As the track chairs are putting together the programme for the next edition of Business Analysis Summit Southern Africa we thought we would introduce you to the members of the track chair committee.
The track chairs play a huge role in the overall success of the conference by reviewing all the papers that are submitted and selecting the best to present at the conference. They work closely with the speakers to ensure that the presentations at the conference are relevant and exciting. This year the board of IIBA South African chapter has appointed five-track chairs to put together the programme for the conference happening in Cape Town in October. Read up on and get to know our five-track chairs below;
Edward Ngubane
Edward Ngubane, the current client partner at TCS is the former President of IIBA South Africa Chapter and former Head of Business Analysis at DVT, has been in the IT industry for over 20 years. During this period, he has worked as a systems developer, systems analyst, business analyst, business analyst manager, Head of PMO, Practice Lead (Business Analysis and Architecture), and Head of Business Analysis. He has set up and ran business analysis CoP’s, developed and mentored several business analysts. He holds five degrees, two of which are at the Masters level – the M.Ed (Maths Education) and the MBA (Cum Laude) – both from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Over the years he has received many awards both as an employee and as a leader. He is passionate about business analysis and has written articles on the discipline (published on www.modernalyst.com and www.itweb.co.za). He has been on the IIBA South Africa Chapter Board of Directors for four years (2018 -2021). He is also a former high school mathematics teacher, secretary, and treasurer of the IIBA-SA Board of Directors. He is in his 5th year of Ph.D. (Business Management) study at the University of the Witwatersrand. His thesis is ‘Cloud Computing Adoption and SMME Development in South Africa’. He is also a certified leadership coach, holding a Leadership Coaching Certificate from the University of the Witwatersrand. In April 2021 he was appointed as a supervisor to the students who are on the ‘Masters in Digital Business’ program at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Christelle Govender
Christelle Govender has been a Business Analyst for just almost 7 years and has spent over 10 years in Information Technology. She is recognised for improving technological service offerings, reducing costs, and securing profitable opportunities by developing and testing software service delivery strategies aligned to organisational imperatives further fulfilling the strategy using innovative technologies with detailed roadmaps, fine-tuning systems, and optimising resources. After obtaining her Bcom degree from UKZN she began her journey as a software tester before moving into the business analysis role.
She gained in-depth experience in product ownership, project management, software testing, system risk management, User-Acceptance Testing, feasibility research, agile and scrum methodologies, quality assurance, stakeholder and client management, extensive business analysis and people development through training and mentoring. Certified as an Agile Business Analyst, Christelle gained solid technical experience at an operational level, coupled with her customer-centric values, she provided value-driven solutions benefiting clients and business. She is also a recognized conference speaker, and has presented at multiple Webinars for both the Business Analyst and Project Management profession. She is also an author and has had articles published by the BA Digest. She is passionate about mentorship and growing others.
Shahnaaz Hendricks
Shahnaaz Hendricks is an accomplished and driven Business Analyst with a track record spanning 15 years. She has a passion for business analysis which is evident in her relentless pursuit of excellence and continuous growth. A creative at heart, Shahnaaz thrives on pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges.
She first embarked on her business analysis journey after obtaining her diploma in the field. To further enhance her expertise, she achieved a BCom Degree in Informatics,. Driven by a keen interest in the ever-evolving landscape of new technologies, Shahnaaz is currently pursuing a post-graduate diploma in Futures Studies with a focus on managing emerging technologies. Her dedication to staying ahead of the curve reflects her passion for making a positive impact in the fast-paced world of business analysis.
Currently serving as the Manager to a Business Analysis Team at Futuregrowth Asset Management, where her focus is driving business analysis, collaboration, practice development and strategic initiatives within the organization.
Oupa Laka
Oupa is a highly motivated and passionate business analysis professional with over a decade of experience. Renowned for his expertise in problem-solving and effective solution crafting, his career journey began about 20 years ago, venturing through product support, systems support, then product development and channel integration before transitioning to business analysis.
Oupa’s contagious enthusiasm for business analysis inspires others to approach their work with dedication and zeal. With a firm belief in the power of collaboration, negotiation, and experimentation, he has successfully tackled complex challenges across multiple business units in various companies.
Beyond his technical prowess, Oupa’s engaging and approachable demeanour fosters an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. He effortlessly connects with individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting an environment of mutual respect and understanding. His diplomatic and tactful approach ensures seamless interactions with professionals and non-professionals at all levels.
Mark Bruins
Certified Senior Business Analyst and Project Manager, Mentor, Career Coach, Multiple Business Owner, Residential Property Investor, Environment Warrior, Father to Jessica and Gordon.
Mark offers over 40 years’ of international experience and has held 25 I.T. positions in his extensive career on 6 continents, 15 of them as a contractor including 8 in the United Kingdom. His last few roles were as a Senior Business Analyst, even though he has also been certified as a Project Manager and a Microsoft MCSA.
He has been teaching since 1990, and since 2006 has been writing curriculum for his numerous courses from computer networking, software, environmental studies, business skills, web design, and now Business Analysis.
Having owned 22 residential properties in the Western Cape his passion is to combine his skills as a university lecturer, IT expert and Business Analyst to mentor his Masterminds into creating passive income streams and invest in the low-risk residential property market to create a property portfolio as a passive income stream to stop working for money and ensure your hard-earned after-tax money works for you.
With the above line up of track chairs you can expect an amazing conference. Make sure you sign up now for the Business Analysis Event of the year by clicking here.