by Ulandi Exner
We held the IT awards a few weeks ago in Sandton and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the finalists and the winners.
Peter du Plooy (Engen) received the Visionary CIO award. During the judging and interview process, I learnt that Peter is a humble individual who is driven to make a difference, both at work as well as in the community. He is a ‘glass half full’ kind of person and is passionate about growing people. He has an interest in artificial intelligence and sees it as a major disruptor.
The founder and CEO of Vumatel, Neil Schoeman, received the IT Personality award. He refers to himself as a “Boertjie from the Free State” and has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. According to Neil, South Africa is the 2nd most expensive connectivity provider in the world. His purpose is to connect South Africa. Fibre connectivity is the new electricity of the modern age. Neil believes that things should be done with purpose and not just for the sake of doing things. He has a great sense of humour.
This is my favourite time of the year where most people start winding down and we can reflect back on the past 11 and a bit months. It might have been a great year for some and not so great for others. I look forward to having the Gauteng roads all to myself while all the locals migrate south for a couple of weeks. If you are travelling please have a safe journey and we will see you in what will be an exciting and busy 2016.
Ciao for now
Ulandi Exner
