Calculated Conversations: Data as Critical Infrastructure: with Dr. Sandile Mbatha (South Africa's First Chief Data Officer)

Dr. Sandile Mbatha discusses the shift to data-driven governance, how to build integrated platforms like the National Strategic Hub, and why organizations must treat data as a strategic asset, not a byproduct of operations.

In this episode of Calculated Conversations, I spoke with Dr. Sandile Mbatha, South Africa’s first-ever Chief Data Officer. Dr. Mbatha is at the forefront of developing a data-driven culture within government operations, where he plays a crucial role in reshaping how resources are allocated and services delivered. Dr. Mbatha's journey in data governance spans roles such as Senior Manager: Data, Research, and Policy Advocacy at eThekwini Municipality and Consultant for UN-Habitat. His work has focused on developing strategic data systems and tools to support decision-making, advocating for evidence-based policies, and fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors. In his…

Data-driven decision-making is increasingly important in both public and private sectors. In your view, how can organizations best harness data to improve decision-making and drive innovation?

Organizations need to start seeing data as critical infrastructure and an asset. It begins with a mindset change. Data cannot be and should not be a ‘by-the-way’ thing. Once this change takes place, organizations need to start working with whatever data they have to find solutions to their challenges. For me, it begins by just getting started. Use whatever data is available to build a reporting tool (strategic or operational). Demonstrate the art of what is possible when you use data to make decisions. You do not have to wait until you have the state-of-the-art database with fancy architecture models.

You have led the development of the National Strategic Hub, a pioneering data innovation initiative. What would you say are the key factors in successfully building a platform that integrates data for innovation and impact?

Starting point is understanding and accepting the complexity of the environment you are trying to work in. The public sector is very complex and rigid. Let this fact sink in and accept it so that it does not become an obstacle worth talking about. Then you have to have a clear view of the problem(s) you are trying to solve. I started with the simplest datasets to extract value and make the insights visible. What becomes more important is how your data work supports the efforts of data custodians to report better. You do not just go around asking for data from other departments. Instead, you ask, “How can I assist you in using your data to report better and in an agile way?” For each dataset…