In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, the demand for ‘purple people’ – individuals who seamlessly blend technical proficiency with business acumen – has never been greater. These professionals act as vital bridges, translating complex data and technological capabilities into actionable insights that directly address organisational needs. ‘Unlike traditional specialists confined to either the “red” (technical) or “blue” (business) domains, purple people possess a unique ability to navigate both worlds, understanding the intricacies of data analysis and technology while simultaneously grasping the strategic goals and operational processes of the business,’ says Tebalo Tsoaeli, Group Chief Information Officer at the JSE. ‘They are the linchpins that connect technological potential with practical business application, ensuring that data-driven initiatives are not only technically sound but also strategically aligned.’
He says that as the JSE continues to adopt technology such as AI, advanced data analytics and automation, it is going to need individuals with the skills required to not only support these technologies but to also ‘drive the adoption of these technologies and serve as thought leaders on future technology’.
Hence the exchange’s launch of the JSE Data & Digital Academy. ‘We realised the need to invest in a state-of-the-art programme that focuses on nurturing our existing talent to help drive this massive transformation that we’ve embarked on. The academy will play a pivotal role in creating a source of skilled digital and data subject-matter experts that will form part of the exchange’s teams responsible for the technology and data transformation initiatives the exchange will be embarking on over the next couple of years.’
He says candidates will be selected from applications within the exchange. ‘The Learning and Development team in collaboration with JSE’s technology leadership team select candidates using a specific criterion that considers candidates with existing skills in technology and data. The criterion used also considers individuals with no technology and data skills who demonstrate the potential to excel in technology and data if given the opportunity to build a good base foundation in tech and data. These individuals would typically come from domains such as quantitative analysis, finance and risk, for example.’
He says the cohort consists of mainly new graduates, and a few select internal team members who have demonstrated the availability of the required capacity to participate in the two-year programme. ‘We have developed an 80/20 split of training and on-the-job experience. Training days include an optimal mix of technical skills, soft skills and business acumen. The curriculum consists of modules within the machine learning, artificial intelligence, data engineering, data analytics and cloud domains.’ The academy delivers scalable data analytics capacity with Deloitte established standards and methodologies and a proven implementation approach, according to Tsoaeli.
‘By equipping participants with a comprehensive skill set that encompasses both technical expertise and business fluency, the programme aims to create professionals who can effectively translate between these two crucial realms. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are not only adept at manipulating data and leveraging technology but also possess the strategic mindset to apply these tools in ways that drive tangible business value. They are the architects of data-driven solutions, capable of understanding the “belly of the beast” and transforming raw information into strategic assets, ultimately propelling the organisation forward in an increasingly data-centric world.’
He says the JSE will ensure the academy remains agile and adaptable to future technological advancements and financial market demands.
‘Through our academy partnership with Deloitte, we will leverage Deloitte’s expertise and global reach to keep up with future technological advancements. We will leverage the domain knowledge and expertise of our entire technology partner ecosystem to continue to adapt to future technological advancements and financial market demands in an agile manner,’ says Tsoaeli.
‘The JSE Data & Digital Academy is more than just a training programme. It’s a bold step towards future-proofing our business and ensuring we remain at the forefront of financial markets and technology.’
