Jannie van Zyl takes us through the programme’s evolution, his personal journey and the bright future that lies ahead.

Vodacom created its Innovation Programme in 2014, led by Jannie van Zyl in what was then called the Technology & Networks division. Jannie remains at its forefront, driving its progress and future direction.

The primary goal was to nurture a culture of innovation by encouraging staff to submit diverse business ideas, taking them from conception to execution. Over nearly a decade, the programme has blossomed and evolved, with more than 50 ideas implemented out of more than 3 000 submissions, generating in excess of R4 billion in value for Vodacom.

Initially, the Vodacom Innovation Programme consolidated ideas from staff, organised workshops to address business challenges and invited submissions from the public. As it expanded, the programme transformed into a dedicated Innovation department, reflecting its growth into a core business function. Despite its ever-changing nature, innovation remains the heart of this department, fostering continuous change and progress.

Our ongoing Innovation Programme, which is open to all permanent and contractor employees across Africa, aims to simplify the process of turning ideas into reality. The platform has been digitalised for efficient tracking of ideas, faster feedback and enhanced collaboration among staff. A team of more than 20 Innovation Champions guides potential innovators through the process, providing training, coaching and support for ideas that pass the business case test.

Successful implementations receive recognition and can win prizes worth R1 million at the annual Vodacom Group CEO Awards under the Innovation Category, emphasising the broader purpose of solving societal problems, improving efficiency and enhancing customer experiences.