Tributes to a Visionary Leader

Reflections from Colleagues, Partners & Friends

The passing of Ms. Xoliswa Kakana has been deeply felt across the ICT, public service, and leadership communities, both in South Africa and beyond.

Here, we honour her memory through the words of those who knew her, worked alongside her, and were inspired by her wisdom and presence.

Messages from the ICT-Works Team:

“Today, as I reflect on the life and legacy of our incredible CEO, I am filled with both sorrow and deep gratitude. She was more than a leader to me, she was a mentor, a source of inspiration, and one of the kindest souls I have ever met. Her warm smile and genuine compassion made me feel seen and valued, and I was truly blessed to have experienced that kindness firsthand.

“When I first joined the company, she took the time to personally coach and mentor me. Those sessions were transformative, not just for my professional growth, but for my personal development as well. She taught me the importance of leading with empathy, staying grounded in integrity, and finding joy even in the midst of challenges.

Lala ngoxolo, Mama, ugqatso ulufezile🤍 🕊”
— Thandeka Mphithi, ICT-Works

“I wish to thank Sis Xoli for the life well lived and for creating space in the form of ICT Works for us to showcase our talents while building our careers. She was not just a boss but in her we experienced a leader and a mother that we needed, and will always run to when chips were down. My sincere condolences to the kids and the rest of Kakana and ICT Works family for the loss of Sis Xoli and may her humble soul rest in eternal peace.”
— Tshepo Nakedi, Former Employee

“Xoli the imprint of your life’s work is indelible. You went about it with courage and humility. The fierceness of your humanity, shone through in all your endeavors. You were complex, perhaps due to the contradictions you carried in you effortlessly. Your authenticity, wisdom, generosity, kindness, integrity and erudition made you one of a kind, a very rare breed. Lala ngo xolo ma Radebe.”
— Sindi Msibi, Managing Executive

“Xoli, our great leader is an immense loss to us all, her family, friends, working colleagues who were treated as family and to the industry and our country South Africa. I had the privilege to work closely with her since 2013 and have learnt great measures through her leadership. and mentorship. I am struck with shock, grief and still find this unbelievable, with such an untimely passing, as reality dawns over time. Her achievements are nothing short of stellar performance and the moments shared shall be treasured.To her family and loved ones, I know this is hard to accept and thus pray that the lord comforts you (as a mother comforts her baby) during this most difficult phase in your lives. As she would not want you to dwell too long in sorrow, I pray that you be uplifted in spirit and chase the dreams and legacy she left behind. Xoli, you have climbed “Mount Everest” , and I mean not just physically, but also literally in what you have set as your vision and in getting there, all the inclines you climbed and got us to climb, the relentless pursuit in execution and to this day you have summitted and left a flag for us all to walk towards.”Your legacy lives on.May her soul rest in peace.”
— George Varden, Manager: Commercial

Messages from Friends, Partners and Industry Leaders:

“It is with deep sadness that we at the Imbumba Foundation and Trek4Mandela family mourn the passing of our dear sister and fellow climber, Xoliswa Kakana. In 2018, during the centenary year of our beloved Nelson Mandela, Xoliswa stood on the roof of Africa as part of the Trek4Mandela and Caring4Girls expedition, a journey that symbolised hope, resilience, and the power of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Xoliswa was more than a mountaineer. She was a champion for the downtrodden, a voice for the voiceless, and a woman whose every step was a declaration of courage and compassion. She climbed mountains not just for herself, but for the countless girls and women whose dignity she sought to restore.

We are eternally grateful to her family for sharing her with us and for allowing her to give her all to the causes that defined her life. Xoliswa reminds us that life is a sacred gift, and that our time here is borrowed. We must use it well, live it fully, and love deeply.

Reflecting on the loss of a committed Kilimanjaro summitteer, the Founder and CEO of Imbumba Foundation, Mr Richard Mabaso said: “Xoliswa taught us that purpose is not found in comfort, but in service. She lived her life as if she knew time was precious, and in doing so, she left footprints on our hearts that will never fade.”

May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her spirit continue to guide us as we climb new mountains for humanity. ”
— Trek4Mandela and Imbumba Foundation family

“We as women in tech are deeply saddened by the loss of Xoli. What resonates deeply for me as a woman in tech are several key pillars:

She saw the African tech landscape not just as an adopter zone but as a place to innovate and lead. She founded a company rooted in solving African problems through technology championing women’s inclusion in an industry long dominated by men. She founded and led forums for women in ICT.

From the earliest days, Xoli emphasised delivering on promises, building credibility, and holding to strong values even under pressure.

Beyond business success, she recognised that part of her mission was creating pathways for young women — especially in previously disadvantaged backgrounds — to enter and thrive in tech.

Her loss is profound. For those of us navigating tech, gender, transformation and Africa’s digital future, Xoliswa’s life offers a powerful example: that you can lead, you can innovate, you can uplift others, even when the odds seem stacked.

To her colleagues, family, friends and the wider tech community: my heartfelt condolences. Her work lives on in every young woman engineer, entrepreneur, or technologist who dares to dream and break through.”
— Nisha Kostas, CEO Niche Integrated Solutions, Director Billion Systems

“What a tragedy! A big loss to the industry country as a whole. Condolences 💐 to her children , siblings family colleagues friends and the Inanda Seminary Alumni May Her Soul Rest In Peace ☮️”
— Boni Dibate, Aquaintance

“I have vivid and pleasant memories of Xoli during 1999 when she frequented our Committee Rooms at the DBSA, leading discussions on ICT Policy Formulation and ensuring that women were engaged and fully informed in the Sector. Xoli’s signature smile, dimples, genuine love for people and her warmth are forever engraved in my heart ❤️ 🌹. I’m still finding it hard to believe that I will never see her again in real life💔Her beautiful spirit lives on in all of us.May our loving God continue to shine His light on her until we meet again.Long live Ndlebentle Zombini💔💔💔”

— Pumla Goduk, Family & Former Business Associate

“I’ve known Xoli since the day my youngest sibling Peleka went to Vela primary school at Mthatha with Viwe Kakana her niece. Her Mom, The late MaKay and my Mom were both raising Viwe and Peleka together. When And both young ladies moved to Joburg Xoli and Hlubi – being Viwes guardians, also became parents to Peleka and my daughter Babalwa (Sam). As the Lwana family, we never worried where the kids were as they practically lived in Xoli’s house, they were safe. They were at home. Xoli would even pay for their life skills/spiritual seminars (Baruch) and the likes. We appreciate the role she played in shaping our young ones. Whenever MaKay and MaLwana were around at the same time, Xoli would invite Mama to enjoy Mother’s Day with MaKay and other Moms. She was also some kind of a mentor to my business partner and sister Bongeka, from a woman in ICT perspective and would assist here and there with business related issues.

Our family is deeply saddened by her passing. We hold the family deeply in our prayers. Her legacy inspires us to want to do more. We thank God for her life. Larger than life. May she go well. As a Christian I am gratified to see success of a humble soul. We need her to multiply. I nominate myself as her multiplication. She’s led the way. Ours is to follow. So long Xoli….you followed your name to the last day ✌🏾🕊️”
— Kholeka Lwana, Family Friend

“Xoliswa had integrity, I relied on her well considered opinion on complex issues in meetings. she was a true leader with an attitude to always assist. A train blazer in ict. She fought for all women, especially in ict. ”
— Lufuno Nevhutalu, Fellow Board Member

“Thank You Sis Xoli for believing in me and giving me another chance, not once but twice. 1. I remember quitting my job at ICT-Works in 2015 without a plan, and you took your time to call me to understand exactly what has happened and asked me to come back when am ready. 2. I resigned in 2017 for greener pastures only to find that the grass was not greener on the other side, I reached out to ICT-Works and was allowed to come back. THANK YOU!!! “ISITSHA ESIHLE ASIDLELI” LALA UPHUMULE SIZOBONANA KWELIZAYO💔💔!!!!!”
— Portia Ngaka Tshabalala, Former CEO

“I had the privilege of working under your leadership. You were more than just a boss; you were a mentor and an inspiration. I will always be grateful for the opportunities you provided me. Rest in Peace. You will be profoundly missed, but your spirit will live on in the countless lives you’ve impacted.”
— Kabelo Tshukudu , Former Boss/CEO”

In loving memory of an extra ordinary individual who touched countless lives with her kindness and generosity. Your willingness to help others without being asked was a rare gift and your big heart inspired everyone around you whether it was technology, life, or just a listening ear, you were always there to lend a helping hand your legacy of love, compassion, and selfless continues to inspire us all. May your memory be a blessing to many.”
—Valerie & Morgan Pillay, Friends

“Gone too soon:
I wish to express my condolences to Xoli’s Family and the ICT-Works family. Ive known Xoli since 1996. She was resilient, focused , Kind and a good friend. I remember us brainstorming her idea of starting a company. We sat in my home office ( garage turned into office) as I was still framing the direction of my own start-up. Xoli was encouraged to see that a black engineer can be an entrepreneur. Her company was born and we never stopped sharing ideas up to a 5 days before she passed. She has done great works and contributed to our industry, built a family and educated her children.
She care so much for her friends. She was never intimidated by anyone or any challenge. She summited mountains and conqured the impossible. She was such a VISIONARY who never got tired of learning and imparting knowledge to others.
I am heart broken by this loss of a friend and colleague. Rest well MaRhadebe. Lalangoxolo Mhlob’am. Owakho umzamo uwuzamile. Ugqatso ulufezile. Your crown from the might God awaits you in glory. We will miss you . You left an indelible mark in my heart and that of my family.
Condolences to all . Much love from Prof Mlamli Booi.”
— Mlamli Booi, Friend & Colleague

“Rest well MaXoli. See you tomorrow 🙌🏽❤️🙌🏽”
— Za Ellis, High School Colleague

“Go well Xoliswa. You have been an inspiration to so many of us. You have left an incredible legacy. ❤️❤️🙏🏽”
— Masego, Business Partener

“I had the privilege of working under your leadership. You were more than just a boss; you were a mentor and an inspiration. I will always be grateful for the opportunities you provided me. Rest in Peace. You will be profoundly missed, but your spirit will live on in the countless lives you’ve impacted.”
— Xoliswa, Acquaintance

“Xoli,I am still shocked by your passing.You lived a full life and inspired us to be the best we could be.We will dearly miss you my dearest sis.Rest in peace 💐💐💐”
— Peppy, Acquaintance

“May you soul rest in eternal peace. You made a mark in the ICT Industry”
— Business Partner

If you’d like to share a tribute or message of your own, please click here. Submissions will be shared with the Kakana family and archived for the memorial.