Dr. Nkhumbuleni T. Ratshitanga, Head of ICT Support Services, attended and presented a paper entitled ‘A Value Driven ICT to Enable Digital Transformation and Global Collaborations in Higher Education Institutions’ (HEIs) at the 27th Annual Conference organised by the International Ed-ucation Association of South Africa, held in Stellenbosch from 26 to 29 August 2025. Numerous studies indicate that HEIs globally have adopted ICT solutions to support and advance their core operations. Nevertheless, many ICT and digital transformation initiatives do not achieve their in-tended or expected outcomes, which can adversely affect institutional objectives.
To address these challenges, the paper emphasised the importance of adopting a value-focused approach when implementing digital transformation initiatives. It also examined the role of ICT in fostering global collaborations, underscoring the necessity of aligning such initiatives with organ-isational strategies to maximise value delivery. The research utilised ITIL 4 Foundation best prac-tice, highlighting the principle of value co-creation and the significance of the service value system, where stakeholder and user engagement are central to delivering high-quality services.
The study concluded that HEIs should pursue value-driven ICT strategies to facilitate effective glob-al collaborations and successful digital transformation. It recommended that service offerings con-sistently meet customer requirements and stressed the critical importance of stakeholder engagement for achieving value in ICT within HEIs. The paper is to be submitted to a DHET-accred-ited journal for publication.
Dr. Ratshitanga expressed appreciation for the support provided by Mr. Sam Khoza, Director of ICT Services, and Mr. Botwe Kraziya, the Chief Operating Officer. He acknowledged their ongoing com-mitment to equipping staff with the knowledge and skills necessary for professional excellence.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
