Loyiso Tyira, a South African businessman, innovator, and leader, is a prominent figure in our Magnificent Men of the World series. Loyiso’s journey from a high school graduate with merit to an industry leader and entrepreneur in the field of Information Technology is nothing short of inspiring.
After matriculating, Loyiso pursued a BSc in Information Technology at the University of Cape Town (UCT). His quest for knowledge and professional growth saw him furthering his education with higher certificates from UNISA Business School and GIBS, earning Management Development Programme (MDP) and Management Programme for Executives (MPE) certifications. Additionally, Loyiso has amassed several industry-related certificates, including the prestigious Cisco CCNA, ITIL, and SSEP. Loyiso was also awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in the field of Digital Business by Wits University.
Loyiso’s commitment to excellence is reflected in his professional affiliations and achievements. As a member of the Institute of Directors South Africa (IODSA) and the Institute of Chartered IT Professionals (ITCP(SA)), he holds the ITCP(SA) designation and is on the path to achieving the Certified Director designation with IODSA. His career in the IT industry began in 2002 and has spanned various roles, from IT Administrator to Senior IM Manager (Service Delivery Manager) at Anglo American Platinum. Notably, he served as Principal Consultant and Chief Technology Assistant at Business Connexion.
In December 2015, Loyiso took a bold step toward entrepreneurship by founding Future Business Consulting, an IT consulting company that also operates a PostNet franchise. His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there; he became the Managing Director of the ICT SMME Chamber, an NPO dedicated to fostering collaboration among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs), state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and the private sector to build an inclusive ICT economy in South Africa. Through this chamber, Loyiso has been instrumental in establishing several linked NPOs and entities.
Loyiso’s influence extends to the mobile device industry as the founding member and Chairperson of the South African Mobile Device Distributors and Repairers Association (SAMDDRA). This organization aims to ensure that South Africans benefit fully from the mobile device industry’s value chain. His governance roles include non-executive directorships with MICT Seta and Broadband Infraco (BBI), where he chairs key committees focused on technology, knowledge, and information management.
Loyiso Tyira’s professional journey is marked by strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and robust risk management. His contributions to innovation and digital transformation in the entities he serves have significantly shaped South Africa’s ICT landscape. In recognition of his dedication to governance, innovation, and leadership, Loyiso was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the EPF Tech Awards, hosted by the Empire Foundation and the Department of Science and Innovation. This award acknowledged his substantial contributions, particularly in digital inclusion.
In June 2024, Loyiso was appointed to the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment ICT Sector Council by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, further solidifying his influence in shaping ICT policies for greater inclusivity. Additionally, in July 2024, he was appointed to the board of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), where he continues to champion innovation, economic empowerment and digital transformation.
Loyiso Tyira stands as a beacon of excellence and a testament to the power of dedication and visionary leadership in the IT sector. His ongoing efforts continue to resonate profoundly within the realms of IT and corporate governance in South Africa, making him a true Magnificent Man of the World.