From Mahikeng to the C-Suite: The Trailblazing Journey of Keneilwe Gwabeni
In an age where digital transformation is shaping the future of industries, a few individuals stand out not just for their technical brilliance, but for the resilience, purpose, and vision they bring to leadership. One such figure is Keneilwe Gwabeni, Group CIO of Assupol Holdings, whose remarkable journey from rural South Africa to the executive boardroom is as inspiring as it is impactful.
Humble Beginnings, Unbreakable Spirit
Raised in a small village outside Mahikeng, Keneilwe’s early life was defined by modest means and relentless determination. Her childhood home had no electricity or running water. Firewood and cow dung were their daily fuel. But her parents, particularly her mother, emphasized education, especially maths and science, as the bridge to a better future.
“I didn’t grow up with technology,” she reflects. “I only touched a computer for the first time when I got to university.”
That first encounter changed everything. It opened a door to a world that would become her lifelong career.
A Career Built on Grit and Vision
Fast forward to today, and Keneilwe boasts more than 24 years in IT, with nearly two decades in executive leadership. She has served in leadership roles at some of South Africa’s most respected organizations, including Standard Bank, Telkom, and the Financial Services Board.
At Telkom, she led digital transformation across the Consumer and Small Business unit, introducing new efficiencies and enhancing customer experience. In September 2023, she joined Assupol as Group Chief Information Officer. It is a role that perfectly aligns with her passion for strategic innovation, customer-centric solutions, and organizational excellence.
Her mission at Assupol is clear: transform the business through data-driven decision-making, optimize costs in a volatile economy, and drive digital innovation that enhances customer experience across South Africa.
Earning Global Recognition
Keneilwe’s impact has not gone unnoticed. She has earned several prestigious accolades over the years:
Named in the Global CIO 100 in both 2021 and 2022
Honored among CIO Africa’s Top 45 Women in Digital Transformation
Featured in Technology Magazine’s Top 100 Women in Tech (2023)
These recognitions affirm what her colleagues already know. Keneilwe is a powerhouse in IT leadership, blending empathy, technical expertise, and strategic foresight.
Leadership Rooted in Empathy and Mentorship
Despite her impressive credentials, Keneilwe’s leadership style is anything but hierarchical. She leads with empathy, believing in the power of people, mentorship, and emotional intelligence.
Throughout her journey, she has benefited from strong mentors, women like Professor Monica Singer, who challenged her to believe in herself, speak up, and push past fear. Today, she pays it forward by mentoring aspiring leaders, especially young women in tech.
“Soft skills matter,” she often says. “You can be technically brilliant, but if you can’t connect with people or inspire trust, you won’t lead effectively.”
Tech With Purpose: A Broader Vision
Keneilwe’s vision for the future of tech is grounded in inclusion, accessibility, and transformation. She’s particularly excited about how low-earth orbit satellite networks like Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper can bridge the connectivity gap in rural areas. It’s a challenge she understands on a deeply personal level.
She also advocates for gender equity in the ICT sector, urging more companies to invest in female leadership pipelines, mentorship, and inclusive environments where women can thrive without having to compromise who they are.
Life Outside the Boardroom
Despite her demanding career, Keneilwe hasn’t forgotten her roots. She still owns a livestock farm, her personal sanctuary where she reconnects with nature and the legacy of her father.
“Farming grounds me,” she says. “It reminds me of where I come from and the values that shaped me.”
She also draws strength from prayer, meditation, and reflective practices that help her manage stress and stay centered. Her favorite productivity hack is taking quiet time to listen, to herself and to others.
Words to Her Younger Self
When asked what advice she’d give her 18-year-old self, her answer is simple yet profound:
“Your story is your power. Own it. Don’t be afraid to speak your truth.”
It’s a philosophy that has guided her through every career milestone, every challenge, and every opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Keneilwe Gwabeni isn’t just leading digital transformation at a corporate level. She’s transforming mindsets, opening doors, and breaking down the systemic barriers that once stood in her way. Her journey is proof that greatness can be born in the most unexpected places, and that leadership grounded in empathy, vision, and authenticity will always leave a lasting mark.
As South Africa continues to redefine its digital future, leaders like Keneilwe remind us that real transformation starts with purpose and with people who dare to rise.