Who We Are
Who We Are
Data Innovators is a Social Enterprise led by a team of young Africans who are passionate about making systemic change in development through data. Data Innovators Group was founded in 2021, originated from the partnership between Advisory Services at New Leaders Foundation and Data Innovator (Pty) Ltd.
We are experienced in testing and implementing innovative, fit-for-purpose approaches to data communication and M&E across the globe. We see capability strengthening of our clients as a key value-add in all the projects we implement.
By asking questions, testing new ideas, pushing ourselves and our clients to think outside the box.
By creating an environment where all perspectives are freely shared, we are inclusive by design and bring other voices into the room.
By moving with intent, pace and flexibility, while maintaining high internal and client standards.
By holding ourselves accountable, being stewards of our resources and courageously dissenting when required.
By creating fun workspaces of learning and growth, embracing lifestyles, and celebrating successes.
Ayanda is a social entrepreneur, strategist, and McKinsey trained management consultant with over 9 years’ experience working in the private and public sectors. He has previously held the position of Head of Advisory Services at New Leaders Foundation and now heads the Data Innovators entity as CEO.
In his commitment to transforming the South African Education system, Ayanda developed a dashboard solution on the state of Early Childhood Development readiness in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic to inform decisions and support. Currently, Ayanda also holds the position of Treasurer for the South African Monitoring Evaluation Association (SAMEA).
Our scope of work included a baseline study, follow-up and supported the monitoring and learning of the E3 programme from 2018 to present.
The team has implemented a developmental evaluation approach to test and refine the E3 Theory of Change. In addition, we support E3 to determine whether embedding active learning pedagogies in the South African education system leads to long-lasting shifts in learner mindsets. The findings from the evaluation will inform the national scale up of the programme. E3 project commenced in 2018 and is currently active.
The South African National Department of Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation embarked on developing an integrated data system in 2019. We led the development of the business plan by driving a comprehensive and strategic process.
The process included 14 stakeholder interviews/focus group discussions, reviewing all key strategies and documents and conducting 2 design workshops. With a team of technical experts a document was developed to specify the recommended business and technical requirements of the integrated data system.
We have developed a data management solution that provides programmes with intelligence to achieve impact, called ImpactBoard.
In 2020, we worked with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Department of Social Development to develop a dashboard to track ECD registration and identify where support was needed, and visualize progress across the country, province and district level. In addition, the platform was configured in web and mobile app formats to support data collection on registration for about 20 000 ECD practitioners. This project is currently in progress.
Data Innovators has rapidly ramped up in the ECD sector and added value to technical work such as the ECD registration framework in its early days. Its contribution has added value to the ECD Function Shift, ECD Census and ECD Employment Stimulus Relief Fund.
Our experience working with Data Innovators has always been excellent, the team has always delivered quality outputs according to SLA requirements whilst being flexible and adaptive to changing organisational contexts and needs.
Data Innovators’ technical specialists have been world-class in all my interactions. Their management of MERL approaches and tools with our programme delivery team and partners has been impactful, accurate, courteous and professional in every respect.
Johannesburg, South Africa