De Wit will take over from current CTO Francois Stols, who is retiring at the end of the year.
De Wit is highly respected in the South African technology space. In 1998 he helped start one of the world’s first internet-banking solutions for Nedbank. In 2009, he launched Microsoft’s SA BizSpark start-up programme.
The appointment of De Wit will significantly strengthen Netstar’s technology capability, leaving the pioneering telematics company well positioned to drive the next phase of industry innovation.
“I’m really excited to join the Netstar team,” said De Wit. “I think my skills will fit in well with Netstar’s data and technology vision. I’m looking forward to helping Netstar shape the next era of telematics which will integrate Netstar’s rich device heritage with Big Data and AI, to build solutions that really improve people’s lives”
De Wit, who holds an electrical engineering degree from Wits, comes to Netstar from global software company Crayon, where he led the building of a Data and AI practice for the Africa region. He holds board positions at Wits University’s Tshimologong and JCSE centres and is a regular contributor to The Money Show on Radio 702 with Bruce Whitfield;.
“We are confident that Clifford will play a significant role as we deliver on the Netstar vision of providing ‘the best experience in connecting mobile things’,” said Netstar MD Pierre Bruwer. “We know he will bolster our team and help deliver on our purpose of protecting and connecting our personal, business and commercial clients, their valued assets and their loved ones.”
Stols will work alongside De Wit during a transition period.
