Gijima saddened by the passing of its Group Chief Executive, Mr Hamilton Ratshefola
It is with deep shock and sadness that Gijima announces the untimely death of its Group Chief Executive, Hamilton Ratshefola, affectionately known as “Mr H” at the age of 56. Hamilton passed away, following a short illness, surrounded by those who loved him dearly.
“Gijima, its Shareholders, Board, Executive, Staff and the Information Communications and Technology Industry have undoubtedly lost a par-excellence leader, a friend, a mentor and an innovator, passionate about all things in ICT, and the turnaround and sustainability of Gijima,” says Gijima Executive Chairman, Mr Robert Gumede.
Hamilton recently joined Gijima in May 2022 and in his short but meaningful time, Gijima has seen tremendous transformative gains, increased staff morale, improved partner, customer and vendor relations and with a clear-cut strategy of maintaining the vision of Gijima as a leading and largest 100% black owned and led ICT company in Africa.
Prior to joining Gijima, Hamilton worked for IBM as the General Manager for Sub-Saharan African. He was the founder of Auxilium Capital as well as the founder of the Cornastone Group of companies. A consummate teacher and leader, Hamilton strove to ensure that practical training and continuing ICT education, be accessible and affordable (and at times free) for aspirant young ICT professionals.
Hamilton was passionate about personal integrity, ethical business, the uplifting of professionals and the potential of this country and the rest of the continent. His faith was a key cornerstone of his life. He was a devout Christian, having served in churches throughout his life, attributing all his successes to the Grace of God.
The ICT industry owes an incalculable debt of gratitude to Hamilton Ratshefola, as do the thousands of engineers, sales forces, who have been led by him over nearly 3 decades. Hamilton set the bar high for IT Sales Executives and continuously encouraged the same level of excellence from all his colleagues. We offer our support, thoughts and prayers to Mr H’s wife, Sis Mapule and their children who have walked every step with Mr H and, recently with Gijima. May they find solace in the knowledge that Hamilton was loved, appreciated, and admired by all of us at Gijima and the industry at large.
Memorial:
In honour and celebration of our GCEO, please be advised that Gijima will host an industry/business memorial service for Mr H, where as an industry we will have the opportunity to celebrate his life’s work and contribution to ourselves and the companies he served.
Should you wish to participate, please reach out to Roberta J. Gumede (details below) to discuss.
Date: Thursday, 20 April 2023
Time: TBC (likely 12-3pm)
Venue: TBC (Johannesburg)
Live stream: a link will be provided closer to the time.
May His Good Soul Rest in Peace
Robert Gumede
Chairman