These are the training industry experts who shared their thoughts in the Channelwise/CompTIA round-table discussion on the state of IT skills in South Africa.
Loraine Vorster is the vice-president: sub-Saharan Africa at CompTIA
She is passionate about skills development and says it is uplifting to see how CompTIA certifications change lives of ordinary people every day.
CompTIA issues vendor-neutral professional certifications for the IT industry.
Alta Truter is the global sales manager of NIL Data Africa and Go Fourth Institute of Technology
She specialises in driving international sales strategies and expanding market presence across key regions, particularly within Africa. Her expertise lies in blending a deep knowledge of IT training – across areas like cloud, cybersecurity, AI, networking, and automation – with strategic leadership and client engagement. “I lead high-performing, regionally distributed sales teams and build strong partnerships with global vendors such as Cisco, Microsoft, and CompTIA,” she says.
Diedre Engelbrecht is the technology lead at Netcampus
A seasoned professional with over 10 years of expertise in the technology, training, and operational management sectors, she manages high-stakes projects, oversees compliance processes, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver results aligned with organisational objectives.
Engelbrecht is passionate about empowering teams and clients through education and skills development. This has involved tailoring training plans, managing certifications, and staying ahead of evolving industry trends. She holds various certifications including CAPM and various Microsoft credentials.
Hanri Labuschagne is the national sales operations and vendor manager at CTU Training Solutions
Drawing on 17 years of experience in sales, marketing, and IT education, she leads national relationships with premier technology partners – including CompTIA, Microsoft, AWS, Cisco Networking Academy, and LLPA – overseeing vendor KPIs, product costing and portfolio development, and data-driven marketing campaigns that support CTU’s nationwide sales teams.
Her remit also spans project-managed sales systems, schedule and delivery planning, and coaching new staff, positioning her as a pivotal link between strategy and execution.
Innes Potgieter represents Sol-Tech
Sol-Tech is a private trade college in Tshwane that aims to prepare students for their future careers.
Jeanne De Beer is an education solutions architect at Impactful
She has over a decade of experience in the education and training sector. Specialising in B2B and B2C strategy, she has successfully driven product positioning, sales enablement, and demand generation.
She has managed portfolios for top-tier vendors including AWS, Microsoft, CompTIA, and PeopleCert consistently delivering differentiated solutions that maximise market share and customer value. Known for her results-oriented mindset, she combines data-driven decision-making with a deep understanding of client needs to create scalable, impactful offerings.
She is focused on helping organisations navigate digital transformation through innovative learning solutions and strategic partnerships.
Suhayl Husein Asmal is the academic programme manager at Eduvos
With over a decade of experience in network management, systems administration, curriculum design, and higher education management, he oversees national academic delivery across 12 campuses.
His portfolio includes curriculum development, academic planning, team leadership, and the integration of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies into Information Systems and Computing programmes.
He holds a Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology from Eduvos and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems from Heriot-Watt University. He is currently pursuing an MBA at Regent Business School.
Thulisile Dlamini is the founder and director of Ikusasa Technology Solutions
Ikusasa is a 100% black female-owned company committed to bridging the digital divide by empowering youth in underserved communities with ICT skills.
With a strong background in training, consulting, and enterprise development, Dlamini has earned recognition including the Global Awards ICT Training Service of the Year and the AfriTech EdTech Innovation Award.
She is passionate about inclusive digital transformation and creating pathways to employment and entrepreneurship through technology and education.
Tinashe Banya is the portfolio manager at Dynamic DNA
Dynamic DNA aims to equip people with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, preparing individuals to seize opportunities in fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development.
The company emphasises empowering women and other under-represented groups in technology.
Kirosha Naidoo is the strategic vendor portfolio manager at Torque IT
Naidoo establishes strategic relationships with international tech vendors, driving the upskilling and reskilling of ICT professionals. Her mission is to enact meaningful change in one person’s life daily through technology, leveraging over nine years of expertise in inventory management, portfolio management, relationship management, and more.
Kobus Olivier is a senior manager and national academic IT manager at Boston City Campus
Boston City Campus aims to make higher education accessible to everyone and offers more than 100 courses providing no-nonsense, high-quality education.
Pieter Nel is in corporate sales at Netcampus Executive Consulting
He holds a BSc in Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Quantum Physics, as well as an HED and Executive Leadership certification.
He has been extensively involved in several key areas including Digital Adoption Learning Solutions, Learner Management Solutions, and Capability Academies.
Furthermore, he has had the opportunity to contribute to numerous youth initiatives, playing a role in shaping and guiding the next generation of learners.