+OneX’s Kagiso Makoena presents cloud research at prestigious ASEM conference
Kagiso Makoena, one of the field service engineers in our Unified Communications & Collaboration team, has earned international recognition for research into cloud computing. Following his completion of a Master’s degree in Engineering Management at the University of Johannesburg, he was invited to present his research paper at the prestigious American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM) international conference in Tampa, Florida in the US.
Titled Reliability Analysis in the Adoption of Cloud Computing, Kagiso’s research paper explores characteristics that influence cloud computing adoption in South Africa. The study found that security and privacy concerns are the main factors that hinder cloud adoption, while scalability, availability, and relative advantage are drivers for adoption. The research identifies three key reliability indicators: reliability, service availability, and performance predictability.
Kagiso has been a part of the wider Reunert team for nearly 15 years. He enrolled at Reunert College in 2008 to prepare for tertiary education, was one of the top 10 students of his year, and received a bursary from the Reunert Group to study further.
Following the completion of a national diploma in electrical engineering, Kagiso joined Reunert company, Nashua Communication in 2012.By 2017, he added a B.Tech degree to his achievements. Nashua Communication has since become part of +OneX, the new-age systems and solutions integrator in the Reunert group.
“Reunert and +OneX have supported me throughout my career and education journey, sponsoring my tuition from the national diploma to my master’s degree,” says Kagiso. “+OneX’s financial support also gave me the opportunity to present my paper on my first-ever trip overseas. My grandmother raised me on her own after my mother passed away when I was three. The support of Reunert and +OneX have helped me succeed, despite this difficult start in life.”
“I’m looking forward to growing within the company. My goals are to apply the theory and skills I acquired in academia, while developing skills in strategic leadership. I’m not finished studying yet — one of my longer term goals is to get an MBA and strengthen my understanding of the business side. +OneX is a company that supports growth, so I’m anticipating a long career here, with opportunities to get more business and management exposure.”
Kea Hammond, Chief People Officer at OneX, says: “We are proud of Kagiso’s journey and achievements over the past 15 years. The Reunert Group’s college, bursaries and other support have helped so many young adults from underprivileged communities to realise their potential. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Kagiso – people like him are the heart of our business and the key to exceeding our clients’ expectations.”
