Dr Jaco du Toit

Dr Jaco du Toit is Research Director and Founder of AWI Labs, where he leads research at the intersection of AI, wireless systems, and intelligent infrastructure. He also leads AI/ML & Data Technology Strategy & Assurance at Vodacom South Africa. He received his PhD in 2023 and brings 15 years of experience in telecommunications and machine learning. His work focuses on applied machine learning, network optimisation, assurance, and sustainable operational intelligence, informed by leadership experience in both academia and industry.

DSP Telecommunications Senior Research Advisor and Co-founder

Prof Riaan Wolhuter

Prof Riaan Wolhuter is a telecommunications researcher and professional engineer with extensive experience in wireless systems, radio communications, and network design. His career spans major applied projects such as the SKA, international research collaborations, and decades of leadership across academia and engineering practice. At Stellenbosch University, he combines academic leadership, postgraduate supervision, and applied engineering focused on complex communications environments.

Technology Strategy Planning Architecture & Assurance, Vodacom South Africa and Co-Founder

Adham Stoltz

Adham Stoltz is a technology executive with more than 20 years of experience across telecommunications, strategy, finance, architecture, and operations. As a Managing Executive at Vodacom South Africa, he leads across fixed networks, ISP operations, IT, OSS/BSS, and technology strategy, with a strong focus on using AI, automation, analytics, and optimisation to improve efficiency, resilience, and customer experience.

Network Planning & Performance, Vodacom South Africa and Co-Founder

Fahdiel Orie

Fahdiel Orie is a senior telecommunications specialist with more than 30 years of experience across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G radio access networks. At Vodacom, where he has served for 28 years, he leads innovative coverage and infrastructure solutions, contributes to DAS procurement and evaluation, and is recognized for delivering practical RF designs that improve performance while reducing OPEX.

Data Network Performance, Vodacom South Africa

Jason Salzwedel

Jason Salzwedel is a telecommunications specialist with 27 years of telecoms experience, focused on core network and CDN performance, capacity planning, network analytics, and automation. At Vodacom, he uses data-driven insights to improve network reliability, operational efficiency, and customer experience across large-scale telecommunications environments.

Research & Development, Vodacom Group

Kavishaur Dwarika

Kavishaur Dwarika is a technology and innovation leader with more than 10 years of experience across ICT, enterprise architecture, strategy, and R&D. As Senior Manager of Research & Development at Vodacom Group, he leads emerging-technology initiatives spanning Digital & AI, advanced connectivity, future operations, cybersecurity, financial technology, and energy, translating innovation into scalable business opportunities. He holds an MScEng in Electronic Engineering (cum laude) and was recognised as one of the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans in 2025 for Technology & Innovation.

Network Analytics Principal, Vodacom Group

Nish Moodley

Nish Moodley is a senior telecommunications and digital transformation leader with 28+ years of experience across Motorola, Nokia, Orange and Vodacom, spanning network engineering, strategy, planning, optimisation, AI/ML, data, and digital transformation. His work sits at the intersection of telecommunications, AI, geospatial intelligence, and intelligent investment planning, with a focus on applying emerging technologies to complex network and business challenges. He leads initiatives spanning 2G-5G network strategy and optimisation, AI-driven decision intelligence, smart Capex/Opex planning, data platforms, and automation, helping transform how networks are planned, built, operated, and optimised.

Executive Head of Strategic Network Optimisation, Vodacom South Africa

Mubanga Nsofu

Mubanga Nsofu is a telecommunications technology executive with more than 20 years of international experience across mobile operators, chipset development, and network equipment vendors. As Executive Head of Strategic Network Optimisation at Vodacom South Africa, he leads data-driven RAN strategy, optimisation, and AI-enabled network transformation. His research interests include AI-native wireless networks, offline reinforcement learning, network automation, and sustainable 5G/6G systems. He holds an MSc in Data Science with Distinction, an MSc in Data Analytics, a postgraduate diploma in Big Data Analytics, and a BEng in Electronics and Telecommunications, and previously spent 12 years at Qualcomm.