Photo: Prof. Pamela Dube: Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Shameel Joosub: Honorary doctorate recipient and Chancellor Madam Justice Mahube Molemela.

In a remarkable recognition of his exceptional contributions to the world of business and telecommunications, Mr Joosub Shameel, Chief Executive Officer of the Vodacom Group Ltd, was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences (Business Administration) at the Central University of Technology 2023 Spring Graduations.

This prestigious honour signifies his outstanding achievements and profound impact on the corporate landscape.

Dr Shameel Joosub has been a critical figure in the company's transformation since 2012. With extensive business and telecommunications experience, he has held senior positions in Vodacom South Africa and Vodafone Spain.

With an honours degree in Accounting Science, an MBA from the University of Southern Queensland, and an Advanced Management Program certificate from Harvard University, Shameel is committed to driving change in the telecommunications industry and leveraging Vodacom's capabilities to impact communities positively. He prioritises maintaining a diverse working environment and supporting gender empowerment, promoting female participation in STEM and fighting gender-based violence.

Vodacom South Africa's Exco now is 50% female oriented. Shameel's business acumen and administration skills have positioned the Vodacom group ahead of competitors and allowed it to stay ahead of economic challenges. His expertise is expected to benefit CUT's potential to become a leading African university of technology and shape the future through innovation.

In his speech, Dr Shameel Joosub expressed his gratitude, reflecting on the incredible journey that led him to receive an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences.

“A special thank you to those who saw potential in a young child and for providing me with the opportunities to grow my career. You believed in me when I started and laid the foundation for my remarkable journey,” he said.

He stated that one of his visions for the future is where everyone has internet access. He also emphasised the importance of innovations and partnerships to achieve this goal, highlighting the significance of inclusion in the IT sector and women's empowerment in STEM fields.

“Today, we want to create and make it possible for everyone to access the internet. Every day, we're creating innovations to achieve this model, including accessibility to the Internet. We are also expanding efforts that encourage inclusivity in IT fields. For example, our co-pilot programme has saved over 4,000 in our markets by advocating for the inclusion of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics studies.”

Photo: Dr Shameel Joosub (second from left) and his family, from left: Imaan Joosub, Muzaffar Joosub, Dilshaad Joosub, and Amaan Joosub.

Joosub shared valuable lessons he has learned along his journey: hard work and determination can lead to success, regardless of one's origins.

His lessons of pushing boundaries and striving for personal growth, giving back to the less fortunate and cherishing relationships, acknowledging the role of faith and grace in one's journey, continually striving for excellence, and raising the bar in everything are the values the university aspires to achieve in graduates.

 He expressed special gratitude to those who recognised his potential while he was still young and provided him with the opportunities to grow his career.