Project Description
The Future of Tech, Innovation and Sustainability
Technology plays an increasing role in our 21st century lives, and innovation is happening at breakneck speed. But how is all of this change impacting how we live, how we play, and how we do business? Is our future being positively shaped, and is technology steering us toward sustainability or creating a world that is more fair? Watch the Business Day Focus 4.0 as we tackle these issues and more, with the insights of leading experts and thought leaders.
#BDFocus4
Nastassia Arendse
Master of ceremonies
Clifford de Wit
CTO, Altron Netstar
Clifford de Wit
| Clifford is a seasoned Electrical Engineer, graduating from WITS University in 1996. With a passion for computing, he ventured into the financial services sector, contributing to the launch of one of the world’s pioneering internet banking solutions in 1998 with Nedbank. Transitioning to Microsoft in 2000, Clifford assumed various roles culminating in a directorial position overseeing a segment of Microsoft South Africa. During his tenure, he spearheaded initiatives such as the SA BizSpark start-up program, mentoring over 3000 tech start-ups, and managed pivotal relationships with South African universities. His contributions extended to leading and delivering keynote addresses at prominent conferences. After nearly two decades at Microsoft, Clifford embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, co-founding a start-up where he served as CTO, garnering invaluable insights into building businesses from scratch. Presently, Clifford serves as the CTO of Altron Netstar, overseeing all facets of technology, from hardware to software and internal IT. Leading the company through a global expansion and transformation, he navigates the evolving technology landscape, leveraging innovations such as cloud computing, AI, and big data processing. Beyond his corporate role, Clifford is a prominent voice in the tech community, contributing to radio and TV programs like the Money Show on Radio 702. He continues to share his expertise through keynote addresses at developer and technology conferences, while also holding board positions at Wits University’s Tshimologong and JCSE centres.” |
Patrick Devine
Data Security Specialist, Solid8 Technologies
Patrick Devine
| Patrick Devine is a seasoned IT professional with three decades of industry experience, specializing in Data Security & Identity Management. As a Director at Solid8 Technologies, a leading Cyber Security Software Distributor across Africa, Patrick demonstrates technical expertise and translates it into the business value of cyber security. With a diverse background spanning banking, telecommunications, media, retail, manufacturing, and government sectors, is committed to driving software security sales, advisory to organisations on architecture and design, whilst delivering exceptional results. |
Tando Mtintsilana
Professional in IT and Telecommunications
Tando Mtintsilana
With a background in business strategy development, dynamic leadership, and effective management of technology resources, Tando has successfully led teams to achieve double-digit growth year on year. As the former Executive Head of Division for Vodacom Business, Tando played a pivotal role in brokering transformational deals and collaborations, particularly in cloud services. He was honoured with multiple awards over the years and the CEO award in particular for his outstanding contributions to the organisation.
Recognized for his leadership and strategic vision, Tando is committed to driving innovation and sustainability in the tech industry. Outside of work, he is passionate about women empowerment in ICT and supports tennis foundations for young kids in disadvantaged areas in Gqeberha.”
Rashveer Manilal
Head: Renewable Energy, Absa Relationship Banking
Rashveer Manilal
He is passionate about South Africa’s growth potential and believes that if all South Africans work together, the possibilities for South Africa, are endless.”
Natasha Parmanand
Managing Director – Operations, Sub-Saharan Africa, FedEx
Natasha Parmanand
| Natasha Parmanand is the Managing Director Operations, Sub-Sahara Africa, within the FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa region. Responsible for leading the Operations Function, Natasha, as part of her duties a member of the FedEx Board in Africa also provides strategic, commercial and operational leadership and direction. She is passionate about opportunities and empowerment for Youth and thus leads the BBBEE strategy for FedEx and heads up the Learnership Programs within FedEx in Africa. Natasha is an admitted attorney and trademark practitioner with 18 years’ experience in legal advisory roles across various industry sectors including logistics, healthcare, consulting, and technology in South Africa and throughout the African continent. She has extensive experience in pharmaceutical, forensic, compliance, and taxation matters and large multi-national companies. Natasha holds LLM in International Business Law from the University of Liverpool, an LLM in Intellectual Property from University of South Africa, and a LLB from the University of Natal in South Africa. She also holds an Advance certificate in Value Added Tax from the University of South Africa. |
Dr. Patrick Narbel
Co-founder and CTO, GoSolr
Dr. Patrick Narbel
| Patrick has a PhD in Business Economics with specialization in renewable energy. In his doctorate, he focused on energy policies and the impact of deploying intermittent renewable energy on the power system from a cost perspective. He taught a course on the physics and economics of energy and wrote a textbook for his class. In addition, he has experience from the energy sector, covering the renewable fuel market, biomass and wind sectors in Europe and beyond. He is co-founder and CTO of GoSolr. |