Brief Biography: Khosi, Dr. Nkhumbuleni Tendani Ratshitanga - CHAIRPERSON

Dr. Ratshitanga is the Chairperson of the South Africa Academic Doctors Association (SAADA) board, an association of academic doctors that was established on the 25 th of September 2023.

Dr. Ratshitanga is one of the two founders of SAADA, and his desire to bring academic doctors together emanated immediately after achieving his Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems in 2021. “United for greater impact” were the words that kept on badgering his mind. He, then, started to approach and sell the idea to other academic doctors. Amongst other things, he inspired the idea to start an academic journal. Hence, meeting Dr. Tshisikhawe M. Sitsula, who was also working on a similar project, contributed positively to making SAADA a reality.

The association was established to contribute to different spheres of community development. His role is to provide governance and strategic leadership to the SAADA board and the SAADA general constituency. He also ensured the development and implementation of the SAADA Constitution and other documents that would enable the association's performance.

Qualifications

Dr. Nkhumbuleni T. Ratshitanga acquired a Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems from the University of Venda in 2021.

a)   B.Sc., Higher Education Diploma (H.E.D), and B.Sc. Hons qualifications from the University of Limpopo.
b)   Master of Public Management (MPM) from the University of Venda.

Short Courses

He also holds the following Certificate of Competence:

a)   Information Technology Management for Chief Information Officer Teams from the University of the Witwatersrand - 2021
b)   ICT in Education for Policy Implementers - Wits School of Education 2012
c)   ITIL 4 Foundation Certificate of Competence - 2023
d)   COBIT 5 Foundation from APMG International
e)   Assessor - Competitive Edge - 2013
f)   Moderator - Competitive Edge - 2013
g)   Project Management – Rand Afrikaans University - 2002

Model Developed from the PhD Study:


Dr. Ratshitanga’s PhD study fathered the VIVHO IT Governance (ITG) Model. The name “VIVHO” was derived from the following keywords IT governance concepts that should guide ITG role players during the implementation of IT in an organisation. These concepts are Visioning, Intelligence, Value Delivery, Holistic Approach 2 and Oversight. This model shows visioning as the role of the governing body and intelligence or planning as the role of the management. ITG role players and contributors should focus on ensuring that ICT delivers value to the organisation, and this is achievable when they have an encompassing or holistic view of the ICT performance in the organisation. While the chief information officer (CIO) is the centre of ITG implementation, the oversight structures like the audit committee, risk management committee, and ICT Steering Committee perform oversight roles.

Occupation:



Dr. Nkhumbuleni Tendani Ratshitanga is the Head of ICT Support Services at the University of Venda. His responsibilities include the following:
a.)    Contributes to the development and reviewing ICT Strategy, ICT policies and processes.
b.)    Provides leadership to the ICT Support team, and this team is composed of permanent staff, student assistants and interns.
c.)    Ensures the alignment of ICT investment and activities with the business of the University.

Paper(s) Published:



A Viable Systems Model for Implementing IT Governance. The main objective of this paper, therefore, is to show the benefits of implementing IT governance in higher education institutions (HEIs) following the viable systems model (VSM).

Community Development Initiatives:



Developing and empowering communities to lead better lives is inseparable from Dr. Ratshitanga’s blood. Here below are some of his contributions:
1.)    Dr. Ratshitanga pioneered the building of the Ngulumbi Community Library in 2009.
2.)    He usually visits schools to provide motivational talks to learners and educators.
3.)    He also provides motivational talks and guidance to the communities through Phalaphala FM.

LEADERSHIP ROLES

Leadership is an integral part of the life of Dr. Ratshitanga.


1.)    He is a member of the University of Venda ICT Steering Committee. This committee coordinates strategic ICT-related activities and is chaired by the executive manager.
2.)    He had been a member of the Council of the University of Venda. He contributed to providing strategic leadership for the University in 2009.
3.)    He had been a member of the board of Siloam Hospital. He contributed to providing strategic leadership for the hospital from 2011 to 2013.
4.)    He has held the chieftainship position, i.e., Khosi of the Ngulumbi village community,since 2005.
5.)    He plays leadership roles in different structures in his village.
6.)    Founder of IT Today Combined School – Grade R – 7 in 2002.

COMPETENCIES:

Workflow
  • Management
  • Strategic planning
  • IT governance
  • Research
  • Leadership

Publications

Books


(1) The Natural Wisdom
(2) Quality Assurance: Aspects that Can be Learnt from Ravens
(3) Thank you Madiba


Musical Tracks


(1) Pfunzo ndi Ifa

YouTube Publications

Here below are some of the YouTube videos that Dr Ratshitanga published:

  • What is Leadership
    • Watch Video
  • An Overview of IT Balanced Scorecard
    • Watch Video
  • Optimising Human Resources
    • Watch Video
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC1Ex9B8yMM&t=18s
    • Watch Video
  • An Overview of IT Performance Management: A Discussion based on COBIT 5 Enablers
    • Watch Video
  • Leadership Parachute
    • Watch Video
  • The IMPACT to Make Impact
    • Watch Video
  • Achieving Success
    • Watch Video
  • The APPROACH of Life
    • Watch Video
  • The Road to Success
    • Watch Video
  • Think about CARS in the SCARS
    • Watch Video