Mabonte Collen Tlabela
Senior Consultant | Solutions Architect | Technology Strategist
Professional Summary
Seasoned technology professional with over 30 years of experience spanning Fixed, Mobile, and Enterprise environments. Expert in driving Digital Transformation, Cloud Computing, and AI/ML adoption strategies that deliver measurable business value.
Committed to continuous learning through environmental scanning and research, adapting solutions to latest market trends and economic dynamics. Currently pursuing an Executive MBA while actively contributing to strategic technology initiatives at MTN South Africa.
Strategic Vision
Drive digital transformation initiatives and technology strategy at enterprise level
Business Growth
Deliver cutting-edge solutions that create value and competitive advantage
Leadership
Lead cross-functional teams and mentor technology professionals
Innovation
Pioneer adoption of AI/ML, Cloud Computing, and emerging technologies
Professional Experience
A track record of delivering transformative technology solutions across telecommunications, consulting, and enterprise environments
Senior Consultant - National Wholesale
- Lead strategic wholesale product development for Fixed Services, ICT Services, Carrier Services, and MVNO solutions
- Drive new product ideation, business case development, and proof of concept trials
- Collaborate with Network Engineering and Solution Design teams on cutting-edge solutions
- Oversee National Interconnect (NNI), High-Capacity Links, FTTx, A2P Messaging, and UC&C portfolios
Principal Specialist - Technology Architect
- Provided architectural leadership for Group Technology strategic initiatives
- Developed Architecture Principles and Target Architectures based on industry standards
- Created Strategic Architecture Roadmaps for Fintech, Digital Channels, and Mobile Private Networks
- Led Africa Regional Architecture Forum (ARAF) and mentored senior architecture specialists
Senior Specialist - Solutions Architect
- Designed and delivered CBU solutions aligned with commercial roadmap
- Drove Agile and DevSecOps adoption for improved TTM and customer experience
- Managed portfolios including International Roaming, Network Controls QoS, and RPA
- Led high-priority initiatives including Content Services and Always Connected solutions
Associate Consultant
- Assigned to Vodacom Digital Business Unit for Digital Services transformation
- Led Digital and Mobile Advertising solutions planning, delivery, and assurance
- Designed infrastructure for Digital Advertising on AWS Cloud and On-Premise environments
- Contributed to ConnectU Platform and COVID-19 Zero-Rating initiatives
Senior Solutions Manager / Principal Product Manager
- Customer engagement for pre-sales across Eastern and Southern African markets
- Drove Digital Transformation Strategy formulation for Telco clients
- Managed portfolios including VAS Cloud, IPTV/OTT, Big Data, and Mobile Money
- Built relationships at C-level with major telecommunications operators
Senior Specialist - VAS & Mobile Engineering
- Led implementation of media optimization and proxy services consolidation
- Managed VAS, Voice, and Data Services integration to CS, PS, and Billing
- Contributed to first Media Optimization platform in SA Telco space
- Led MMSC, VMS, and WAP-GW replacement/upgrade projects
Earlier experience includes roles at Investec Bank (2005) and Telkom South Africa (1991-2005)
Skills & Expertise
Comprehensive technical and leadership capabilities spanning modern technologies and business management practices
Cloud & Infrastructure
AI & Analytics
Telecommunications
Enterprise Architecture
Digital Transformation
Security & Compliance
Management & Leadership
Technologies & Tools
Education
A commitment to continuous learning with advanced qualifications in business, technology, and management
Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Eaton Business School (EBS)
Postgraduate Diploma in AI & Blockchain (CIQ Level 7)
Eaton Business School
Executive Development Programme (EDP) - NQF Level 8
University of the Witwatersrand, Graduate School of Business (WBS)
Programme in Marketing Management - NQF Level 6
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Principles of Management
Wits Digital Campus
National Diploma - NQF Level 6
Pretoria Technical College
Certifications
Industry-recognized certifications demonstrating expertise in enterprise architecture, digital transformation, and technology leadership
Agile & Frameworks
- Certified SAFe 6 AgilistScaled Agile • 2023
- TM Forum Open Digital Framework (ODF)TM Forum • 2022
- TM Forum Open Digital Architecture (ODA)TM Forum • 2022
- TMF Business Process Framework (eTOM)TM Forum • 2016
- TMF Information Framework (SID)TM Forum • 2016
- TMF Application Framework (TAM)TM Forum • 2016
Digital & Customer Experience
- Digital Maturity & TransformationTM Forum • 2018
- Customer Experience ManagementTM Forum • 2017
- Revenue Assurance FoundationTM Forum • 2017
- TM Forum Open API FoundationTM Forum • 2017
Cloud & Technology
- HUAWEI Cloud ComputingHuawei • 2016
- HUAWEI Cloud Core NetworkHuawei • 2016
- HUAWEI Storage SolutionsHuawei • 2016
- Global Solutions Elite Team (GSET)Huawei University • 2015
IT Infrastructure
- Vodacom IP PlatformEdexcel Assured • 2009
- CompTIA Network+CompTIA • 2005
- CompTIA A+CompTIA • 2003
- Cisco ICND 1 & 2Cisco • 2009
Additional certifications include Telkom Client Equipment, Comverse VMS/MMSC, Openwave Messaging Suite, IPoint Video Conferencing, Radvision, Citrix, and more.