Dr. Mmaki Jantjies
Nominee's Province:
North West
Project Name/Description:
Head of Innovation at Telkom
Dr Mmaki Jantjies is a technology expert, researcher and advisor. She holds a PhD in Computer Sciences and has held various strategic positions in the field. Her love for computers began when learning coding as a teenager. Jantjies recently joined Telkom as head of innovation. Prior to this appointment, she was an associate professor and head of the information systems in the academic department at the University of Western Cape. She has also served as head of department at the University of North West, where she was one of the youngest academics to head that department. Jantjies became one of the first black and youngest females to graduate with a PhD in Computer Sciences and has continued to contribute to this field developing technology that addresses South African challenges. She researches the development and use of emerging technologies to improve science and mathematics education. She also researches the role that technology can play in enhancing the country's business and health sectors. “South Africa has a key role to play on the continent and in the world through technology innovations. I am passionate about digital inclusion and spend a lot of time working on innovations which ensure that South Africans are able to access digital technologies addressing South African societal needs,” says Jantjies.
