For 18 years, Refiloe Legoabe built a career at Telkom, a journey that, by her admission, had absolutely nothing to do with the intricate world of Information Technology. Growing up, she felt like IT was “for boys,” a domain she never imagined herself entering. Yet, today, Refiloe stands on the cusp of becoming a certified Cybersecurity professional, a testament to her belief that “it’s never too late to learn.”
Refiloe’s story is one of surprising transformation. After nearly two decades in an unrelated field, a new opportunity arose, prompting her to re-evaluate her path. The ever-expanding digital landscape, coupled with the rapid advancement of AI and the vastness of the internet, sparked a curiosity she couldn’t ignore. “This is the greatest thing that I think I’ve ever put into my head,” she shares, describing the initial overwhelming, but ultimately exhilarating experience of diving into cybersecurity with iFundi.
In recent years, telecommunications giant Telkom has strategically transitioned from a legacy fixed-line operator to a robust provider of fibre and digital solutions. This shift, seen in their aggressive rollout of fibre-to-the-home and digital service offerings, highlights a broader industry recognition of the imperative to adapt to the digital age. This commitment extends beyond infrastructure; Telkom’s significant investment in technological innovation and extensive skills development initiatives, including their Future Makers program aimed at fostering black-owned tech SMEs and various digital literacy partnerships, further exemplifies the critical role the private sector plays in nurturing the talent pool required for a secure and competitive digital economy.
The transition for Refiloe was far from easy. Without a foundational IT background, she faced a steep learning curve. She admits to moments where her “head was exploding” from the sheer volume of new information. It’s a field, she emphasizes, that demands “a lot of learning, a lot of reading, and a lot of practicing.” Despite the intensity, her determination to embrace this new environment kept her going. She credits her lecturer, Shepherd, for being an exceptionally “talented” and “informed” teacher, whose natural ability to convey complex concepts made the challenging journey more navigable.
As an entity itself transitioning from old to new technologies in its offerings, Telkom South Africa reported solid full year results in June, with revenue and earnings, boosted by mobile and fiber service revenue growth. Mobile subscribers grew by 13.4% YoY to 23.2 million and the mobile data subscriber base surge by 19.5%, to 15.2 million data users. Headline earnings per share (HEPS) rose by 44.8% to 544.5 cents per share ($0.31).
Telkom Group CEO Serame Taukobong reported that “The mobile business continues to be the star in the consumer business”. He said that the results confirm that the business has not only stabilized, but has built a platform for accelerated growth going forward.
Now, with her final exam looming, Refiloe is focused on conquering the last hurdle to achieve her qualification. Her ambition doesn’t stop there; she’s eager to “study further” with iFundi, proving that age is truly just a number when it comes to pursuing new passions.
Refiloe’s leap into cybersecurity is more than just a personal career change; it’s an inspiring example for anyone considering a significant pivot, especially into a highly specialized field without prior experience. She heartily recommends the course, not just for the career opportunities, noting the demand for cybersecurity technicians, but also for the “broader idea of what’s happening in the world.” Her journey underscores that with dedication, the right support, and a courageous spirit, even the most unexpected paths can lead to profound personal and professional growth.