The North-West University (NWU) has appointed a specialist in information technology (IT) governance, risk and business engagement as the university’s digital strategy officer.
Andile Swartbooi will serve in this capacity from 1 May 2022 onwards.

His responsibilities will include the execution of the NWU’s digital strategy, focusing on its four pillars: intentional experience; operating efficiency; business model changes and enablers.

During his career Andile has held senior IT positions in, among other sectors, financial services, aviation and higher education. Prior to this appointment at the NWU he was the executive head for IT governance, risk and business engagement with the newly established Sanlam Group Technology Unit. His varied career also includes stints at Sanlam Personal Finance and the Sanlam Group’s retail arm.

He has a strong association with the higher-education sector through his role as chief information officer at the University of Johannesburg and the University of the Witwatersrand.

Andile was the chief information officer for Air Traffic Navigation Services and SA Express Airlines. He was also the general manager for software applications at ABSA Group Technology and IT director in the Standard Bank group.

He holds a BSc degree in Computer Science and Master Information, has completed the Management Development Programme (MDP) and has an MPhil in Knowledge Management. Andile has also completed executive development programmes.

According to him, digital transformation and digital enablement are the key pillars in assisting universities to achieve their strategic goals while meeting the demands of their diverse stakeholders, and even more so those of the increasingly tech-savvy student community.

The deputy vice-chancellor responsible for IT, Prof Daryl Balia, is expecting the implementation of the digital business strategy to shift into high gear in view of Andile’s appointment, and encourages all staff and students to work together in deriving the full benefits from the NWU’s transition to a digital future.

Andile Swartbooi