regulatory approaches and cross-border data flows, with a strong emphasis on fostering an inclusive and sustainable data economy. She holds a PhD in Political and Social Sciences, with a dissertation titled “The International Politics of Digital Development in Africa,” and a master’s degree in law specializing in European and comparative law.

Dr. Claris Siyamayambo

Lecturer
University of Pretoria (UP)

Dr. Claris Siyamayambo is a Mathematical Statistician, Public Health Researcher, Educator, and Data Scientist with more than 20 years of experience in teaching, research, statistical consulting, and evidence-based decision-making. She is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and accredited Statistics Lecturer in the Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Dr. Siyamayambo holds a PhD in Statistics from North-West University (2021), a Master’s degree in Statistics from University of Botswana (2012), a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from University of Zimbabwe, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Statistics from University of Zimbabwe.

Her research focuses on applied statistics, biostatistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, spatial statistics, spatial epidemiology, wastewater-based epidemiology, and public health surveillance. Her research spans HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), key populations, COVID-19, econometrics, machine learning, and spatial modelling, with publications in international peer-reviewed journals and presentations at regional and global conferences. Her current work investigates the impact of spatial connectivity structures on model fit, inference, and data integration in spatial epidemiology and wastewater-based epidemiology, with the aim of improving disease mapping, risk estimation, and evidence-based public health decision-making.

Prior to joining the University of Pretoria, Dr. Siyamayambo served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Public Health Researcher at the University of Johannesburg, where she contributed to multidisciplinary research in epidemiology, public health, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and biostatistics. She has also held academic positions as a Senior Lecturer and Lecturer in Statistics and Mathematics in Botswana and Zimbabwe. Beyond academia, she has served as a research consultant, data analyst, and qualifications expert for accreditation and quality assurance bodies in Botswana and South Africa. She has successfully supervised and mentored postgraduate students, collaborated on multidisciplinary and international research projects, and contributed to research addressing public health, education, and development challenges across Africa.

Dr. Siyamayambo is an active member of several professional and scientific communities, including the South African Statistical Association (SASA), the National Department of Health STI Technical Working Group, African Women in Data Science, Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, and the Nematech Alumni Network. She also serves as a volunteer tutor with AccessEd and has contributed as a reviewer, mentor, and judge for Eskom Expo for Young Scientists projects, supporting the development of the next generation of African scientists and researchers. Her work is driven by a passion for advancing statistical science, strengthening research capacity, mentoring emerging scholars, and translating complex data into actionable insights that improve policy, practice, and population health outcomes. She is committed to leveraging innovative quantitative methods and interdisciplinary collaborations to address pressing societal and public health challenges in Africa and beyond.

Dr Nobubele Shozi

Lecturer
University of Johannesburg (UJ)

Dr Nobubele Shozi is currently a Data Stewardship Manager at the Data Intensive Research Initiative of South Africa (DIRISA) with responsibility of ensuring the DIRISA’s services and infrastructure adhere to the correct data management processes. She is also responsible for leading DIRISA’s Human Capital Development programmes. She runs the annual DIRISA Student Datathon Challenge and Coding School that are focused on introducing data related skills to high school and university students.

She holds a National Diploma, BTech and Master’s Degree in Information Technology that she received from the Nelson Mandela University (NMU). She also has a PhD in Computer Science from the University of South Africa (UNISA).

Dr. Mamoqenelo Morolong

Lecturer
National University of Lesotho (NUL)

Dr. Mamoqenelo P. Morolong is a Lesotho-based academic, ICT educator, and cybersecurity researcher based in the Maseru District. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science, specializing in Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection, completed at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) in 2026. Her professional journey has taken her through a range of institutions, including Botho University, the Cooperative Education Unit at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, Lesotho Agricultural College, and the African Union SAFGRAD, before she took up her current position as an Academic Developer at the NUL Centre for Teaching & Learning. 

A prolific researcher, Morolong has made significant contributions to the fields of cybersecurity and machine learning, with her work focusing on the protection of critical infrastructure. Her research includes investigations into machine learning-inspired security controls for protecting health critical infrastructure from Advanced Persistent Threat attacks, as well as multi-class classification on network traffic data evaluated using a multi-class APT dataset. She has also contributed to pioneering work on designing AI solutions for child online safety in Africa.

Zoya Vilakazi

Cybersecurity Engineer
The South African National Research Network (SANReN)

Zoya is a junior cybersecurity engineer with the SANReN CSIRT at the CSIR, where she supports the South African higher education and research network community through vulnerability assessments, threat intelligence, and incident response. Her work focuses on identifying and communicating critical security risks affecting research and education infrastructure, helping institutions across the sector strengthen their security posture.

Zoya holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Engineering with Sustainability at North-West University, bringing a multidisciplinary lens to her cybersecurity practice.

Rosina Ramokgola Mankaleme

Data Scientist
University of Pretoria (UP)

Rosina Ramokgola is a Data Curation Officer, under the Scholarly Communications Unit in the Department of Library Services at the University of Pretoria (UP). She is responsible for Research Data Management (RDM). She also manages and administers the UP-Research Data Repository, Figshare. She is involved in Open Science at UP. She is part of iGapp RDM Committee.

She holds a master’s degree from the University of Pretoria. She has been with the Department of Library Services for more than a decade. She is an active member of the Network of Data and Information Curation Communities (NeDICC) and Library Carpentries. She is also involved in AI and innovation in Libraries. She is passionate about new trends in libraries, particularly those that change library operations.

Mr Bonza Majozi

Senior Systems Analyst
University of Pretoria (UP)

Mr Bonza Majozi is a student success researcher and strategist. He serves as a Senior Systems Analyst in the Department of Student Affairs at the University of Pretoria where he leads the design and governance of student‑support systems, spanning information governance, process design and automation, and analytics. A digital‑transformation champion in South African higher education, he has delivered digital capability‑building workshops on robotic process automation (RPA), process optimisation, AI‑driven analytics, and cognitive technologies.

He has designed and developed multiple EdTech solutions and advocates for human‑centred, co‑designed approaches where end‑users shape and approve the tools they use. His current work advances future‑fit design principles to ensure today’s choices remain interoperable with emerging technologies. He holds an Executive MBA from the USA with specialisations in Strategic Leadership, Managing Software Development, and Blockchain.

At the DIRISA National Research Data Workshop, he will present a practice‑grounded solution called Cisha for building privacy‑preserving conversational data infrastructures that uphold data sovereignty while enabling scalable African language technologies, bridging institutional governance, and ethical data stewardship.

Benito Trollip

Digital Humanities researcher
South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR)

Benito Trollip is appointed as a Digital Humanities researcher, specialising in Afrikaans, at the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR). He is enthusiastic by nature and aims to make a valuable contribution to society in general. He completed his PhD in 2022 in which he described morphological evaluative constructions in Afrikaans based on usage data in a written corpus of Afrikaans.

Besides his background in Afrikaans linguistics, he is also passionate about open science and data management. His main interests therefore lie in Afrikaans linguistics, aspects surrounding data creation and management, as well as Digital Humanities more broadly. For more information, including his publications and qualifications, visit his academic website at https://bit.ly/btrollip.

Prof. Nobert Jere

Computer Science Lecturer
University of Fort Hare (UFH)

Prof. Nobert is a Pan Africanist who holds a PhD in Computer Science. He is currently an Associate Professor in Computer Science at University of Fort Hare. He is multi-disciplinary research focusing of sustainable digital solutions. His research is centred around sustainable emerging technologies i.e Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, ICTs, Digital Transformation, Data Science and HCI.

He serves as a member of South Africa- Sweden Research Forum in the digital technologies workgroup. He has published over 80 articles in accredited journals and conference proceedings. He has supervised to completion over 30 Postgraduate students at both PhD and Masters level in Computer Science, Information Systems, Informatics and IT. He is currently a South African National Research Foundation rated researcher. He is a Certified ISO 27001 and ISO 20000 lead auditor, TOGAF ICT Governance Certified.