Meet Dr. Mmaki Jantjies

Dr. Mmaki Jantjies

Mmaki Jantjies (PhD) – Head of Innovation Telkom

Mmaki Jantjies holds a PhD in Computer Sciences and is one of Africa’s foremost thought leaders in technology for development particularly in education technology. Having led two academic departments, she has published research on local and international academic journals and conferences as well as on several public platforms such as Popular Mechanics, Fast Company and CNBC. Jantjies has conducted various studies focusing on system design and adoption of mobile application’s use to improve education and healthcare in South Africa. Passionate about community development, she rolled out school clubs in underprivileged communities that would educate and skill children on programming, robotics and related technology careers.

Jantjies has served as the South African delegate W20 representative to G20 in 2017 and 2018 focusing on policy impact of technology on women in G20 countries. She has been awarded several fellowships such as the Aspen New Voices in Development fellowship. She has been recognized as one of the 50 people who globally help make the Internet a better place by the Mozilla foundation, MTN runner up of leading women in ICT in three categories of leadership, community builder and education, listed as Ndalo Media Destiny Power of 40 Women under 35, recognized as the Inspiring 50 Women in technology by the Netherlands consulate, listed as the Mail and Guardian 200 most influential young South Africans and recently recognized as the Mandela 100 young leaders under the visionary category and awarded the 2019 top Womandla woman in technology.