In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education and digital transformation, leadership is not defined merely by position but by purpose, impact, and the ability to inspire collective progress. The journey of Tebogo Makhambeni, Head of Business Systems at the Department of Information and Communication Technology at the University of Venda and Chairperson of the ITS Integrator User Group (ITSIUG) Conference (2024–2026), is a compelling testament to servant leadership, resilience, and visionary thinking in action.
Tebogo’s journey with ITSIUG began in 2019, when the University of Venda was invited to present at the ITSIUG Conference on its transformative journey to migrate the ITS Integrator system from version INT3 to INT 4.1, a critical milestone in advancing enterprise systems modernisation and enabling digital transformation within the institution. What started as a single institutional engagement soon became a defining moment, illuminating her passion for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and sector-wide advancement. Her contribution did not go unnoticed; it opened the door to her nomination to the ITSIUG Executive Committee (EXCO) the following year.
From the outset, Tebogo distinguished herself as a leader committed to excellence and meaningful contribution. Her involvement within EXCO was marked by diligence, strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment to the ITSIUG community. In 2022, she was elected Vice Chairperson, a role that further refined her leadership acumen and prepared her for the greater responsibility ahead.
In 2024, Tebogo was elected Chairperson of ITSIUG, a role she embraced with dignity, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility. Anchored in her personal leadership philosophy, “I am the servant of the people,” she led with humility while driving impactful change. Her leadership reflects the principles of “True North” leadership, remaining authentic, values-driven, and purpose-oriented amid complexity.
Under her stewardship, the ITSIUG Conference evolved into a dynamic platform that not only convened ITS Integrator professionals across higher education institutions but also addressed the pressing technological challenges and opportunities shaping the ICT sector. Tebogo ensured that conference themes remained forward-looking and relevant, incorporating critical areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, enterprise systems optimisation, and digital governance. These themes were not selected in isolation but were deliberately aligned with the strategic needs of higher education institutions navigating digital transformation.
Beyond thematic relevance, Tebogo championed a culture of inclusion, engagement, and excellence within EXCO. She cultivated a high-performing team environment where each member’s contributions were valued and collective success was prioritised over individual recognition. Her leadership fostered a sense of ownership and accountability, ensuring that the ITSIUG Conference consistently delivered value to its stakeholders.
A notable aspect of her tenure was her commitment to positioning the University of Venda on the global stage. Through strategic visibility and showcasing institutional innovation, Tebogo ensured that the university’s contributions to ICT advancement were recognised beyond national borders. This not only elevated the institution’s reputation but also demonstrated the power of leveraging platforms like ITSIUG to tell impactful institutional stories.
Her journey was not without challenges. Leading a conference of such scale requires navigating complexity, balancing stakeholder expectations, and maintaining operational excellence under pressure. Yet, Tebogo approached these challenges with resilience and composure, guided by her faith, purpose, and an unshakeable commitment to service. Her ability to lead through adversity further strengthened her credibility as a leader and inspired those around her.
As she steps down from her role as Chairperson, Tebogo reflects on her journey with a profound sense of pride and gratitude. The true measure of her leadership lies not only in the successful execution of conferences but in the lasting impact on the ITSIUG community. Feedback from delegates consistently affirmed the value, relevance, and excellence of the conferences under her leadership, an enduring testament to her vision and dedication.
Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders in ICT and beyond. It reinforces the notion that leadership is a journey of growth, service, and impact. It is about creating platforms for others to thrive, driving innovation, and leaving a legacy that transcends one’s tenure.
Tebogo extends her sincere appreciation to the leadership of Mr Khoza, ICT Director, whose unwavering support throughout her tenure exemplified true leadership. His belief in her vision and consistent encouragement created an enabling environment for success, underscoring the critical role of supportive leadership in achieving organisational excellence.
As the ITSIUG community looks to the future, Tebogo Makhambeni’s legacy will remain a guiding light, a powerful reminder that when leadership is anchored in purpose and service, it has the capacity to transform institutions, empower communities, and shape the future.
In the picture: Driving institutional progress together — the University of Venda delegation at the 2026
ITSIUG Conference
In the picture: Leadership strengthened by teamwork — the ITSIUG EXCO team led by Tebogo Makham-beni (middle), driving impact through collective excellence
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
