Africa is a place of innovation.
It does not serve us to think small.
In a post-Covid-19 world, how can the
Future Professional champion growth and change?
Profmed’s new 8-part podcast series is focusing directly on the future.
What mindsets are required to navigate a complex world that is still reeling from the impact of
Covid-19? Can Africa become an apex of innovation? Will the world look to us for revolutionary solutions?
Profmed’s Future Professional podcast series brings some of Africa’s most futuristic minds together. It’s time to be the catalysts for change that our country – and the continent – needs.
Episode 1: Navigating the 4IR and Its Opportunities
YOUR HOST: Mmabatho Mokiti
Founder and CEO of Mathemaniacs
In conversation with S’onqoba Vuba and Michele Rivard
Mmabatho is a mathematician turned impact entrepreneur with a passion for education and youth development. She launched her first business at the age of 20 and is living her passion by bringing quality STEM education to rural and disadvantaged schools. Working with corporates to design their CSI strategies, Mmabatho is making an on-the-ground difference to South Africa’s youth. More than 5 000 girls have received higher learning education through her DreamGirls Academy as well.
“The most valuable skills of the future are things that computers can’t do, including critical thinking, storytelling, scenario analysis, and having empathy. Tech savvy professionals need to leverage technology as a tool that is a means to the end, making them more effective and productive.”
The most valuable skills of the future are things that computers can’t do, including critical thinking, storytelling, scenario analysis, and having empathy. Tech savvy professionals need to leverage technology as a tool that is a means to the end, making them more effective and productive.
Episode 2: Mental Fortitude and the Culture of Failure
YOUR HOST: Vusi Thembekwayo
CEO of MyGrowthFund
In conversation with Steven McGown and Babalwa Latsha
At 25 Vusi Thembekwayo ran a R400 million division in a R17 billion multi-national and today is widely regarded as one of the most disruptive forces in venture capital in Africa. He was amongst the youngest directors of a listed company in South Africa and now serves on several boards. Currently, he is the CEO of a boutique investment and advisory firm in Africa. Leading by example, Vusi’s firm forces medium, large and listed businesses into much needed, often painful, always lucrative new directions.
“I love process. It’s easy to see someone’s achievements and to think that they’ve been lucky, but true success is always the result of a scientific process and a mindset that pushes you when everything around you is telling you to stop.”
I love process. It’s easy to see someone’s achievements and to think that they’ve been lucky, but true success is always the result of a scientific process and a mindset that pushes you when everything around you is telling you to stop.
Episode 3: Future-proofing our children
YOUR HOST: John Sanei
Best-selling author and co-founder of Future Self-Academy
In conversation with Jasmine Swiel and Christine Kritzas
John Sanei is a Knowledge Mercenary who travels the globe to uncover the lessons needed to uplift communities and help humanity thrive. His unlimited fascination with the future has seen him become Africa’s first faculty member at Singularity University in San Francisco, a lecturer at Duke Corporate Education in Johannesburg, and a Partner Associate at the Copenhagen Institute of Future Studies in Denmark.
Doing anything big, bold and significant in life always is going to be hard work. You can’t just give up when the going gets tough. The mindset of grit is a learned behaviour that should be taught from an early age.
Episode 3: Future-proofing our children
YOUR HOST: John Sanei
Best-selling author and co-founder of Future Self-Academy
In conversation with Jasmine Swiel and Christine Kritzas
John Sanei is a Knowledge Mercenary who travels the globe to uncover the lessons needed to uplift communities and help humanity thrive. His unlimited fascination with the future has seen him become Africa’s first faculty member at Singularity University in San Francisco, a lecturer at Duke Corporate Education in Johannesburg, and a Partner Associate at the Copenhagen Institute of Future Studies in Denmark.
“Doing anything big, bold and significant in life always is going to be hard work. You can’t just give up when the going gets tough. The mindset of grit is a learned behaviour that should be taught from an early age.”
Episode 4: The Future of Tourism Professionals | 2025
YOUR HOST: Phakamile Hlazo
Founder of Zulu Nomad
In conversation with Jonathan Kalan
Phaka is a seasoned strategist, consultant and founder of Zulu Nomad, a tourism startup solving challenges for travellers and business alike. Phaka believes that technology innovation is a necessary enabler for true transformation and inclusion in the tourism sector. In 2005, Phaka was named one of the 100 Brightest Young Minds in South Africa.
“Some real opportunities have come out of Covid and highlighted new market possibilities, new products that need to be developed and how archaic our current value chain is. Now is the time to start looking at how to diversify income and add experiences to our income, and to focus on the quality of products and services that are available.”
Some real opportunities have come out of Covid and highlighted new market possibilities, new products that need to be developed and how archaic our current value chain is. Now is the time to start looking at how to diversify income and add experiences to our income, and to focus on the quality of products and services that are available.
Episode 5: Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Healthcare
YOUR HOST: Dr. Sivu Madikana
Commercial Executive at First Care Solutions, Medical Health Innovator
In conversation with Takalani Madzhadzhi and Dr Mpazi Siwale
Dr. Sivuyile Madikana is a South African Health Executive and service-oriented leader, passionate about healthcare in Africa, youth development, service and advocacy. He currently works as the Commercial Executive for a leading healthcare administration company and is a member a World Food Programme Innovation Accelerator project. A judicious young leader, Dr Madikana is committed to the advancement of young people in Africa.
What we don’t always realise is that the attainment of equitable, accessible and quality health care is about lowering the cost of access, while maintaining the same quality and increasing accessibility. Technology is the only way to achieve this.
What we don’t always realise is that the attainment of equitable, accessible and quality health care is about lowering the cost of access, while maintaining the same quality and increasing accessibility. Technology is the only way to achieve this.
Episode 6: Africa – the continent of the future
YOUR HOST: Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
Vice-Chancellor, University of Cape Town
In conversation with Yolanda Cuba and Ben Nelson
Mamokgethi Phakeng has been invited to deliver over 40 keynote talks at international conferences across the world. She has won numerous awards for her research and community work, including the Order of the Baobab (Silver). Mamokgeth is founder of the Adopt-a-learner Foundation, a non-profit organisation that provides financial and educational support to students from township and rural areas to acquire higher education qualifications.
Imagine if African culture and the African way of doing and being and seeing are the new disruptive way of doing things. The old models haven’t worked, but perhaps this is what Africa’s future professionals can bring to the world. Imagine if we could say: looking for innovation? Come to Africa. Looking for disruptive thinking? Come to Africa. Want to do things differently? Come to Africa.
Imagine if African culture and the African way of doing and being and seeing are the new disruptive way of doing things. The old models haven’t worked, but perhaps this is what Africa’s future professionals can bring to the world. Imagine if we could say: looking for innovation? Come to Africa. Looking for disruptive thinking? Come to Africa. Want to do things differently? Come to Africa.
Episode 7: Africa’s future of innovation and excellence
YOUR HOST: Mushambi Mutuma
Speaker and Tech Leader
Mushambi is a speaker and tech leader who builds exponential brands and businesses of the future through sharing insights on Tech, Entrepreneurship and Innovation. His high impact company, Altivex, emphasizes African engagement in tech and digital industries, with the intent to make Africa a leading hub of innovative authority.
This is my favourite thing about technology. First, that its rooted in solving a problem, and second that it’s the fastest, cheapest, easiest way to scale and impact people, and when it does that I get goosebumps. It’s incredibly exciting
Episode 7: Africa’s future of innovation and excellence
YOUR HOST: Mushambi Mutuma
Speaker and Tech Leader
Mushambi is a speaker and tech leader who builds exponential brands and businesses of the future through sharing insights on Tech, Entrepreneurship and Innovation. His high impact company, Altivex, emphasizes African engagement in tech and digital industries, with the intent to make Africa a leading hub of innovative authority.
This is my favourite thing about technology. First, that its rooted in solving a problem, and second that it’s the fastest, cheapest, easiest way to scale and impact people, and when it does that I get goosebumps. It’s incredibly exciting
Episode 8: Wealth and the city: private equity investment for women
YOUR HOST: Samke Mhlongo
Founder of The Next Chapter (TNC) Wealth Partners
Through her consultancy, Samke provides financial wellness and coaching services to individuals and small businesses. Her business accolades include being named MIPAD Top 100 Most Influential Persons of African Descent Class of 2018, Entrepreneur Magazine Top 50 Black African Women Entrepreneurs to Watch 2018, and Brand SA ‘Play Your Part’ Ambassador in the field of Entrepreneurship.
Mhlongo sharpened her finance expertise during her 7-year tenure at Investec Specialist Bank and Asset Manager. Until 2019, she also served as the youngest board member of state-owned mineral research technology agency MINTEK and sat on its Audit & Risk Committee.
As entrepreneurs, we often tick the boxes of technical expertise and education, but real success lies in the intersection of these features with the characteristics that aren’t taught in school, but are learnt through experience, trial and error, and getting back up after failing. That’s the human side of business
As entrepreneurs, we often tick the boxes of technical expertise and education, but real success lies in the intersection of these features with the characteristics that aren’t taught in school, but are learnt through experience, trial and error, and getting back up after failing. That’s the human side of business
Samke
Mhlongo
Through her consultancy, Samke provides financial wellness and coaching services to individuals and small businesses. Her business accolades include being named MIPAD Top 100 Most Influential Persons of African Descent Class of 2018, Entrepreneur Magazine Top 50 Black African Women Entrepreneurs to Watch 2018, and Brand SA ‘Play Your Part’ Ambassador in the field of Entrepreneurship.
Mhlongo sharpened her finance expertise during her 7-year tenure at Investec Specialist Bank and Asset Manager. Until 2019, she also served as the youngest board member of state-owned mineral research technology agency MINTEK and sat on its Audit & Risk Committee.
Mushambi
Mutuma
Mushambi is a speaker and tech leader who builds exponential brands and businesses of the future through sharing insights on Tech, Entrepreneurship and Innovation. His high impact company, Altivex, emphasizes African engagement in tech and digital industries, with the intent to make Africa a leading hub of innovative authority.
Professor Mamokgethi
Phakeng
Mamokgethi Phakeng has been invited to deliver over 40 keynote talks at international conferences across the world. She has won numerous awards for her research and community work, including the Order of the Baobab (Silver). Mamokgeth is founder of the Adopt-a-learner Foundation, a non-profit organisation that provides financial and educational support to students from township and rural areas to acquire higher education qualifications.
Dr Sivu
Madikana
Dr. Sivuyile Madikana is a South African Health Executive and service-oriented leader, passionate about healthcare in Africa, youth development, service and advocacy. He currently works as the Commercial Executive for a leading healthcare administration company and is a member a World Food Programme Innovation Accelerator project. A judicious young leader, Dr Madikana is committed to the advancement of young people in Africa.
Phakamile
Hlazo
Phaka is a seasoned strategist, consultant and founder of Zulu Nomad, a tourism startup solving challenges for travellers and business alike. Phaka believes that technology innovation is a necessary enabler for true transformation and inclusion in the tourism sector. In 2005, Phaka was named one of the 100 Brightest Young Minds in South Africa.
John
Sanei
John Sanei is a Knowledge Mercenary who travels the globe to uncover the lessons needed to uplift communities and help humanity thrive. His unlimited fascination with the future has seen him become Africa’s first faculty member at Singularity University in San Francisco, a lecturer at Duke Corporate Education in Johannesburg, and a Partner Associate at the Copenhagen Institute of Future Studies in Denmark.
Vusi Thembekwayo
At 25 Vusi Thembekwayo ran a R400 million division in a R17 billion multi-national and today is widely regarded as one of the most disruptive forces in venture capital in Africa. He was amongst the youngest directors of a listed company in South Africa and now serves on several boards. Currently, he is the CEO of a boutique investment and advisory firm in Africa. Leading by example, Vusi’s firm forces medium, large and listed businesses into much needed, often painful, always lucrative new directions.
Mmabatho Mokiti
Mmabatho is a mathematician turned impact entrepreneur with a passion for education and youth development. She launched her first business at the age of 20 and is living her passion by bringing quality STEM education to rural and disadvantaged schools. Working with corporates to design their CSI strategies, Mmabatho is making an on-the-ground difference to South Africa’s youth. More than 5 000 girls have received higher learning education through her DreamGirls Academy as well.
Episode 8: Wealth and the city: private equity investment for women
Samke Mhlongo
Through her consultancy, Samke provides financial wellness and coaching services to individuals and small businesses. Her business accolades include being named MIPAD Top 100 Most Influential Persons of African Descent Class of 2018, Entrepreneur Magazine Top 50 Black African Women Entrepreneurs to Watch 2018, and Brand SA ‘Play Your Part’ Ambassador in the field of Entrepreneurship.
Episode 7: Africa’s future of innovation and excellence
Mushambi Mutuma
Mushambi is a speaker and tech leader who builds exponential brands and businesses of the future through sharing insights on Tech, Entrepreneurship and Innovation. His high impact company, Altivex, emphasizes African engagement in tech and digital industries, with the intent to make Africa a leading hub of innovative authority.
Episode 6: Africa: The continent of the future
Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
Mamokgethi Phakeng has been invited to deliver over 40 keynote talks at international conferences across the world. She has won numerous awards for her research and community work, including the Order of the Baobab (Silver). Mamokgeth is founder of the Adopt-a-learner Foundation, a non-profit organisation that provides financial and educational support to students from township and rural areas to acquire higher education qualifications.
Episode 5: Digital Health Innovation is Here
Dr Sivu Madikana
Dr. Sivuyile Madikana is a South African Health Executive and service-oriented leader, passionate about healthcare in Africa, youth development, service and advocacy. He currently works as the Commercial Executive for a leading healthcare administration company and is a member a World Food Programme Innovation Accelerator project. A judicious young leader, Dr Madikana is committed to the advancement of young people in Africa.
Episode 4: Leveraging the experience economy
Phakamile Hlazo
Phaka is a seasoned strategist, consultant and founder of Zulu Nomad, a tourism startup solving challenges for travellers and business alike. Phaka believes that technology innovation is a necessary enabler for true transformation and inclusion in the tourism sector. In 2005, Phaka was named one of the 100 Brightest Young Minds in South Africa.
Episode 3: Future-proofing our children
John Sanei
John Sanei is a Knowledge Mercenary who travels the globe to uncover the lessons needed to uplift communities and help humanity thrive. His unlimited fascination with the future has seen him become Africa’s first faculty member at Singularity University in San Francisco, a lecturer at Duke Corporate Education in Johannesburg, and a Partner Associate at the Copenhagen Institute of Future Studies in Denmark.
Episode 2: Mental Fortitude and the Culture of Failure
Vusi Thembekwayo
At 25 Vusi Thembekwayo ran a R400 million division in a R17 billion multi-national and today is widely regarded as one of the most disruptive forces in venture capital in Africa. He was amongst the youngest directors of a listed company in South Africa and now serves on several boards. Currently, he is the CEO of a boutique investment and advisory firm in Africa. Leading by example, Vusi’s firm forces medium, large and listed businesses into much needed, often painful, always lucrative new directions.
Episode 1: Navigating the 4IR and Its Opportunities
Mmabatho Mokiti
Mmabatho is a mathematician turned impact entrepreneur with a passion for education and youth development. She launched her first business at the age of 20 and is living her passion by bringing quality STEM education to rural and disadvantaged schools. Working with corporates to design their CSI strategies, Mmabatho is making an on-the-ground difference to South Africa’s youth. More than 5 000 girls have received higher learning education through her DreamGirls Academy as well.
