South African HR tech startup Jem secures Zuko Mdwaba as strategic partner and investor

Technology veteran who built Salesforce and Workday's African operations joins the company focused on financial and HR solutions for frontline employees as it targets enterprise market expansion.

Zuko Mdwaba, Jem strategic enterprise partner and investor.

Jem, a South African technology company specializing in HR and financial services for deskless workers, has announced that industry veteran Zuko Mdwaba will join as Strategic Enterprise Partner and investor. The appointment represents a significant milestone for the platform as it transitions from serving mid-market clients to pursuing major enterprise partnerships across South Africa.

Mdwaba brings extensive experience from a distinguished 30-year career leading technology initiatives across the African continent. He is particularly recognized for his role in establishing and scaling Salesforce and Workday's African market presence, transforming both companies from emerging players to dominant forces generating billions in annual revenue within the region.

Throughout his career, Mdwaba has held senior leadership positions at prominent technology organizations including Oracle, SAS, and Telkom, among others. Industry peers recognize him for his commercial expertise, executive-level relationships, and proven ability to build high-performing teams that drive market disruption and deliver measurable results.

His partnership with Jem comes at a pivotal moment as the company prepares to expand its reach to South Africa's largest employers. In his new role, Mdwaba will spearhead enterprise sales initiatives, guide strategic partnership development, and provide mentorship to Jem's founding team and commercial division on enterprise market strategies and execution frameworks.

Additionally, he will serve as a public representative for the company, cultivating relationships with executive decision-makers, participating in industry conferences, and engaging with media to enhance Jem's market positioning.

"Zuko represents more than an advisor and investor; he is among the continent's most accomplished enterprise technology leaders," stated Simon Ellis, co-founder and CEO of Jem. "His proven track record, extensive network, and leadership capabilities will accelerate our evolution from startup to market leader. Most critically, he will help us deliver improved outcomes for millions of South African frontline workers and their employers."

Responding to his appointment, Mdwaba emphasized Jem's unique market position: "This platform addresses genuine business challenges while maintaining a clear sense of purpose. The team's drive, vision, and commitment to creating meaningful impact attracted me to this opportunity. I look forward to supporting Jem's growth trajectory and creating new value propositions for South Africa's premier employers and their workforce."

The strategic partnership underscores Jem's commitment to scaling its technology solutions for frontline workers, a demographic that traditional HR and financial platforms often overlook. As South African businesses increasingly recognize the importance of comprehensive employee support systems, Jem's specialized focus positions it to capture significant market opportunities in the enterprise sector.