Sello Mmakau

Sello Mmakau has an MBL, BA and BCom degree. He has more than 16 years’ experience in the IT and ICT industry in the public and private sectors. He holds the position of Chief Information Officer at Airports Company South Africa SOC, and previously served as a member of various committees at the Department of Home Affairs.

During Sello’s tenure as Chief Information Officer/Deputy Director-General in the Department of Home Affairs, he played a critical role in turning around the department through digitisation. He was responsible for automating key processes and implementing mission critical projects, including the design and successful implementation of the first National Smart ID Card. He successfully integrated Home Affairs’ online biometric verification system with SA Banks and SABRIC, which drastically reduced identity fraud, saved millions of Rand, increased efficiencies, and improved turnaround time.

In the 2012/2013 financial year, Sello was chosen as the South African Visionary Chief Information Officer of the year by the Computer Society of SA, Gartner, IT Web and GIBS. He was awarded the best managed DDG Branch and Project of the year in 2013/2014.