Thando Malinga is a Senior Scrum Master for Dynamic Technologies group company DVT. She works remotely for Amplify Health, a subsidiary of Discovery Health SA, whilst being based in South Africa. This innovative, vibrant, and eloquent senior scrum master plays a pivotal role in driving Agile adoption, promoting collaboration, and facilitating the successful delivery of valuable products.
Thando was led to explore the world of Agile methodologies early on in her career. Her position as scrum master came about organically, as she discovered how to marry her passion for efficient and collaborative project management with the dynamic nature of software development. She says, “I recognised the immense value these interests could bring to software development teams. This realisation motivated me to pursue scrum master certifications, which allowed me to specialise in facilitating Agile processes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.”
Thando initially joined DVT as a scrum master in 2021 after being drawn to the company's reputation for innovation and its commitment to excellence in the tech industry. DVT's culture of continuous improvement and its emphasis on embracing innovative technologies provided an environment where she could thrive and contribute meaningfully. Thando chose to explore new opportunities with another company, but soon realised her heart was still with DVT as the company’s values, supportive colleagues, and the sense of community were unmatched. When the opportunity arose to return to DVT, she jumped at it.
For Thando, working at DVT has many benefits. She enjoys the culture of innovation fostered throughout the collaborative ecosystem, which lends itself to a dynamic environment that “allows employees to stay at the forefront of industry trends and continuously push boundaries.” She also appreciates that DVT recognises the importance of a healthy work-life balance.
“DVT values inclusivity and diversity, creating a workplace where every employee feels respected and valued,” she adds. “This diversity of thought enriches the work experience and nurtures creativity.” For Thando, it’s the combination of an innovative culture, collaborative mindset, focus on professional development, client-centric approach, and a supportive environment that drew her back. She says, “DVT has created a workplace that empowers employees to excel, grow, and make a lasting impact.”
One of the things she appreciates most about DVT is the inclusivity. As a woman in the tech world, and one holding a senior position, Thando is acutely aware of her responsibilities, not just to her job, but also to those young women looking to follow in her footsteps. She is inspired by her sister, Dr Ayanda Sibiya, and wants to encourage women in her industry to follow their dreams and reach for the sky.
She says, “The gender distribution within the senior scrum master role, like many positions in the tech and project management industries, can vary depending on factors such as company culture, location, and industry trends. Traditionally though, the tech industry has been more male-dominated, and this has extended to roles like scrum master and senior scrum master. Efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in recent years have led to positive changes, and many organisations are actively working to address gender imbalances and promote greater representation of women in leadership roles.”
For young women looking to enter the tech world, and those looking to rise through the ranks, Thando says, “Remember that your journey in the tech industry is uniquely yours, and your contributions are invaluable. By staying true to your passion, seeking growth, and embracing opportunities, you can carve out a successful and fulfilling career, achieving the senior position you aspire to. You have the power to shape the future of tech and inspire others along the way.”