The University of Johannesburg (UJ) recently held a memorial service to celebrate the life and legacy of the remarkable Xoliswa Kakana at the UJ Arts Centre.
Kakana’s career was rooted in Electrical Engineering and spanned over 26 years in the electronic engineering and ICT sectors, where she held senior Executive positions in various blue-chip technology companies. She was the Founder and former Chief Executive Officer (and later Executive Chairman) of ICT-Works, an innovative service delivery company in transportation and supply chain, which she founded in 1999. Kakana was also the Founder of the Women in ICT Forum and previously chaired the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). She was appointed as the Council Chairperson of UJ with effect from 1 January 2023, succeeding Mike Teke.
The service was hosted by ICT Works, with Andile Zamokuhle Nkosi, Programme Director, welcoming attendees and reflecting on the impact of Ms. Xoliswa Kakana’s passing.
Mr Nkosi described Xoliswa Kakana as a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to vision, resilience, and unwavering purpose-driven leadership. “Her mentorship in philanthropy created boundaries, shaping lives and leaving an indelible mark in our country and the world,” Nkosi said.
Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Chancellor at UJ, paid tribute to Kakana, describing her as a “star” who left an indelible mark on the university community. “To us at the University of Johannesburg, she was our star, she was brilliant and substantive. It’s going to be very difficult for us to fill this void,” Dr. Mlambo-Ngcuka said. “To many of those who’ve worked with her, you will remember that disarming smile and that gentleness, that was just Xoli.”
Xoliswa Kakana’s children, Lilitha and Sandile Kakana, paid tribute to their mother, expressing their gratitude to the University of Johannesburg community. “It is an honour to be standing here at the University of Johannesburg, a place in which our late mother dedicated so much of her time and dedication,” she said. “She approached each and every activity with determination and purpose that defined her. Her kindness and generosity have left Sandile and I in utter awe. May your precious soul rest in peace.”
