Wits Business School’s programme directors regularly invite guest speakers with sound industry knowledge and on-the-ground experience to supplement the academic curriculum. These guest lectures provide the ultimate classroom experience where business challenges come to life through robust debate and engagement with top leaders.

Recently, WBS’s Digital Business students spent an hour in the company of Google South Africa’ Country Director, Kabelo Makwane for an in-depth discussion on what it takes for a multinational to succeed in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Kabelo, who describes himself at a “simple township boy”, reflected on his career highlights with self-deprecating humour, a career spanning over two decades in helping to transform the ICT landscape in South Africa. His leadership roles in the ICT sector include directing Vodacom Business’s Cloud, Hosting, and Security division and leading Accenture’s BPO Business across Africa. He now has a special interest in how AI can solve uniquely South African challenges.

Kabelo is also an alumnus of WBS and was delighted to return “full circle” to the school that he says shaped his journey. 

It was standing room only in the classroom on the evening of 2 April 2026 (plus more than 100 students attending online) for the fireside chat hosted by Dr Rutendo Hwindingwi, associate professor at WBS. 

A major theme of the discussion was how companies have had to transform the way they think about and manage disruption. The most successful companies, he says, are those who are able to balance an “emergency strategy” with a “divergent strategy” and being close to the action when things are changing.  He cited the example of Walmart who quickly recognised the changing preference of their customers to create a digital storefront and embrace a new “phygital” reality.

The question-and-answer session reached into the heart of the industry covering topics such as the ethics of AI, cultural buy-in and dealing with the “fear factor”, the infrastructure challenges in Africa, and identifying potential and real blind spots.

To the students, Kabelo said: “Your enthusiasm and "phygital" curiosity are infectious. The future of South Africa’s ICT landscape is in incredibly capable hands.”