KZN AI Summit 2026 Speakers

MEC Siboniso Duma for Department of Transport and Human Settlement - Leader of Government Business

Prof Pfano Mashau, Director of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Business School since July 2024, is a distinguished academic with a PhD in Management Science and over 11 years of leadership in higher education. His expertise spans economics, entrepreneurship, and business models, complemented by extensive experience with institutions such as Bioregional Africa.

Dr. Kim, born in Korea, is a globally respected expert on African development, with academic credentials from Oxford University (Ph.D.) and Columbia University (MA, African Specialist Certificate). Fluent in Swahili and deeply engaged in African affairs, he has served in government, academia, and business

Prof Job Dubihlela is a Head of Masters and Postgraduate with deep industry experience, research leadership, and a strong commitment to sustainability and community development. He holds a PhD (2012) in Business Management

Andiswa Khumalo is a seasoned Information and Communications Technology (ICT) leader currently serving as the KZN Provincial Manager (Acting Senior Manager: End User Computing Service Management) at the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) in South Africa.  

Mr. Mlindi Mashologu is the Deputy Director-General for the Digital Society & Economy at the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT). He leads the design and implementation of South Africa’s digital government strategies, including the National e-Government Roadmap, Digital Identity, Digital Payments, and the Government Data Lake.

Mr Deneshin Pillay is currently pursuing his Doctorate (PhD) in Digital Transformation, Mr Pillay brings a unique blend of academic insight and operational excellence to the evolving intersection of AI and business.

CEO | Project Manager | Developer
Leads the company’s strategy, project planning, development, client communication, testing and implementation.

Prof Gabriel Kabanda is a distinguished academic and Head of Doctoral Programmes at the Graduate School of Business & Leadership, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). With over 38 years of experience in higher education and research, he is recognized globally as a leading scholar in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Information Systems.

Zamokwakhe Dlamini serves as Deputy Director: Digital Economy Capabilities Research at the Department of Science and Innovation. With a background that spans establishing and managing a technology startup, ICT policy development, and international representation, he has played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s digital innovation landscape.

Nandisa Ngubelanga is a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Project Manager, AI Educator, and Founder of
Innohance Digital, where she helps professionals, entrepreneurs, and organisations navigate the evolving
digital economy through the practical application of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and smarter
ways of working.

Prof Ray Maharaj is the Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of the Free State and Academic Head at Universitas Academic Hospital. A leading voice in medical education reform, Prof Maharaj was recently invited by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa to contribute to the development of a continent-wide competency-based curriculum

AI is transforming how organisations make decisions, manage risk, protect data, and discharge their governance responsibilities. Adv. Anastasia brings a governance, legal, compliance, cyberlaw, and data protection lens to this conversation. 
She is a corporate legal practitioner and CEO of Mashobane Advisory Services

Managing Director at GeoAfrika Technologies (and noted across related land/planning initiatives with GeoAfrika Surveys).  Over 25 years of experience managing spatial infrastructure development and geospatial technologies.
Chris Focus Areas: Integrating spatial data with big data, custom application development leveraging AI tools, water use validation/verification modeling, and land regularization toolkits for housing projects

Ms. Winile Dlamini is an accomplished Information and Communication Technology (ICT) executive with over 15 years of experience in the ICT sector. She currently serves as the ICT Manager at the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), where she provides strategic leadership in the planning, implementation, and management of ICT initiatives that support organizational growth, operational excellence, and digital innovation

With over 15 years at Microsoft and more than two decades of experience in the technology sector, Sandile Mahlaba is a seasoned leader in digital transformation for public sector innovation. He currently leads strategic initiatives that harness cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, Hyper Cloud, and Big Data to enhance government service delivery and citizen engagement

Chris Ainslie is a technology executive with over 25 years of experience helping organisations make smarter technology decisions and avoid costly mistakes. His expertise spans software development, enterprise platforms, cloud, digital transformation, and large-scale systems integration. At First Technology Digital, Chris works with executives while contributing to the development of sovereign AI infrastructure through FirstCore AI.

Founder of KZN Tech Mbokodo, an organisation dedicated to empowering and advancing women in technology through digital skills development, mentorship, and innovation programmes. I am also a Job Coach and Career Strategist, where I equip young people with practical tools to improve their employability, build professional personal brands, and successfully navigate today's job market.

Senzosenkosi Ngidi is an experienced technology and digital transformation leader with nearly two decades of experience across systems integration, enterprise technology, information management, and managed services. His career includes leadership roles at Accenture, the Department of Tourism, AngloGold Ashanti, the South African National Blood Service, and Technolibra. He brings strong expertise in enterprise systems, technology delivery, IT strategy, and complex digital projects, with a focus on using technology to improve organisational performance and deliver sustainable business outcomes.

Sam Gangiah - AI Specialist Driving Innovation in Machine Learning, Enterprise Solutions, Enterprise Applications, Integrations and AI Initiatives at a multinational pharmaceutical group operating in more than 160 countries. South African AI Association's Provincial Ambassador (SAAIA)

Nozibusiso Gumede is a South African STEM education and biotechnology leader, CEO, certified Board Director, and international speaker. She specialises in STEM education, biotechnology, data analytics, innovation, and leadership. As Illovo STEM Programme Manager and CEO of ScienceCEO Academy, she leads initiatives that advance STEM learning, equip young people with future-ready skills, and promote innovation through science and technology.

Donovan Marsh is an award-winning South African filmmaker, writer, director and editor whose acclaimed work includes Spud, iNumber Number, Hunter Killer and I Am All Girls. An AI filmmaking pioneer, he has produced multiple award-winning AI films and co-founded DragonStudios AI, an African first mover in AI-native film and television. His work explores how artificial intelligence is transforming storytelling, filmmaking, and the broader creative industries.