Nomazwi Mhloma has carved out a distinguished career as one of South Africa’s foremost leaders in digital transformation and cloud technology. With over 22 years of experience in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, she has played a pivotal role in reshaping how organizations adopt technology-driven solutions to enhance efficiency, service delivery, and business agility. Her journey is defined by resilience, strategic foresight, and a deep passion for technological advancement, making her a formidable force in the industry.
Holding an MBA with a focus on IT service evaluation, Mhloma has dedicated her career to studying and implementing digital transformation strategies that drive impactful change. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration, her research explores the intersection of technology, business strategy, and operational efficiency, solidifying her reputation as an expert in the field. Her leadership has been instrumental in guiding organizations through complex digital transitions, ensuring that technology adoption translates into meaningful business outcomes.
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Mhloma has faced and overcome numerous challenges. Early in her career, she encountered the systemic barriers that often limit women’s representation in STEM fields, yet she refused to be deterred. Instead, she used these challenges as motivation, building a career marked by transformational leadership, high-impact decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. She has led large-scale ICT initiatives that have fundamentally reshaped the organizations she has worked with, proving that gender is no barrier to success in the technology sector.
Her influence has not gone unnoticed. She was recognized as a finalist in the Standard Bank Top Women in STEM Awards in 2022 and Africa Tech Week in 2021, accolades that underscore her contributions to the ICT sector and her role as a trailblazer for women in technology. These achievements reflect not only her technical expertise but also her ability to inspire change and foster innovation in digital transformation strategies.
One of the most defining moments of her career came when she led the Microsoft Office 365 Enterprise Digital Transformation Programme at eThekwini Municipality. Her work on this initiative positioned the organization as a leader in digital adoption before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring seamless business continuity at a time when many institutions struggled to adapt. Under her guidance, eThekwini Municipality transitioned to Microsoft Teams, allowing essential services to continue operating without disruption. Her leadership in integrating cloud computing solutions proved to be a game-changer, setting a benchmark for technology adoption within public institutions.
Mhloma’s expertise in cloud computing and digital infrastructure has made her a strong advocate for organizations embracing cloud-first strategies. She believes that cloud technology is the backbone of modern business operations, allowing companies to scale, optimize costs, and remain agile in an increasingly digital world. Her ability to drive cloud adoption, streamline processes, and enhance digital service delivery has made her a sought-after leader in South Africa’s evolving tech industry.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mhloma is deeply committed to empowering women in technology. Recognizing the barriers that many young women face in pursuing careers in ICT, she has taken an active role in mentorship, leadership development, and advocacy. She has played a key role in IT Women Leadership and Development workshops, where she provides guidance, career coaching, and industry insights to aspiring female professionals. Additionally, her involvement in initiatives like Youth Girls Go Digital, in partnership with Microsoft, has helped equip young women with digital skills that prepare them for future careers in technology.
Her advocacy extends beyond gender inclusion, as she is also passionate about bridging the digital skills gap in South Africa. She believes that for the country to remain competitive in the global digital economy, it must invest in STEM education, corporate training programs, and strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors. Through her participation in ICT leadership conferences and industry discussions, she has been a vocal proponent of digital literacy, workforce development, and policies that promote technology adoption at scale.
Mhloma’s leadership style is defined by a blend of strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and an unwavering focus on results. In a field that is constantly evolving, she has remained at the forefront of digital innovation, continuously expanding her knowledge and adapting to emerging trends. Her ability to lead high-performance teams, execute complex digital projects, and mentor future leaders showcases her versatility as a technology executive and industry thought leader.
As she looks to the future, she envisions a South Africa where digital transformation is fully embraced across industries, unlocking new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and global competitiveness. She is particularly excited about the potential of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced cloud solutions to revolutionize service delivery, governance, and business operations. In the coming years, she aims to lead large-scale digital transformation initiatives, influence ICT policies, and expand her mentorship programs to empower even more professionals in the industry. Nomazwi Mhloma’s career is a testament to the power of technology, leadership, and perseverance. Her contributions to digital transformation, cloud technology, and women’s empowerment in STEM have positioned her as one of South Africa’s most influential technology leaders. Through her work, she continues to drive innovation, inspire change, and shape the future of digital transformation in South Africa and beyond.
