BSG appoints new non-executive director to drive digital transformation

BSG says Ndlovu brings over two decades of experience as a technology executive, entrepreneur and advocate for digital transformation across Africa.

BSG, a South African business and technology consulting firm, has announced the appointment of Nokuthula "Nokky" Ndlovu as non-executive director, effective immediately. The executive brings over 20 years of experience in digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and technology across the African continent.

Ndlovu serves as managing director of Projectized Management, a company focused on educational technology and digital upskilling. Her leadership extends to her role as chairperson of the South African chapter of the Indian Ocean Rim Business Forum, where she promotes international trade, investment, and collaborations in technology and research.

As first reported by IT Web Africa, the appointment comes at a strategic moment for BSG, which has been controlled since 2022 by Mteto Nyati, the company's board chairman and current Eskom chairman. Nyati, former CEO of MTN South Africa and Altron, acquired a 40% controlling stake in the consultancy for an undisclosed amount.

"We are honored to welcome Nokky to the BSG board," says Nyati. "Her expertise in digital transformation, women's leadership development, and social entrepreneurship aligns with our purpose of being a proactive force for positive change."

Ndlovu holds advanced qualifications from GIBS, UNISA SBL, and the London School of Economics. "I am excited to join BSG at this pivotal moment for South Africa's digital economy," she stated. "Together, we will harness technology to build resilient businesses driven by real-time insights, ensuring shortened time to value."

Speaking about the appointment, Nyati explained that when he acquired his shareholding in BSG, the investment entitled him to two board seats. While he occupies one seat, the second non-executive director position was previously held by Lillian Serobatse, a former Microsoft executive who stepped down due to potential conflict of interest after moving to another organization.

Ndlovu's appointment addresses a critical need within BSG's operations. Her extensive experience managing large-scale projects in the financial services sector strengthens the company's capability to deliver complex digital transformation initiatives for clients.

"Having someone like Nokky, who has spent years in financial services as a program director and project manager overseeing large projects, adds tremendous value to what we are doing at BSG," Nyati noted. "She has the industry understanding and experience to guide our team on the ground when required."

Beyond her technical expertise, Ndlovu's commitment to women's leadership development resonated strongly with BSG's values. She has volunteered to mentor female colleagues within the organization, helping them navigate the complexities of the corporate world.

"Women's leadership development is something we are actively promoting and driving within the company," Nyati emphasized. "Nokky's involvement will strengthen these efforts significantly."

Ndlovu's entrepreneurial background aligns closely with BSG's culture, which prioritizes agility and innovation despite the company's growth trajectory. Nyati stressed the importance of maintaining this entrepreneurial spirit as the firm scales.

"As we grow into a medium-sized entity, we do not want to lose our roots of developing solutions that address our challenges," he said. "We want to act small regardless of our size. Nokky will remind us when we start behaving like a large corporate."

Nyati also highlighted Ndlovu's courage and willingness to challenge the status quo, qualities he considers essential for board members. "Some people look for directors who will always toe the line. We are looking for exactly the opposite – someone who will challenge us, someone with courage," he explained.

Since taking control of BSG, Nyati has focused on expanding the company's presence beyond its traditional financial services base into other industry verticals. The strategy has yielded positive results, with BSG now operating across telecommunications, media, mining, and insurance sectors.

"We have really done well," Nyati reported. "You now find us working with telecom companies, driving projects particularly in the data and artificial intelligence space. We have also established a strong presence in the mining sector with multiple clients and have penetrated deeper into the insurance market."

Despite this diversification, Nyati emphasized the company's commitment to its origins. "I am comfortable with the progress we have made, but we always want to make sure we do not take our eyes off our roots," he concluded.