Kelebohile Amohelang Ramoolla

Technology beckoned to Kelebohile Ramoolla — and she’s been shaping digital transformation across Africa ever since. As a digital product manager at MultiChoice Group, Kelebohile, 33, leads innovations across unstructured supplementary service data (USSD), WhatsApp, mobile apps, and websites in 52 markets. Her day-to-day work blends user experience with strategy, resulting in solutions like Africa’s first multilingual DStv chatbot, a digital insurance claims process, and self-service debit order management — all of which put power directly into users’ hands. Kelebohile’s tech career began at Vodacom, where she was part of the pioneering team behind TOBi, Africa’s first conversational AI. Her belief in technology’s potential to bridge divides has driven her to share her knowledge, from mentoring students at TVET colleges to speaking at the Africa Chatbot Summit. With a published dissertation on tech in healthcare, she is pursuing a master’s in information systems at the University of the Witwatersrand. She’s also co-creator of the Take Charge Master Classes, helping young professionals access practical, career-changing insights.

• Bachelor of Commerce degree, University of the Western Cape
• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Systems, University of the Western Cape
• Master of Commerce degree, specialising in information systems, University of the Witwatersrand (*in progress)

• Spearheaded the launch of South Africa’s — and Africa’s — first multilingual DStv chatbot, which earned the CEM Africa award for best use of AI in 2024
• Served on Vodacom’s youth Exco and created Career Acceleration, a three-part masterclass series designed to empower young professionals
• Published a Bachelor of Commerce honours dissertation originally submitted in 2018, which gained renewed relevance during the Covid-19 pandemic for its insights into the role of technology in advancing healthcare

One of the people I deeply admire is Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa, South Africa’s first black female chief executive. Her journey resonates with me because representation matters; she embodies what is possible for young women like me, proving that barriers are meant to be broken. Beyond her trailblazing achievements, what inspires me most is her commitment to lifting others as she climbs, showing that success is not just about personal accomplishment but about paving the way for those who follow. I am also incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a powerful circle of mentors — my personal ‘advisory board’ — which includes Simon Ramoolla, Nyimpini Mabunda, Maggie Matsie, Nonhlanhla Tshabalala and Noloyiso Tladi. These remarkable people hold me accountable, champion my ideas no matter how bold, and create safe spaces for me to explore, innovate and grow. They remind me to stay grounded on my path while encouraging me to dream bigger. Their guidance has been invaluable in shaping both my professional journey and personal growth.