Kabelo Shushu
Senior Business Analyst
Cape Town,WC
Summary
Seasoned IT professional with 19 years of experience across finance, insurance, and media industries. Proven expertise in business analysis, agile delivery, and QA leadership, with a strong track record of delivering value-driven technology solutions. Adept at stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration to drive digital transformation and operational excellence.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Senior Business Analyst
Liberty Group South Africa
10.2022 - Current
- Lead large-scale transformation projects to improve system performance and business alignment.
- Collaborate across functions to translate requirements into integrated technology solutions.
- Facilitate workshops and support process redesign initiatives.
- Deliver measurable value through business-aligned IT solutions.
- Managed stakeholder expectations through transparent communication and timely status updates, ensuring alignment between project deliverables and business objectives.
- Streamlined workflow for better productivity with the implementation of new software solutions.
- Ensured adherence to regulatory requirements by staying abreast of industry standards and best practices.
- Supported leadership team with reporting, analysis, and business presentations to inform divisional strategies.
- Interacted with internal customers to understand business needs and translate into requirements and project scope.
- Facilitated requirement gathering workshops, resulting in clear project objectives and deliverables.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, ensuring a cohesive approach to business analysis.
- Created detailed user stories for system enhancements, leading to improved functionality and user satisfaction.
Senior Business Analyst
Santam Insurance
05.2018 - 09.2022
- Facilitated requirement-gathering workshops to understand business needs and translate them into requirements, resulting in clear project objectives and focused solution deliverables.
- Conducted gap analyses to identify discrepancies between current and desired states, leading to actionable recommendations.
- Identified needed business improvements, and determined the appropriate systems required to implement solutions.
- Led process mapping initiatives, resulting in optimized workflows and reduced redundancies across departments.
- Created detailed user stories for system enhancements, leading to improved functionality and user satisfaction.
- Facilitated smoother project management processes by introducing agile methodologies, which improved team collaboration.
- Facilitated communication between technical and non-technical team members, ensuring project alignment across all parties involved.
- Performed internal system acceptance to deliver well-tested enhancements and meet business requirements.
- Enhanced user experience with thorough testing and troubleshooting of software applications.
- Analyzed user feedback to identify areas requiring improvement, prioritizing enhancements based on impact potential.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing user inquiries promptly and professionally, resolving issues efficiently wherever possible.
- Trained business personnel with the knowledge necessary to utilize the systems effectively.
Test Team Lead
Santam Insurance
10.2016 - 04.2018
- Led a team of testers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality software products.
- Managed resources effectively, ensuring optimal utilization of personnel, tools, and equipment during test execution.
- Reviewed test cases created by team members to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to established standards.
- Improved overall junior team members' performance by providing mentorship and guidance on the best industry practices in software testing methodologies and techniques.
- Facilitated knowledge sharing among team members through workshops, presentations, or documentation efforts.
- Established quality benchmarks for the team, driving continuous improvement initiatives through regular feedback sessions.
- Assisted in the selection of appropriate testing tools and technologies that aligned with project goals and requirements.
- Developed metrics-based reporting systems for tracking progress and measuring test effectiveness.
- Collaborated with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to establish clear testing objectives and requirements.
- Introduced risk-based testing approaches to prioritize high-impact areas, optimizing time and resources spent on tests.
- Defined, created and controlled testing environments for successful software deliverables.
- Gathered data on integration issues and vulnerabilities, reported findings and recommended improvements.
- Coordinated with external vendors for specialized testing services when necessary, ensuring seamless integration into existing workflows.
Senior Quality Assurance Test Analyst
DStv Online
02.2015 - 09.2016
- Led technical testing and automation for digital products, ensuring quality across web services and customer-facing platforms.
- Reviewed requirements, specifications, and technical design documents to provide timely and meaningful feedback.
- Contributed to the successful launch of new software features by validating functional requirements and ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.
- Ensured timely delivery of high-quality software products by effectively prioritizing and managing test cases.
- Conducted root cause analysis for critical defects, providing actionable insights for process improvements and defect prevention measures.
- Participated in post-release analysis, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence of issues.
- Developed reusable test scripts for efficient future testing efforts, reducing time spent on repetitive tasks significantly.
- Reduced defect leakage to production by proactively identifying risks and implementing robust test strategies.
- Maintained up-to-date documentation of test results, ensuring clear communication of project status to stakeholders.
- Evaluated third-party tools for potential integration into the existing QA framework, recommending solutions to enhance testing capabilities.
- Operated under Agile and Scrum frameworks to complete releases and well-organized sprints.
- Tested functional and compatibility of new programs or updates in comparison to existing applications.
- Built automated test scripts to handle repetitive software testing work.
- Completed in-depth usability testing on Windows, Android and iOS mobile devices.
- Streamlined testing processes by implementing automated testing tools and methodologies, reducing manual effort.
- Documented testing procedures for developers and future testing use.
Senior Software Test Analyst
Metropolitan Life Insurance
03.2013 - 01.2015
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of software components.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends in software quality assurance practices through continued professional development opportunities such as training courses or conferences attended throughout tenure at company.
- Improved user experience with thorough usability testing and constructive feedback to developers.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by validating adherence to industry standards during the testing process.
- Developed reusable test assets such as scripts, data sets, and templates for use across multiple projects within the organization.
- Championed the adoption of Agile methodologies within the organization, facilitating communication between developers and testers for faster delivery cycles.
- Reduced project costs by identifying and addressing software defects early in the development cycle.
- Enhanced software quality by designing and executing comprehensive test plans and scenarios.
- Kept stakeholders informed of testing progress through timely status updates and detailed reports.
- Managed vendor relationships for third-party testing tools, ensuring cost-effective solutions that met organizational needs.
- Streamlined testing processes, implementing automated testing tools and frameworks for efficiency gains.
- Increased customer satisfaction, conducting regular client meetings for requirements gathering and issue resolution.
- Exceeded team goals consistently in terms of defect detection and resolution rates, resulting in high-quality software releases.
- Participated in available trainings to improve software knowledge.
- Operated under Agile and Scrum frameworks to complete releases and well-organized sprints.
- Tested functional and compatibility of new programs or updates in comparison to existing applications.
- Documented testing procedures for developers and future testing use.
- Identified bugs and issues within system and applied troubleshooting techniques for mitigation purposes.
- Conducted root cause analysis for critical defects, leading to more effective resolutions and prevention of future occurrences.
- Streamlined communication channels between QA teams, developers, and stakeholders to create a more efficient workflow process.
Senior Software Quality Assurance Analyst
ILab Technologies
09.2009 - 02.2013
- Led end-to-end testing efforts across enterprise systems, supporting Vodacom Contact Centre platforms through manual and automated testing.
- Championed the adoption of modern QA methodologies across the organization leading to improved overall product quality.
- Defined test strategies, created test plans and test cases, and executed functional testing, integration testing, and automated regression testing (using QTP and keyword-driven frameworks).
- Increased efficiency of software releases through implementation of effective change management processes.
- Improved software quality by conducting thorough manual and automated testing of applications.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, tools, and best practices in software quality assurance.
- Supported the following Vodacom Contact Centre systems/applications: SAP-HR-integrated Easyleave system, Knowledge Management (CCH)-integrated Vodacom product catalog, and CRM solutions integrated with Genesys, IDV, and CCODS.
- Reduced project delays by effectively communicating progress reports to stakeholders on a regular basis.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and high product performance.
Software Testing Lead
Old Mutual Investment Group
01.2009 - 08.2009
- Led testing efforts and team coordination for the Distribution Postings Project, ensuring quality delivery across business-critical systems.
- Created test strategies, master test plans, and executed functional and integration testing aligned with business requirements.
- Oversaw task allocation, test progress tracking, and mentoring of junior team members.
- Participated in JAD sessions and project status meetings to align QA with stakeholder expectations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth project delivery within deadlines and budget constraints.
- Increased customer satisfaction by addressing critical issues quickly through effective triaging of bug reports and feature requests.
- Established strong working relationships with stakeholders through clear communication of project objectives, progress updates, risks assessments.
- Enhanced software quality by conducting thorough code reviews and enforcing coding standards.
- Streamlined testing processes by utilizing industry-standard tools such as JIRA, Selenium, and TestRail.
- Mitigated risks associated with complex integrations by thoroughly assessing systems compatibility during end-to-end tests.
- Facilitated knowledge sharing sessions among team members to foster a culture of continuous learning.
- Earned recognition as subject matter expert through consistent demonstration of technical expertise and commitment to software quality excellence.
Senior Test Consultant
Test and Data Services
03.2006 - 12.2008
- Improved product reliability through rigorous testing methodologies and thorough defect tracking.
- Streamlined communication channels with developers, ensuring timely resolution of identified defects.
- Collaborated with business analysts to validate user requirements, enhancing product functionality alignment with business needs.
- Reduced project delays by effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams on test planning and execution.
- Produced detailed test reports that clearly communicated results to project teams, enabling informed decision-making throughout the development lifecycle.
- Contributed to the development of reusable test assets, driving both cost savings and improved test coverage.
- Coordinated work with various teams to solve problems and improve efficiency for software testing and automation.
- Monitored resolution of bugs, tested fixes, and helped developers tackle ongoing problems by providing QA perspective.
- Completed pre-implementation testing for new system modifications to assess potential impacts.
- Documented testing procedures for developers and future testing use.
- Optimized test cases to maximize success of manual software testing.
- Enhanced software quality by designing and implementing comprehensive test strategies.
Education
No Degree - Strategic Leadership Online Programme Certificate
GIBS Business School
MasterStart 04.2022 - 12.2022
No Degree - Business And Management Development Online Program
GIBS Business School
MasterStart 04.2022 - 12.2022
No Degree - Advanced Business Analysis Certificate Programme
Faculty Training Institute
Cape Town, South Africa 04.2017 - 12.2018
No Degree - Certificate, Business Systems Analysis
UCT
GetSmarter 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - B.Com Hons, Information Systems
North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit
Mafikeng, South Africa 04.2005 - 12.2006
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit
Mafikeng, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Strategic Business & Systems Analysis
Agile Project Delivery (Scrum, SAFe)
Stakeholder Management & Facilitation
Software Quality Assurance
Process Improvement & Re-engineering
API & Web Services Testing (SOAP/REST)
Test Automation (Selenium, QTP)
Digital Transformation
Communication & Team Leadership
Agile methodology
Stakeholder management
Requirements gathering
Business process mapping
User acceptance testing
Business process improvement
Data analysis
Forecasting and planning
SQL proficiency
KPI tracking
Software development lifecycle
Business intelligence tools
Competitive analysis
Cost-benefit analysis
Business solutions development
External market data tracking
Technology architecture analysis
Gap analysis
Team collaboration
Project management
Problem-solving
Release planning
CRM systems
Certification
ISTQB Advanced Test Manager
Accomplishments
- Earned the Santam CIO Award for exceeding expectations and embodying Santam values by delivering a high-quality software product on time for the Broker Portal Upgrade Project.
Timeline
Senior Business Analyst
Liberty Group South Africa
10.2022 - Current
No Degree - Strategic Leadership Online Programme Certificate
GIBS Business School
04.2022 - 12.2022
No Degree - Business And Management Development Online Program
GIBS Business School
04.2022 - 12.2022
Senior Business Analyst
Santam Insurance
05.2018 - 09.2022
No Degree - Advanced Business Analysis Certificate Programme
Faculty Training Institute
04.2017 - 12.2018
Test Team Lead
Santam Insurance
10.2016 - 04.2018
Senior Quality Assurance Test Analyst
DStv Online
02.2015 - 09.2016
Senior Software Test Analyst
Metropolitan Life Insurance
03.2013 - 01.2015
Senior Software Quality Assurance Analyst
ILab Technologies
09.2009 - 02.2013
Software Testing Lead
Old Mutual Investment Group
01.2009 - 08.2009
Senior Test Consultant
Test and Data Services
03.2006 - 12.2008
Bachelor of Science - B.Com Hons, Information Systems
North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit
04.2005 - 12.2006
No Degree - Certificate, Business Systems Analysis
UCT
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit
04.2001 -