“It’s crucial to focus on providing solutions to problems rather than just the technology itself. In the public sector, this means reducing silos and fostering interdepartmental integration, which is vital for digital transformation,” explains Poppy Tshabalala, the Managing Executive of Public Enterprise at Vodacom Business. Poppy is a purpose-driven leader with a thorough understanding of both the business and public sector environments, using her extensive background to drive ICT initiatives.  

She’s held various senior leadership positions in various organisations including Accenture, Eskom, the Limpopo Department of Roads & Transport, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), the Department of Trade & Industry, Microsoft and UNISA. She has served on the board of Road Agency Limpopo and chaired an ICT Steering Committee at the Department of Science & Technology.  

She also served in the Audit Committee of the National Credit Regulator, as a board member of TENET, an agency of the Higher Education Technology network and is currently a member of the Wits ICT Committee of Council. Here she explains what her role entails and some of Vodacom Business Public Enterprises’ success stories.  

Please share with us what your role as managing executive of public enterprise at vodacom business entails  

The Vodacom Business Public Enterprises sales span across all three spheres of government (national, provincial and local), inclusive of all agencies and state-owned entities in the country. Vodacom Business is intentional in partnering with the public sector on the digitalisation journey. There is a designed alignment of Vodacom solutions to the needs of the government. The results of where these solutions are implemented proves that there is a higher need for additional time and resources by Vodacom Business to invest in the public sector for maximum impact to the government on this journey.  

As an experienced ict executive you have ensured there have been exciting developments at vodacom business. Please unpack some of the success stories, including the public healthcare services solution launched in the northern cape province back in 2022 and the telemedicine solutions that you rolled out in the free state in november last year and smart electricity metering in different municipalities  

Driving digital transformation in the public sector requires adaptation to each specific environment. While there is a basic foundation of needs, the applications vary from department to department. Some examples of our impactful work include upgrading the Gauteng Education Department’s eAdmission system for enhanced efficiency and user experience. We have also launched a free e-learning platform with CAPS-aligned educational content and, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, rolled out our Virtual Classroom solution to rural schools across three provinces.  

Vodacom is uniquely positioned to provide superior smart utility services, leveraging its leadership in connectivity, digital software, IoT devices, and business process development. These services offer scalable and cost-effective utility management solutions that deploy quickly and provide real-time energy usage information.  

Smart Utility Management combines digital technology and intelligent energy habits to save money. By integrating IoT sensors, mobile applications, cloud software, and proven methods, it delivers insights into energy consumption that facilitate planning and cost-saving. Existing sensors can be utilised, and new sensors added to gather data, which is then presented through easy-to-understand dashboards and reports.  

This is just a small example of our work with the public sector. As a purpose-driven company, we are proud to be part of such transformative solutions.  

Vodacom is committed to enabling inter-public sector communication and data-sharing through technology solutions, making the public sector more citizen- centric. Despite budget constraints, Vodacom works closely with departments to maximise their spending and balance needs with financial availability.  

In partnership with the Free State Department of Health, Vodacom launched two advanced digital health solutions aimed at providing excellent medical care in public hospitals across the Free State.  

This initiative aims to reduce medical malpractice risks and improve efficiencies, aligning with the government’s “Batho Pele” principles of prioritising people in all public service touchpoints through technology.  

What excites you about what you do?  

As Vodacom we are proud of our relationship with the government and what we have managed to achieve together this far. We are equally excited for what the future holds. When we bring our collective capabilities and desire to do even better for South Africans together, we move our country forward. Our long-standing partnership with the government means that over the years, we have acquired knowledge and experience within the public sector. We are proof that when humanity and technology work as one, we all go further together. Vodacom is here to provide technological solutions to the government so we can take citizens further together.  

How do you ensure diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded in Vodacom Business practice?  

By connecting people, places and things, the Vodacom Business “Turn to Us” platform aims to help businesses and government departments to succeed in a digital world. 

At the core of what you do, you digitise government departments? Tells us more about this  

Vodacom Business has a deep understanding of the complexities, challenges and very specific mandates of government departments. Digital services such as the Citizen Engagement Platform have proved to be powerful tools in the public sector’s quest to improve service delivery. The platform is designed to automate, and enrich interactions between citizens, government contact centres, field workers and senior officials.  

Please share a message of inspiration with our readers  

In any situation, incident, or interaction, never miss the opportunity to learn or to teach. Never let a crisis go to waste. Make the best out of a seemingly unpleasant situation.