Rapelang Rabana is a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and a keynote speaker. She is currently the Co-CEO of an education technology NGO.[1] Prior to joining Imagine Worldwide, Rapelang was Founder and Chair of Rekindle Learning,[2] a learning technology company; and previously co-founded Yeigo Communications, South Africa's first free VoIP mobile services provider.[3][4]
She has been featured on the cover of ForbesAfrica magazine, selected as a FastCompany Maverick, named Entrepreneur for the World by the World Entrepreneurship Forum and selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.[5]
Early life and education
editRapelang was born in Gaborone, Botswana.[6] She started her schooling in Gaborone before moving to Johannesburg and attended Roedean School.[7] Rapelang graduated with honours from the University of Cape Town in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in Business Science with a specialty in Computer Science.[8] Rapelang returned to the University of Cape Town to give a commencement speech in 2019.[9]
Career
editAfter graduating from university, Rabana co-created the VoIP mobile application called Yeigo in 2006. In 2009, Telfree, a South African next-generation operator, bought a majority stake in Yeigo. Rabana was appointed as the leader of Telfree's Research and Development department until she exited the business in 2012.[10]
In 2014, Rabana founded Rekindle Learning, which empowers people to respond to the changing world of work through digital learning experiences.[11] In November 2017, Rapelang was named Chief Digital Officer of BCX where she served until the end of 2018.[12] In 2023, Rapelang was named Co-CEO of Imagine Worldwide.[13]
Achievements
editIn 2012, she was on Oprah Magazine's O Power List. In 2013, she was listed on Forbes's 30 under 30 list for best entrepreneurs of Africa.[14] In 2014, Rapelang was named one of the Entrepreneurs of the World by the World Entrepreneurship Forum.[15] In 2017, Rapelang was selected as a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum.[16]
International organizations
editRapelang was invited to join the World Economic Forum 2012 Annual Meeting in Davos. She was also selected as a Global Shaper later a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. She is an Ambassador and Juror for the United Nations World Summit Awards. Rapelang gave the keynote address at Gartner Symposium 2015 in Cape Town.[17]
References
edit- ^ "Imagine Worldwide - The Future of Learning". Imagine Worldwide. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "Rekindle Learning | micro-learning for sales, compliance, digital skills". Rekindle Learning. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
- ^ Jackson, Tom (1 April 2015). "Rekindle Learning aims to be at centre of African education in 10 years". Disrupt-africa.com. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
- ^ Palet, Laura Secorun (14 May 2014). "A Plan to Turn Africa's Mobile Phones Into Classrooms". ozy.com. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
- ^ "Rapelang Rabana | Technology Entrepreneur | Speaker | Thought Leader". Rapelang Rabana | Technology Entrepreneur | Speaker | Thought Leader. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
- ^ "Rapelang Rabana". whoswho.co.za. Retrieved 23 November 2016.
- ^ Soetan, Folake (25 August 2012). "Exclusive Interview With The Quintessential Rapelang Rabana, Founding Partner, Yeigo". venturesafrica.com. Retrieved 23 November 2016.
- ^ "Rapelang Rabana". weforum.org. Retrieved 23 November 2016.
- ^ "Rapelang Rabana, guest speaker at Law and Humanities graduation ceremony". www.news.uct.ac.za. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
- ^ "Rapelang Rabana co-founder and CEO Yeigo Communications South Africa". africanmillionaire.net/. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
- ^ "Business-minded Rapelang Rabana is conquering the world". mediaclubsouthafrica.com. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
- ^ "BCX appoints Rapelang Rabana as chief digital officer". 17 November 2017.
- ^ Worldwide, Imagine (5 July 2023). "News Flash: Imagine Worldwide Appoints Rapelang Rabana as Co-CEO". Imagine Worldwide. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Nsehe, Mfonobong. "30 Under 30: Africa's Best Young Entrepreneurs". forbes.com. Retrieved 23 November 2016.
- ^ "" Entrepreneurs for the world ": The World Entrepreneurship Forum awards its prizes for 2014" (PDF). lyon2014.world-entrepreneurship-forum.com. Retrieved 23 November 2016.
- ^ "Rapelang Rabana is a pioneering global leader | IOL Business Report". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
- ^ Gartner Symposium/ITxpo, 28–30 September 2015, Cape Town, SA, retrieved 11 September 2016