Latest news with #PhuthiMahanyele-Dabengwa
The South African
24-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa: Two major barriers to digital inclusion in SA
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, Chairperson of B20 South Africa's Digital Transformation Task Force, was one of the speakers at an International Telecommunication Union (ITU) session held in Johannesburg on Friday, 18 July. Mahanyele-Dabengwa was asked about the worrying number of South Africans currently without internet access and the barriers holding the country back from digital inclusion. Mahanyele-Dabengwa, who is also the South Africa CEO and Executive Director at Naspers, was also questioned on the actions to be taken to transition the remainder of the population online. In her detailed response, Mahanyele-Dabengwa admitted that while South Africa has made meaningful progress in digital policy and innovation – from pioneering TV White Space trials to implementing spectrum auctions with social obligations – the reality is that around 25% of our population remains offline. She added that from her perspective, despite the significant advancements, two key barriers continue to hinder digital inclusion: Infrastructure availability – Many underserved communities, particularly in rural provinces like Limpopo and the Eastern Cape, still lack access to reliable broadband infrastructure. Affordability – Even where infrastructure exists, it's often unaffordable for low-income households to access devices and data. Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa went on to mention that according to the GSMA, the single biggest barrier to internet use in South Africa is the cost of smart devices and mobile data. To break it down further: The poorest 20% of South Africans spend roughly 12% of their monthly income just to afford 1GB of data – six times higher than the global affordability benchmark of 2%. This is simply unsustainable for widespread, equitable digital participation, added Mahanyele-Dabengwa. Coverage gap She also cited the current coverage gap, especially in rural and peri-urban communities, as a major obstacle. Open Signal data shows that rural users in South Africa experience 15% slower download speeds and nearly double the signal outages compared to those in urban areas. These infrastructure disparities mean that even when users can afford data, the experience is limited and unreliable. Mahanyele-Dabengwa concluded by saying that to close these gaps and drive meaningful digital inclusion, we must act on three fronts: Promote affordability of devices and data – Consider removing or reducing import taxes and VAT on entry-level digital devices. – Introduce targeted incentives for telcos to reduce mobile broadband pricing in low-income markets. 2. Invest in last-mile infrastructure – Expand rural connectivity through public-private partnerships. – For example, Vodacom's R430 million rural 4G project in the Eastern Cape brought mobile connectivity to 19 previously unserved villages. – These are the kinds of investments we must scale nationally. 3. Streamline regulatory frameworks – Fast-track spectrum licensing and simplify municipal-level approvals to accelerate network expansion. – Empower smaller ISPs and community networks with flexible access to infrastructure and open access models. Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa's comments underscore the urgency of closing South Africa's digital gap, especially as the economy grows more reliant on digital access. Her call to action stresses that connectivity is not a luxury, but a lifeline – and one that must be made available to all South Africans. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
27-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
Who is Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, the woman leading B20's Digital Transformation Task Force?
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, the chairperson of Business 20's (B20's) Digital Transformation Task Force which includes esteemed leaders in technology, is ambitiously working to advance digital inclusion across Africa and other developing economies. In a recent interview, Mahanyele-Dabengwa explained the purpose and focus of the Digital Transformation Task Force, one of the many task forces of the B20. B20 Task Forces are the strategic engines of B20 South Africa, responsible for developing business-driven, actionable policy recommendations to be presented to the Group of 20 (G20), which South Africa leads until November 2025. 'Its focus is to bring about concrete policies that will bring about wider internet access and digital inclusion, enabling developing nations in Africa and beyond to narrow the gap with technology powerhouses like the US and China,' Mahanyele-Dabengwa said. 'This G20 Presidency under South Africa's leadership is the perfect moment to take action – to guide the technological revolution in a way that broadens access to opportunity, protects human rights and dignity, and ensures that no country or community is excluded from the digital future,' she added. Mahanyele-Dabengwa is renowned for her groundbreaking role as the first Black woman CEO of Naspers South Africa, a position she has held since 2019. Her journey from Soweto to the helm of one of Africa's largest tech and media groups epitomises resilience, vision, and transformative leadership. Born in 1971 in Meadowlands, Soweto, Mahanyele-Dabengwa's early life was marked by frequent relocations, including stints in Durban, Lesotho and various parts of Johannesburg. Despite facing challenges, such as the loss of her mother at 17, she earned herself a BA in Economics from Rutgers University in the USA in 1993 and an MBA from De Montfort University in the UK in 1996. In 2008, she completed an executive programme at Harvard's Kennedy School. Mahanyele-Dabengwa's career started at Fieldstone Private Capital Group in New York City, where she specialised in infrastructure finance, eventually becoming vice-president of its South Africa office. When she returned to South Africa, she led the project finance department at the Development Bank of Southern Africa, before joining Cyril Ramaphosa's Shanduka Group in 2004. As CEO, she steered Shanduka to securing deals with global brands like Coca-Cola and McDonald's South Africa. In 2015, she co-founded Sigma Capital, an investment holding company, before catching the attention of Naspers, leading to her historic appointment as CEO of Naspers South Africa. Under her tenure, Naspers has helped grow the South African tech ecosystem through early-stage tech investment startup unit Naspers Foundry, which invested and supported high-growth local startups. Naspers continues to invest in its leading lifestyle e-commerce subsidiary companies Property24, AutoTrader, Mr D Food and media group, Media24. Mahanyele-Dabengwa serves on several boards, including Vodacom, and she is also an executive director of the Naspers and Prosus boards. Mahanyele-Dabengwa, who is also committed to social development of especially young people, is involved with the life-changing work of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation and Global Dignity South Africa, focusing on education and youth empowerment. Her contributions have earned her many accolades, including Forbes Woman Africa's Businesswoman of the Year in 2014 and CNBC Africa's All Africa Business Leaders Woman of the Year in 2019. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
07-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
B20 SA Digital Taskforce charts roadmap for inclusive digital transformation
As global leaders gather for the G20 Financial Inclusion and Women's Empowerment Conference in Sun City from 6 to 9 May, last week the B20 SA Digital Transformation Taskforce presented a bold vision for accelerating inclusive digital transformation across the African continent. Taskforce representatives highlighted key policy priorities, barriers to progress, and the Africa's strategic leadership in digital innovation during a high-level United Nations Global Compact Network South Africa (GCNSA) Sustainability Leadership Conference panel session. The four-person panel comprised Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, chair of B20 SA Taskforce on Digital Transformation, Xolile Mabhongo: G20 SA Sous Sherpa, Cas Coovadia: B20 SA Sherpa, and Busi Mavuso: CEO, BLSA. Mahanyele-Dabengwa underscored the critical role the digital economy plays in shaping future economic opportunities. 'As the global economy becomes increasingly digital, it's imperative that we implement policies that enable innovation and ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate,' Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa said. Connectivity – With nearly a third of the global population still offline, the Taskforce is advocating for investments in connectivity infrastructure and greater accessibility to affordable digital devices, especially in underserved regions and among women. Skills Development – The digital revolution is expected to create 170 million new jobs by 2030 while displacing 92 million. The Taskforce is prioritising both basic and advanced digital literacy to prepare individuals for a rapidly evolving job market. AI Ethics – As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, the Taskforce calls for governance frameworks that promote fairness, accountability, and transparency to ensure AI-driven growth is inclusive and responsible. Actionability – Beyond strategy, the Taskforce is committed to driving real-world impact through implementation-focused partnerships and policy action. Addressing challenges that hinder digital progress, Mahanyele-Dabengwa identified outdated legislation as a significant constraint. 'The pace of technology evolution far outstrips our legal frameworks,' she said, citing South Africa's Electronic Communications Act as an example. The Act does not yet accommodate emerging technologies like cloud computing and platform-based business models, resulting in regulatory uncertainty and stalled investment. Delays in spectrum allocation and insufficient support for community networks were also flagged as obstacles to digital inclusion. Another pressing concern is financing digital infrastructure, particularly in rural and under-resourced areas. Mahanyele-Dabengwa called for a more pro-investment environment marked by policy certainty and reduced entry barriers for investors. 'We also need to invest in our people,' she added, emphasising the urgent need to embed digital literacy in school curricula and reform post-school training systems. South Africa's Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), meant to foster workforce readiness, was described as 'fragmented and out of sync' with the demands of the digital economy. Despite the challenges, the continent is already setting global benchmarks in several digital domains, noted Mahanyele-Dabengwa: Digital finance: Africa leads in mobile money innovation and interoperable payment systems, with solutions like M-Pesa and the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) driving financial inclusion and trade. Africa leads in mobile money innovation and interoperable payment systems, with solutions like and the driving financial inclusion and trade. Digital public infrastructure: Countries like South Africa and Nigeria are advancing initiatives such as digital identity systems , mobile government services , and electronic tax platforms , improving access to public services. Countries like South Africa and Nigeria are advancing initiatives such as , , and , improving access to public services. Modern tech ecosystems: With fewer legacy systems, African countries are leapfrogging into mobile-first, cloud-native models, offering strategic advantages in the adoption of AI and platform-based services. Recent engagements through Operation Vulindlela – South Africa's digital reform roadmap – signal renewed government commitment to scaling innovations in digital ID, data exchange, and e-payments. Looking ahead, Mahanyele-Dabengwa laid out a roadmap to fast-track transformation: Broaden access through inclusive infrastructure (e.g., satellite, community networks). through inclusive infrastructure (e.g., satellite, community networks). Scale digital public goods like e-health, digital ID, and payment platforms. like e-health, digital ID, and payment platforms. Invest in Africa's youth, empowering them as digital creators through targeted education, entrepreneurship support, and innovation ecosystems. 'With the right policies, partnerships, and investments, we can unlock Africa's full potential in the digital age,' Mahanyele-Dabengwa concluded. Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa is a prominent South African business executive and CEO of Naspers South Africa, a position she has held since July 2019. Her appointment marked a historic milestone as she became the first black African to lead the century-old media and technology conglomerate in its home market. Mahanyele-Dabengwa was born in Meadowlands, Soweto, and pursued her higher education in the United States and the United Kingdom. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Douglass College at Rutgers University in 1993, followed by an MBA from De Montfort University in Leicester in 1996. In 2008, she completed the 'Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century' executive program at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. Her professional journey began in 1993 at Fieldstone Private Capital Group in New York, an investment banking firm specialising in infrastructure development. She rose to the position of vice-president before transferring to the firm's South African office. Subsequently, she served as the head of project finance: South Africa at the Development Bank of Southern Africa. In 2004, Mahanyele-Dabengwa joined Shanduka Group, an investment holding company founded by Cyril Ramaphosa, where she served as CEO until 2015. She then co-founded Sigma Capital, an investment firm, and served as its executive chairperson. In July 2019, she was appointed CEO of Naspers South Africa, becoming the first Black African to lead the company in its home market. Beyond her corporate roles, she has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at youth development and empowerment. She participates in the 'Dignity Day' programme led by the Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum, focusing on empowering youth to articulate their ambitions and gain respect through dignity. Mahanyele-Dabengwa's contributions have been widely recognised. She was named ForbesWoman Africa's 'Business Woman of the Year' in 2014 and received CNBC Africa's All Africa Business Leaders 'Woman of the Year Award' in 2019. In 2020, she was listed among Forbes' 'Africa's 50 Most Powerful Women'. She serves on several boards, including as an independent director of Vodacom and Discovery Insure. She is also a member of the advisory board of Stellenbosch University's business school.
