Full Name: Sitho Mdlalose

Position and Company Name: Vodacom South Africa CEO since 2022

Main Activity of the Company: Majority-owned by Vodafone, Vodacom is one of the world’s leading telecommunication companies by revenue, with operations in several African countries

Date and Place of Birth: 1980, Zimbabwe

Schools and Tertiary Education: Christian Brothers College (a high school in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe), the University of South Africa and Harvard Business School

First Job: Trainee accountant at Deloitte

Size of First Pay Packet: I cannot remember, but it was not enough to get a car service

Career Path to Date: Early in my career, I was in audit consulting at Deloitte, prior to joining Vodafone Group and later Vodacom Group, where I have held various positions, including CFO for international business, interim group CFO, and FD for Vodacom South Africa, before being appointed MD of Vodacom Tanzania in 2021

Value of Assets under Your Control: Revenue of R19-billion

Number of People under Your Leadership: 4 500

Management Style: Empowering and high accountability

Personal Best Achievement: Contributing to the reset and turnaround of Vodacom Group’s Tanzanian business

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My parents – they inspired my faith

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: The countless people who have created opportunities and opened doors for me, and have supported me and given me clear feedback – I’m so grateful to all of them. However, David Brown was the one who played the most significant role in my career

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Former US President Barack Obama

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Not stated

Philosophy of Life: Work hard, love and respect people

Biggest Ever Opportunity: To lead Vodacom South Africa

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Any big moments I miss in my children’s lives

Hope for the Future: To impact more lives than I can count

Favourite Reading: Short, punchy and insightful books

Favourite TV Programme: I am not much of a TV person, but I did enjoy Blacklist on Netflix

Favourite Food/Drink: Food – anything to do with meat; drink – a good whiskey

Favourite Music: Afro jazz

Favourite Sport: Rugby

Car: There is only one car – Land Rover

Pets: Dogs

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Selfish, short-sighted people

Married: Yes

Children: Two sons

Clubs: Arsenal, Lions and Vodacom Bulls, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates