PHAKISHO MAMOLAMO KUPA
Noordwyk
Summary
A results-driven Senior Engineering Specialist with over 10 years of experience in Radio Planning, Optimization, and Network Strategy at Vodacom. Currently advancing expertise through a Master's in Big Data Science, with a focus on applying Machine Learning, Statistical Modelling, and Mathematical Optimization to solve complex telecommunications challenges. Proven leadership in managing high-performing teams and delivering innovative projects, including the first live 5G site implementation. Combines deep domain knowledge in mobile networks (2G to 5G) with modern data science tools to drive data-informed decisions and strategic network evolution.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Specialist in Radio Planning and Optimization
Vodacom
01.2014 - Current
- Leading a team of 10 radio planning and optimization specialists in Gauteng SGC.
- Provided high level support and coaching to enhance team development.
- Managed multiple high-level projects in network operations.
- Collaborates with stakeholders for efficient project planning and execution.
- Overseeing higher-order network entity planning and configuration.
- Executed 5G implementations and Cloud Air (GULN) deployments.
- Leading special technological projects with the technology from 2G to 5G.
- Provide end to end support on new site planning to site optimisation.
- Utilized various tools for monitoring network performance and site optimization.
Education
Master of Science - Big Data Science
University of Pretoria
Pretoria01-2025
Short Courses - Python for datascience, R language essentials, Math for machine learning, statistics for datascience, Data preparation (Numpy + Pandas), visualization with python, Associate machine learning, Advanced machine learning, SQL for Datascience, Tableau Associate and Big data Essentials
Vodafone Academy
Midrand10-2024
High Impact and Leadership Development program -
Wits Business School
Johannesburg06.2022
Masters of Engineering - Engineering Management (Adoption of new technologies)
University of Pretoria
Pretoria01.2019
Certificate - Project Management
University of Cape Town
Cape Town12.2016
BEng - Electrical and Electronic Engineering
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg01.2014
Skills
- Data Science & Analytics: Python (Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn), R, SQL, Power BI, Machine Learning, Statistical Analysis, Mathematical Optimization, Big Data Principles
- Telecommunications: 5G/NB-IoT Implementation, Spectrum Management, RAN Planning & Optimization, Network Performance Management (2G, 3G, LTE, LTE-A), Carrier Aggregation, MIMO
- Tools & Platforms: SONAR, Atoll, NASTAR, RHINO, NEMO/ACTIX, IRIS, NetScout, AWS (EC2, Security), Huawei U2020/M2000, Qlik Sense, IB-Wave
- Professional Skills: Project Management, Team Leadership & Development, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Financial Management, ICT Policy & Regulation
Accomplishments
• Pioneered the implementation of the first live 5G technology site at Vodaworld (2018), a project recognized by the CEO.
• Top performer in my organisation for the past 3 years
• Perform advanced analysis of network performance data from drive tests (P3 Benchmarking, customer complaints) to identify and resolve network degradation, improving Key Quality Indicators (KQIs).
• Utilize forecasting models for capacity planning across multiple technologies to ensure network readiness for future demand.
• Leverage monitoring tools (SONAR, Qlik Sense) to create performance dashboards and reports for strategic decision-making.
• Top performer in my organisation for the past 3 years
• Perform advanced analysis of network performance data from drive tests (P3 Benchmarking, customer complaints) to identify and resolve network degradation, improving Key Quality Indicators (KQIs).
• Utilize forecasting models for capacity planning across multiple technologies to ensure network readiness for future demand.
• Leverage monitoring tools (SONAR, Qlik Sense) to create performance dashboards and reports for strategic decision-making.
Current Position
Senior Specialist in Radio Planning and Optimization, 10, Team Leader for 10 radio planning and optimisation specialists in Gauteng SGC, Provide support and guidance to the team, Provide coaching and team development, Managed various high level projects, Working with various stakeholders for planning and execution of various projects within Network operations, Manage higher order network entity planning & configuration
Educational Qualifications
University of Pretoria, 01/01/18 - 05/01/19, MEng - Masters in Engineering Management, All course modules, Influence of spectrum allocation in successful adoption of 5G technology, University of Johannesburg, 01/01/10 - 12/01/14, BEng - Electrical and Electronic Engineering, All Subjects, University of Cape Town, 06/01/16 - 12/01/16, Certificate in Project Management, All Subjects, Selebalo Senior Secondary School, 01/01/05 - 12/01/09, Grade 12, Mathematics, Physical Science, English, Pelangwe Primary School, Grade 7, 2004, High Impact and Leadership Development program, Wits Business School, 6 Months, 2022, 5G NLP Accelerated Training Program, 6 Months, 2022, DATA SCIENTIST Programme, Vodafone Academy, 2025, In Progress, Python for Data Science, R Language Essentials, Math for Machine Learning, Statistics for Data Science, Data Preparation (Numpy + Pandas), Visualization with Python, Associate Machine Learning, Advanced Machine Learning, SQL for Data Science, Tableau Associate, Big Data Essentials
Drivers License
4221000025HR, 10
Skills And Experience
Maintenance management, Systems engineering researching, Project management, People management, Financial management, Information management, Strategic Management, Team Leader, 2021-Present, 10, 11/01/21 - 05/01/22, 6, Python, R, Power BI, Microsoft Office 365, SQL Databases, MATLab, Java, Amazon Web Services (Cloud), C(C++), Etap, ATOLL, Naster, Organising, Reporting, Time management, Critical thinking, Interpersonal communication
Career Objectives
- MEng, Engineering Management, University of Pretoria, 05/01/19, Influence of spectrum allocation in successful adoption of 5G technology
- BEng, Electrical Engineering, University of Johannesburg, 12/01/14
- Project Management, University of Cape Town, 12/01/16
- High Impact Leadership Development, Wits Business School, In Progress
References
- University of Johannesburg, P O Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, 011 559 4559, 011 559 4513
- Vodacom, Jeremy Oliver, Jeremy.Oliver@vodacom.co.za, +27829908094
- Vodacom, Jonathan Chinyanga, 0828224656, Jonathan.Chinyanga@vodacom.co.za
- Vodacom, Nthabiseng Mamabolo, 0781092040, MamaboNA@eskom.co.za
Timeline
Senior Specialist in Radio Planning and Optimization
Vodacom
01.2014 - Current
Master of Science - Big Data Science
University of Pretoria
Short Courses - Python for datascience, R language essentials, Math for machine learning, statistics for datascience, Data preparation (Numpy + Pandas), visualization with python, Associate machine learning, Advanced machine learning, SQL for Datascience, Tableau Associate and Big data Essentials
Vodafone Academy
High Impact and Leadership Development program -
Wits Business School
Masters of Engineering - Engineering Management (Adoption of new technologies)
University of Pretoria
Certificate - Project Management
University of Cape Town
BEng - Electrical and Electronic Engineering
University of Johannesburg