By Mzukona Mantshontsho
SAYA-SETONA is a proudly South African Enterprise Technology Management company which provides ICT/Digital Wi-fi innovation support services and solutions.
Saya-Setona aligns business strategy to ICT Innovation strategy. They seek to execute these combined strategies to ultimately provide concrete benefits, such as optimizing the performance, reliability and efficiency of client’s ICT environments.
In addition, through leveraging the existing ICT investments and supporting cost-effective delivery of new technology and service initiatives; they can provide innovative solutions, supported by leading global technology and best-practice services. They customize solutions designed to deliver key systems and technology management services that are vital to ICT organizations in meeting the ICT challenges of yesterday’s, today’s and generations to come.
Yo School Magazine recently spoke to Founder Moepi Setona about his personal, professional and entrepreneurial journey thus far.
Tell us about your early life to your role today
I’m Moepi, also known as ‘Philosopher,’ a soft-spoken entrepreneur making bold strides in the tech industry. As an innovative leader at Saya-Setona, we specialize in security, governance solutions, cloud computing, and mobility. I’ve been fortunate to win the 2017 TEA Business Pitch and the Township Business Innovation seminar. I was also recognized as a SA Top 10 Monash MSA LEAD Fellowship recipient in 2018/2019 and a SDGs Global Innovation Top 15 winner for SDG 16 in 2024.
I studied Business Development and Administration in college years ago, and since then, I’ve
pursued a career in ICT. My skills span Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, Systems Engineering, Software Development and Architecture, and the Internet of Things.
I’ve earned numerous accreditations in the public service sector, contributing to public administration and promoting democracy in public participation. I hold accreditations from
prestigious organizations like IBM and AWS. Currently, I’m about to complete my master’s degree in Data Application Analytics at Abertay University, Scotland’s top modern university.
What does your role mean to you?
My role is all about growth, sustainability, and development. It’s something I enjoy every day
because it’s my passion. I love building customer relationships, forging strong partnerships, and creating sustainable models. My main goal is to grow the business to its fullest potential.
What are the most critical resources for your successful leadership?
The cornerstone of successful leadership begins with personal well-being—both mentally and
physically—and a relentless drive. Equally important is continuous skill development, especially in today’s fast-evolving landscape. This involves immersing oneself in relevant literature on your field and various leadership methodologies, supported by essential tools like laptops, desktops, or smartphones to facilitate efficient delivery. Ultimately, a cohesive team that shares a unified vision is indispensable for achieving collective success.
What can we expect from you going forward?
Predicting the future amidst ongoing innovation is a challenging task. However, our primary goal is to redefine the narrative around opportunities for young people in the tech industry, particularly within the global arena. We aspire to establish ourselves as prominent figures or founders in the ICT sector, driven by ongoing and impactful innovations that we are currently spearheading.
What are your words of advice for young people, particularly women to start small
businesses?
I believe women have a unique advantage in the ICT space, which is increasingly open for them to thrive. There are ample opportunities for women to participate in ICT, become business
owners, and drive innovation. The industry offers numerous structured opportunities specifically for female founders, and we need more women in leadership roles, such as CEOs, than ever before. With determination, inspiration, and the available support, women can make significant strides in ICT.
What are your thoughts on Covid-19 in terms of small businesses?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed some unexpected yet amazing developments. As soon as the Level 5 lockdown was announced, we were prepared from a systems perspective to handle remote service delivery. Within that year, we secured a national client who utilized our app to navigate COVID-19 restrictions, enabling people to access services without traveling. Additionally, we collaborated with an economic department to facilitate their service delivery initiatives through our platform, securing this client in just 2-3 months. The ability to pivot our business model was crucial, and it’s something small businesses must always prioritize.
What is the legacy that you would want to leave when you retire?
I aspire to leave behind a self-sustaining legacy, an enduring engine that continues to operate
seamlessly for generations. It’s crucial to establish continuous and sustainable legacies that
outlive us and benefit future generations.
How does your business contribute to the community?
Hailing from Ekurhuleni, I have a deep understanding of township challenges. This awareness
led to the creation of the ‘Let’s Talk’ mobile app, designed to bridge the communication gap
between grassroots communities and those in power. The app brings community issues to the
forefront, encouraging debate and resolution. We focus on building opportunities and skill development for young people in the communities we serve. This includes various training programs, internships, and skill development initiatives. Most importantly, we aim to boost the local economy and empower the community.
What have been your highs and lows of your working career?
There have been many highs and lows. One of the greatest challenges has been retention—
keeping skilled resources and raising financial capacity at the anticipated pace. However, one of the highest points have been our ability to sustain the business, even during COVID-19, over the past 7 years. Additionally, building strong, no-strings-attached partnerships that provide
resources and financial support have been incredibly rewarding.
When you are not at work, what do you get up to, and where can people follow you or your business online?
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and connected with the community.
You can follow me on LinkedIn and Twitter under the name Moepi Setona. For updates on our business, follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @SayaSetona and @letstalkgovapp.
