The global tech and digital industry is infamous for being (white) male-dominated. While many of their innovations have reshaped the world in obvious ways, women in general and women of colour in particular, are not seen often enough in these spaces.
Nokuthula Lukhele, whose journey began in mechanical engineering where she focused on heavy vehicle design and manufacturing, is determined to be counted among women leaders in tech.
“I’ve had the privilege of building a diverse and impactful career, enriched by experience across multiple industries and continents. Early on, I realised I had a desire to contribute at a more strategic and executive level, which led me to pursue an MBA to strengthen my business acumen,” she says.
It was this pivot that guided her into Management Consulting with McKinsey & Company, where she led high-impact projects across industries such as finance, telecommunications and technology, resulting in her career taking a global turn when she moved from Johannesburg to Silicon Valley.
“I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to collaborate with leading global firms to achieve their strategic and operational goals. This experience eventually led me to the World Economic Forum, where I spearheaded digital transformation initiatives, fostering public-private collaboration to shape global digital agendas,” she continues.
Today, as the Chief Technology Officer of GrowSpace, Lukhele has a clear vision of leveraging her expertise on digital platforms and enabling technologies, to make a noticeable impact on the South African job market.
“GrowSpace is an innovative platform designed to bridge the gap between quality talent and the demands of growing industries in South Africa. Our focus is not just placing candidates in roles, but ensuring that these placements lead to meaningful, long-term career growth. Our platform is underpinned by a strong digital strategy, leveraging advanced data analytics and AI to match the right talent with the right opportunities, ensuring a perfect fit for both parties,” she explains.
With unemployment statistics in South Africa at a gut-wrenching 33.5% in Quarter 2 of 2024, and with most young South Africans attached to their smartphones and apps, combining Human Resources and Technology seems entirely necessary.
“South Africa’s current employment landscape is challenging, with high unemployment rates - especially among youth and women, our platform is vital because it provides a solution tailored to these challenges, by connecting talent with opportunities in growing industries, we’re not only helping individuals find employment, but also contributing to broader economic development.
“Our focus on tech and other key sectors, such as financial industries, means we are placing talent in industries that are likely to drive future growth, thus having a multiplier effect on the economy,” she adds.
While there cannot be much debate on the dire state of the South African employment landscape, much has been opined about there being a problem with youth being unemployed, and in some cases – unemployable.
So who are Lukhele and GrowSpace’s main target audiences? “We have two key target audiences: experienced professionals who are looking for meaningful career opportunities, and top-notch companies that are seeking to grow and innovate, but need the right talent to do so. We believe that this will be one of the main catalysts for economic growth and social inclusion in South Africa and across the African continent,” says Lukhele.
With the current deep global penetration of AI, Lukhele believes job-seekers need to make themselves proficient in digital tools and platforms that are becoming essential in today’s workplace. “It has become vital for youth and job-seekers in general to master digital collaboration tools; to gain a solid understanding of data analytics, and to become familiar with AI-driven technologies.
“In addition to this, it is key for those looking for work to build a strong network of supporters, including former classmates, colleagues, mentors, and sponsors, while also focusing on showcasing their skills through an online profile, portfolio of work, and actively connecting with potential employers. In today’s fast-evolving job market, continuous learning and upskilling are indispensable for staying competitive,” she advises.
In a country with serious need of intervention where jobs are concerned, Lukhele hopes that more people will make use of their GrowSpace platform.
“Between now and the next five years, we will progressively build strong partnerships with key industry players, and continuously be innovating so that our offerings meet the evolving needs of the job market,” she concludes.
The Star