In this episode of Leaders Unscripted \u2013 an EY Transformative Podcast Series \u2013 Microsoft South Africa CEO Vukani Mngxati reflects on the scale of the AI revolution and its impact on businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mngxati stepped into the role of CEO of Microsoft South Africa in October 2025, bringing more than two decades of experience in technology, consulting, and strategic transformation. His leadership journey began in KwaZulu\u2011Natal and spans over 25 years of helping organisations modernise, innovate, and create impact at scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before joining Microsoft, Mngxati spent 18 years at Accenture, where he led major digital transformation programmes across industries. He ultimately served as CEO of Accenture South Africa and Africa, steering the firm through significant shifts in technology, skills development, and economic change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond his corporate roles, he serves as a Board Member at Endeavor South Africa<\/strong> and Collective X<\/strong>, championing high\u2011impact entrepreneurship and the development of digital skills pathways for young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, as the leader of Microsoft South Africa, Mngxati is focused on advancing the country\u2019s digital and AI transformation. His mission is centred on enabling inclusive economic growth, building critical digital capabilities, and ensuring that AI benefits businesses, communities, and future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this interview, Mngxati begins by explaining what makes AI different to previous tech disruptions \u2013 like the cloud and mobile \u2013 and why South African business leaders can\u2019t afford to ignore this revolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He unpacks what separates organisations that are using AI to create value from those that are simply experimenting with AI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mngxati then suggests how boards and C-level executives should consider AI for their organisations, including how they can put guardrails in place to protect privacy and security without crippling innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He also highlights AI use cases that made him stop and think, \u201cthis changes how business gets done.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, Mngxati suggests where he sees AI being used by organisations in the next few years and how leaders can prepare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Watch the full Leaders Unscripted interview with Microsoft South Africa CEO Vukani Mngxati below.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe interview<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n