Head of Department
Position: Departmental Chair
Office: 0.62 CAMS Building
Email: jkariuki@uwc.ac.za
Phone: +27 (021) 959 3243
Biography
Prof. James Njenga is an Associate Professor whose research focuses on using digital tools for social inclusion and entrepreneurship. Significant contributions to digital education and information systems mark his career, particularly within complex, diverse, and dispersed environments. James holds a PhD in Information Systems from the University of the Western Cape, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Stellenbosch, a Master of Commerce in Information Systems from the University of the Western Cape, and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computer Science from the University of Nairobi.
James’s commitment to education and research is not just a professional obligation, but a personal passion. As he progressed from a lecturer to an Associate Professor, he played a pivotal role in teaching a diverse range of courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His contributions to curriculum development and student success are a testament to his unwavering dedication to academic excellence and the university community.
James’s research is academically rigorous and socially relevant. His work is instrumental in integrating ICT into education, digitalisation, digital transformation, and digital entrepreneurship, particularly within African contexts. Beyond his academic roles, James has been actively involved in leadership and community engagement. He serves as a panel member and reviewer for academic programs and research funding proposals.
Academic Staff
Office: 0.66 CAMS Building
Email: lkimani@uwc.ac.za
Phone: +27 (021) 959 2520
Biography
Dr Lydia Wanjiru Kimani is a Lecturer in the Department of Information Systems at the University of the Western Cape. Her research interests include digital workplace learning, educational technology, digital transformation, and knowledge management, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Her current research focuses on developing a Digital Workplace Learning (DWPL) adoption framework to support workplace learning in SMEs in emerging-economy contexts. Dr Kimani has presented her research at international conferences and published in accredited academic journals. She remains dedicated to advancing research that guides the adoption and effective utilisation of digital technologies to strengthen workplace learning and organisational capability.
Office: 65 CAMS Building
Email: cvandenberg@uwc.ac.za
Phone: +27 (021) 959 3247
BiographyCarolien van den Berg is an Associate Professor in Information Systems. She focuses on digital inclusion, digital sustainability, inclusive innovation, entrepreneurship, IS education, ethics and Artificial Intelligence. Her interdisciplinary approach allows her to explore the intersection of technology, business, and society in pursuit of sustainable solutions within the African context.
Position: Senior Lecturer
Office: 0.64 CAMS Building
Email: fapetersen@uwc.ac.za
Phone: +27 (021) 959 3246
Google Scholar
Biography
Prof Fazlyn Petersen focuses on ICT for Sustainable Community Development and Innovation. She is actively engaged in the community, aiming to improve societal outcomes through technology innovation. Her contributions span academia and industry, focusing on fostering future IT entrepreneurs.
Position: Associate Professor
Office: 0.70 CAMS Building
Email: ojokonya@uwc.ac.za
Phone: +27 (021) 959 1610
Biography
Professor Osden Jokonya is an NRF C2-rated Associate Professor at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in South Africa. With a career spanning over two decades in both academia and the IT industry, Jokonya has established himself as a researcher in emerging technologies adoption and sustainable digital transformation. Before transitioning to academia, Jokonya amassed extensive industry experience, holding senior management IT positions across diverse sectors.
Professor Jokonya holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems from the University of South Africa (UNISA, 2015). He also earned a Master of Commerce in Project Leadership and Management (UKZN) in 2011, an MBA majoring in Information Management and E-Commerce (UKZN, 2008), Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management (Natal University, 2004). (Post Graduate Certificate in Information Management) and BTech. Computer Studies (Zimbabwe).
Prof. Jokonya’s current research focuses on the adoption of emerging technologies (Big Data, AI, IoT, Metaverse, and Blockchain) for sustainable digital transformation in food systems. His scholarly contributions extend beyond publications to supervising postgraduate students. He is actively involved in several professional bodies including the Association for Information Systems (AIS), MICTSETA 4IR SARCHI chair, and also SITA steering committee member. Professor Jokonya’s expertise is sought globally, evident from his participation in international collaboration and conferences across continents.
Position: Chair of Department and Professor
Tel: +27 (021) 959 3248
Email: spather@uwc.ac.za
Position: Senior Lecturer
Office: 0.61 CAMS Building
Email: jbreytenbach@uwc.ac.za
Biography
Johan Breytenbach is a senior lecturer and researcher in the Information Systems department at the University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa. His principal research areas are system design (focusing on AI and Machine Learning systems), the design of algorithms, the impact of Platforms, distributed ledger systems (block-chains), and mobile technologies on business models, and preparing traditional businesses for the digital economy.
Recent research interests include AI ethics, and the translation of technical, ethically sensitive design considerations in AI systems into policy considerations for organisational leaders.
Johan is a passionate thought leader in data science and statistics, and currently lectures Data Management, Data Analytics and Business Intelligence, and System Design at the postgraduate level.
Position: Lecturer
Office: 0.55 CAMS Building
Email: rwyngaard@uwc.ac.za
Phone: +27 (021) 959 1611
Biography
Ruchen Wyngaard is a lecturer in the Department of Information Systems. He holds an MCom in Information Systems and a PGDip in E-skills Development focused on immersive technologies.
With over 8 years of academic and industry experience, Ruchen brings a wealth of knowledge to his teachings with a highly pragmatic approach. His most notable industry roles include Senior Software Engineer, Technology Subject Matter Expert and Technology Lead across several companies both locally and internationally. He received an award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship from UWC in 2018 in recognition of an early start-up business.
Ruchen has experience teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses with a strong focus on Emerging Technologies and Digital Innovation. He has contributed to curriculum development and community engagement efforts throughout his academic career. He has also collaborated on several projects with international higher education institutions where he has shared his expertise in technological development.
Position: Lecturer
Office: 0.52 CAMS Building
Email: mmayedwa@uwc.ac.za
Biography
Mziwoxolo Mayedwa is a lecturer in the Department of Information Systems in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Western Cape. He holds a PhD in Information Systems from the University of Cape Town, a Master of Public Administration from the University of the Western Cape (UWC), and a Bachelor of Commerce from UWC. He also completed a short course on the 4IR perspective for Professionals in Business from the University of Johannesburg and Fundamentals of Supply Chain at the University of Stellenbosch. Mziwoxolo’s research focus is ICT4D, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship.
Office: 0.68 CAMS Building
Email: sviljoen@uwc.ac.za
Phone: +27 (021) 959 3265
Sarel Viljoen is a lecturer in the Department of Information Systems in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Western Cape.
He holds a Magister Technologiae degree in Information Technology, which he obtained from the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT). He also received a Postgraduate Diploma in e-skills development (Summa Cum Laude) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
Sarel has a strong interest in new technologies (Web design and immersive realities (AR, VR & MR)) and teaching innovation (blended learning). He has presented various conference papers and co-published an article/chapter related to his topic areas and has received various rewards (regional peer reviewer for Oxford Economics (2012), was nominated for the Vice-Chancellors award for Advance Career: Teaching and Learning in 2013 (CUT), received the Vice-Chancellors award for Community Engagement in 2011 (CUT), was awarded the best post-graduate student in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology in 2008 (CUT), received the Excellence award – excellent lecturer in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences from the DVC Academic in 2017 (UWC), made the Dean’s Honors list for being the best postgraduate student in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences in 2020) and was awarded the University team award in 2023 (UWC).
Office: 0.69 CAMS Building
Email: ndavids-latief@uwc.ac.za
Phone: +27 (021) 959 2291
Nuraan Davids-Latief is a lecturer in the Department of Information Systems (IS) at the University of the Western Cape. She holds a Bcom in IS, BCom (Hons) (cum laude) in IS and an Mcom (cum laude) in Information Management. She teaches Business Analysis and Systems Delivery Management at the undergraduate level. She is pursuing a PhD in cybersecurity, focusing on improving online learning security and developing a cybersecurity maturity framework for higher education. Her research interests include e-competences, graduate attributes, work readiness, e-readiness, EdTech and digital transformation.
She employs holistic and authentic teaching methods, integrating technology to enhance student engagement and address curriculum gaps. As such, she has initiated various extra-curricular initiatives, including industry-led mentorship programs, e-skills workshops, employability seminars, work-integrated learning and service-learning projects for her students. She is passionate about creating mentorship spaces for female technology professionals and students.
Beyond academia, she volunteers to improve digital literacy in schools on the Cape Flats. As chairperson of the Constantia Restitution Beneficiaries CPA, she applies her IS expertise to optimise operations, ensure effective governance and drive community development, using technology for positive social impact.
Recognised for her innovation, she received the EMS Faculty Teaching and Learning Award for Innovative Excellence in 2016 and the Best Research Presentation Award at the EMS Faculty Research Day Competition in 2017.
Her industry background includes serving as managing director at a local technology company, working as a SAP-ERP consultant and team leader at a large retail distribution centre, working in SAP solution manager, SAP warehouse management, SAP utilities (ISU) and various projects in local and provincial government
Office: 0.57 CAMS Building
Email: anaki@uwc.ac.za
Phone: +27 (021) 959 9718
Avuyile Naki is a Lecturer with a strong a passion for empowering students in the field of Information Systems. Holding a Masters degree in information System, Avuyile brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom, particularly in the realm of Information Systems that are used within the Business Environment.
Avuyile’s research interests lie at the intersection of technology and societal impact , with a focus on Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICD4D), Digital Health and innovative/emergent technologies in public healthcare. With a keen eye on the potential of technology to drive positive change. Avuyile is dedicated to exploring and advancing the role of ICTs in improving healthcare outcomes and access
Through teaching and research, Avuyile aims to inspire and equip the next generation of information systems professionals to harness the power of technology for greater good.
Administrative Staff
Tel: +27 (021) 959 3238
Fax: +27 (021) 959 2235
Email: amujawamilya@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (021) 959 3958
Fax: +27 (021) 959 2235
Email: zsmith@uwc.ac.za
Tel: +27 (021) 959 3680
Fax: +27 (021) 959 2235
Email: lwildschut@uwc.ac.za
