Prudence Lethole
Systems Developer, Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI)
ABOUT PRUDENCE LETHOLE
Prudence Lethole, an Assistant Director: Systems Developer at the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI), with a background in Computer Science from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), leads a team of developers responsible for designing, building, and supporting digital systems for CPSI and various government departments.
Her work focuses on end-to-end systems development, including building solutions from scratch where there is a clear need, as well as replicating and adapting existing systems to reduce duplication across the public sector. A key part of her approach is skills transfer, ensuring that receiving departments are equipped with the technical knowledge and capability to independently maintain and enhance the systems implemented.
She is driven by a commitment to sustainable public sector innovation, collaboration, and the development of strong internal technical capacity, believing that impactful digital transformation is achieved through both technology delivery and empowered people.
The work of Prudence Lethole
One of my core areas of work is leading replication-driven systems development within the public sector. I have worked on building systems for CPSI and external government departments, including the replication and adaptation of eRecruitment platforms to suit different departmental requirements. These projects include structured skills transfer to ensure sustainability and long-term ownership by the receiving departments.
I was part of the team that planned and organised the Public Sector DevCon, a developer conference aimed at creating a developer movement within the public sector. My role included coordinating speakers, engaging tech leads, and ensuring the successful delivery of masterclasses and project showcases. The conference brought together public and private sector technologists to share knowledge, showcase solutions, and promote replication instead of duplicated effort. Topics ranged from cybersecurity to data science and modern software development practices.
I have also initiated the development of a database and ecosystem for public sector developers, creating a collaborative space where developers can connect, share ideas, discuss technical challenges, and learn from one another across departments.
In addition, I actively mentor at hackathons and innovation challenges. In September 2025, I was recognised as the Top Mentor at the G20 Tourism Hackathon, an achievement that reflects my commitment to developing emerging tech talent.
As part of my CPSI responsibilities, I verify and evaluate projects entered into the Batho Pele & Innovation Awards, which involves visiting projects across provinces. This work gives me valuable exposure to innovative solutions implemented nationally and allows me to identify opportunities where solutions developed in one province can be effectively replicated in others.
Mentorship is a key part of my role. I mentor and train interns within my team, and I am proud to see many of them growing into capable professionals who are making meaningful contributions in the tech space.