Beyond solving today’s challenges, we encourage our people to learn, grow and lead with curiosity and purpose. In this spirit, we cast the spotlight on five employees whose journeys reflect Vodacom Group’s commitment to unlocking potential and shaping a future where everyone can thrive.

Rooted in inclusivity, professional development and transformation, our culture empowers individuals to thrive while reshaping communities and industries for a better tomorrow. The promise of growth is a key part of our employer value proposition, or EVP – to reach your potential by building new skills that shape your career.

The employees of Vodacom embody this spirit that fuels our future, from enabling fintech resilience to pioneering Internet of Things (IoT) transformations and diversifying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

From fintech learner to resilient leader

For Felix Rop, the Head of Financial Services IT at Safaricom, career growth has been a journey of embracing challenges and leading with purpose. From the rural landscapes of Nandi County to managing M-PESA’s technological backbone, Felix’s story is one of transformation driven by continuous improvement.

Starting as a Network Operations Engineer, Felix valued hard work and curiosity and dedicated himself to mastering emerging technologies. His growth path at Huawei defined his approach – problem-solving under pressure during critical moments, like resolving an M-PESA platform issue in 2018, which earned him formal recognition for his efforts.

“Customer obsession and integrity have been my guiding principles,” he says, reflecting on his ability to navigate high-pressure situations for seamless customer experiences.

At Vodacom, Felix leads efforts to make M-PESA more scalable, secure and resilient. “Every challenge helps us evolve,” he says. Passionate about mentoring his team, he ensures the cycle of learning and innovation continues. For Felix, empowering millions of customers through financial technology is as fulfilling as it is challenging: “You never stop learning, because the stakes are so meaningful.”

Evolving with IoT innovation

When Muhutagidine Bacar joined Vodacom Mozambique in 2019, he knew IoT would revolutionise industries – but learning how to deliver it was his focus. “Every role has pushed me out of my comfort zone and closer to understanding real-world solutions,” he says.

Starting as an IoT Solutions Specialist, he worked on foundational deployments, and by 2022 he led complex projects like Fleet Monitoring and Push to Talk, which is essentially a two-way radio service for businesses that prefer the stability of mobile phones instead of traditional two-way radio systems.

His contribution earned his team the CEO Award for Best Team, a testament to innovation and collaboration. Today, as Sales Manager for FMCG, Transport & Logistics within Vodacom Business Mozambique, Muhutagidine’s day-to-day work includes crafting solutions that integrate cutting-edge tech with client needs. “My growth journey is deeply tied to Vodacom’s culture of collaboration and innovation,” he says.

In 2023, Vodacom joined the Picanto Cup racing series as a lead sponsor – a project that combines Muhutagidine’s passion for community engagement and IoT. Integrating real-time monitoring technologies into racing will showcase IoT in high-pressure sports environments. “It’s about growing our impact in surprising spaces,” he says.

Learning leadership to empower others

For Oratile Maphumulo, Manager of Core Data Networks Planning, career growth isn’t just upward – it’s outward. Through mentorship and innovation, she ensures others can follow the paths she’s paved. As a proud advocate for women in STEM, Oratile champions professional development with purpose. “Women are uniquely positioned to innovate around challenges they understand,” she says.

Her forward-thinking approach to her work reflects Vodacom’s commitment to remaining future-ready. From developing predictive analytics to offering more agile services, Oratile has built on every opportunity to stretch her capabilities. “Growth at Vodacom means support at every level,” she says, adding that programmes like Code Like a Girl enable women to thrive early in ICT roles.

Oratile’s leadership journey reflects Vodacom’s investment in diversity and innovation. “If I can succeed, others can too,” she says. Her motivation lies in charting a path for future leaders while continuing to innovate in one of the tech world’s most exciting fields.

Advancing automation with passion

For Leandra Brits, a trainee in the Vodacom Discover Graduate programme, Vodacom’s emphasis on learning has enabled her to align her academic passions with technological advancement. Fascinated by mathematics and machine learning, Leandra focuses on driving automation initiatives within the Core Data Networks team.

“At Vodacom, I’ve been encouraged to explore my full potential, learning from leaders who inspire me daily,” she says.

Leandra credits Vodacom’s inclusive workplace for amplifying her confidence. “Seeing women in leadership here has been empowering,” she says. She hopes to challenge the limits of traditional systems with AI and automation solutions that offer seamless user experiences.

Her ambition is to remain part of Vodacom’s innovation wave, combining her love for STEM with Vodacom’s vision for digital excellence. “It’s exciting to work where your passion and purpose align,” she says.

Breaking barriers with opportunity

Nhlanhla Dludlu, another of our Discover Graduate programme trainees, is proof of Vodacom’s ability to empower. While she began her career introverted, Vodacom’s inclusive culture encouraged her to engage, network and grow beyond her comfort zone. “Mentorship and training have been integral to my development,” she explains.

Her passion for engineering and automation is paired with a vision for digital inclusion. Nhlanhla dreams of creating global connectivity solutions for underserved communities, opening doors to education and economic opportunities. Vodacom, she says, has provided the platform to nurture these ambitions while embracing mentorship through programmes like Code Like a Girl.

“Growth at Vodacom isn’t just professional. It’s personal,” she says. Nhlanhla’s progress illustrates how opportunities to learn and lead ripple forward to empower others.

A place to learn, lead and thrive

At Vodacom, growth is intentional, diverse and deeply connected to our purpose of connecting for a better future. By fostering a workplace that invests in mentoring, training and innovation, we create pathways that transform careers and communities alike.

From fintech to STEM and IoT to mentorship, Vodacom is much more than a company – it’s a springboard for purpose-filled careers. Together, we learn, grow and lead toward a truly connected future.