Every year, Africa Tech Festival brings together the people building Africa's digital future, on stages, in exhibition halls, and in the conversations that happen in between. Sometimes those conversations change a life. That's exactly what happened to Mpumelelo Pinky Mbhamali.

Pinky is a Systems Administrator at Edunova_SA , an AWS Community Builder, and the founder of Sip And Cloud Tech, a community she built to bring cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion to communities across South Africa. She first came to Africa Tech Festival in 2024, and it was her second visit to the festival, this time as part of the CAPACITI programme through UVU Africa, that changed the course of her career.

We asked Pinky to share her story, in her own words.

Where it all began

My name is Mpumelelo Pinky Mbhamali, and I am currently a Systems Administrator at Edunova, an AWS Community Builder, and the founder of Sip & Cloud Tech, a community that promotes cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion across South Africa.

I grew up in a small village called eBusingatha in Bergville, KwaZulu Natal, where I was raised by my grandmother, who is now 86 years old. She taught me faith, resilience, and the importance of serving others. Although I was born in Johannesburg, where my mother worked as a domestic worker, my upbringing shaped my determination to create opportunities through education.

Before entering the technology industry, I worked as a hair stylist and beauty therapist for Pamper Me, providing mobile spa services to private hospitals across the Western Cape. I eventually became a manager, and that role helped me discover my passion for teaching. I enjoyed creating simple training videos to help colleagues understand our booking systems and payment processes.

Finding tech through curiosity

My transition into technology started because of curiosity. A friend, Tshepi Marokana, often wore an AWS Skills Centre shirt. I asked him where he got it, and he told me I had to earn it. He also told me the AWS Skills Centre was open to the public and completely free.

That conversation changed my life.

Despite South Africa's load shedding, I committed to attending in person classes instead of relying on online learning. Within two months, I earned my AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification.

That achievement opened many doors. I started building practical cloud projects through CloudBoost, including a QR Code Generator, and later founded Sip & Cloud Tech to connect communities with technology opportunities, events, and learning pathways.

Because the AWS Skills Centre is located opposite the Cape Town International Convention Centre, I regularly attended technology events. That passion for learning and networking is what brought me to Africa Tech Festival for the first time in 2024.

The conversation that changed everything

My second Africa Tech Festival experience, while I was part of the CAPACITI programme through UVU Africa, became truly life changing.

While exploring the exhibition floor, I met Trishana Moodley from TMA Proactive Partners. What started the conversation was something very simple. She noticed the bag I was carrying, which became the perfect icebreaker.

I introduced myself, shared my journey, and spoke about Sip And Cloud Tech and the community work I was doing. I also invited her to visit the CAPACITI exhibition stand, where I introduced her to Brandon September and Sizulu Mkhize.

It was a genuine conversation built around curiosity, collaboration, and shared values rather than trying to ask for anything.

Looking back, that short conversation became one of the most valuable networking moments of my career.

From coaching to career

After the festival, Trishana kept her promise to reconnect. She introduced me to the TMA Proactive Partners coaching programme and generously offered to coach me on a pro bono basis.

The coaching focused on leadership, self awareness, personal growth, and building confidence as a founder. It challenged me to think differently about my goals, my business, and my career. Having someone believe in my potential and invest their time in my development made a significant difference.

The journey happened step by step. First, we met at Africa Tech Festival. We connected on LinkedIn and stayed in touch. Months later, Trishana reached out exactly as she had promised and invited me into the TMA coaching programme.

While attending the Africa Tech Festival NextGen sessions hosted at UVU Africa CAPACITI, I also met the FRED and Edunova team.

After the event, I documented my experience on LinkedIn and tagged the speakers through Sip & Cloud Tech. Several months later, I received a LinkedIn message from Edunova COO Dietrich asking whether I was open to new opportunities. That conversation led to an interview, and today I proudly work as a Systems Administrator at Edunova supporting systems for SEF and IDC.

Every step came from relationships built through showing up, staying connected, and adding value.

A relationship that came full circle

During my coaching journey with TMA, I met Tania virtually while she was supporting Trishana. Today, Tania and I are colleagues at Edunova.

It is amazing to think that a relationship that started through a coaching programme has now become a professional working relationship. Tania brings professionalism, dedication, and excellent communication to the team, and I am excited about what we will accomplish together.

Why in-person connection matters

Technology can connect us online, but trust is often built face to face. When people meet you in person, they experience your passion, curiosity, energy, and willingness to contribute. Africa Tech Festival creates the perfect environment for authentic conversations.

Her advice to first-time attendees

Be curious. Ask questions. Introduce yourself even if you feel nervous. Do not collect business cards. Build genuine relationships. Attend the sessions, visit the exhibition stands, connect with people on LinkedIn, and follow up after the event. Networking does not end when the event closes. That is when the real opportunities begin.

In her words

Africa Tech Festival transformed one conversation into mentorship, mentorship into career opportunities, and career opportunities into a mission to create opportunities for others through Edunova, AWS, and Sip & Cloud Tech.

Pinky's story is a reminder of what Africa Tech Festival is built to do: put the right people in the same room, and let genuine conversation take it from there. From a chance meeting on the exhibition floor to a coaching programme, a new career, and a colleague-turned-collaborator, her journey shows that the value of the festival doesn't end when the doors close. It begins there.

Want to join us at Africa Tech Festival this November? Register Here.