CT Moloi from Soweto in Johannesburg is a software developer who is disrupting the tech industry by proudly introducing South African wearable devices to the global market.
As a computer science professional, he was part of the group that was classified under affirmative action because his profession was previously dominated by white men under the apartheid government.
Having worked as a software developer in one of South Africa's banking institutions in the early years of his career – specializing in developing and maintaining banking and automated teller machine applications – before venturing into entrepreneurship – he is now the founder and CEO of Khoi Tech.
The Soweto-based company specializes in the design and manufacturing of wearable tech devices that enhance health monitoring and performance management, including smart watches and wireless earphones.
“Our business solutions include employee wellness solutions for the occupational health sector across all industries, doctor-to-patient remote monitoring solutions for the public and private healthcare sectors, fatigue and wellness solutions for fleet industries, and sports team data analytics solutions for sports teams and performance environments,” he explained.
These solutions provide actionable data for proactive interventions and can play a vital role in life-saving scenarios, particularly in healthcare, transportation, mining and elderly care settings.
He started the business during the COVID-19 pandemic after running several computer and technology-related businesses with his friends.
They developed Khoi Afriwatch1, a smartwatch offering real-time health data, and the business received a grant of R500,000 from Telkom's FutureMakers program in 2022. This helped the company cover manufacturing costs, and helped the smart watch achieve a remarkable 94% accuracy in health metrics.
monitoring lung cancer patients
The company has also partnered with Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, which uses smart watches to remotely monitor about 30 lung cancer patients. Moloi believes this helps the hospital improve service delivery beyond its health facilities as there are not enough beds to accommodate patients.
“Patients get data from us on a smart watch, a cellphone and from Telkom, and we, with the help of Wits University, have created specialist software to allow the hospital to monitor their patients remotely. There are plans to roll out the program to 150 patients and eventually reach around 1,000 patients.
“In addition to funding, Telkom also provided our business with mentorship, training, market access, supplier development and physical purchasing opportunities. Telkom buys our products in bulk and distributes them to their over 300 stores nationwide, and they also sponsor us with marketing opportunities.
“On May 1, we will launch our first walk-in store in Centurion, Gauteng. Telkom has also made this possible through our partnership,” he explained.
Telkom is a partially state-owned, publicly listed company, rather than a traditional state-owned enterprise. The South African government directly holds a 40.5% stake, with the Department of Communications and Digital Technology acting as representative shareholder. It operates as a commercial entity listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange with significant private investment.
Khoi Tech products are available at selected Makro stores nationwide as well as chain stores in Soweto.
Although the company has contracted with an international manufacturer to produce its devices, the intellectual property behind the Khoi brand remains local and is 100% owned by Khoi Tech, ensuring that innovation, value creation and brand equity remain in South Africa.
In November 2024, Khoi Tech launched the Khoi AfriPods1 true wireless earphones, blending innovative functionality with African aesthetics.
ICASA certified
Moloi said the products have also been certified by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to ensure they are safe for human use. He is committed to challenging global consumer electronics brands by putting African innovation at the forefront.
“Although most of the features of our products are not new, we decided to disrupt the market so that South Africa can be represented in the global market of wearable devices. We cannot import all products, but we can produce our own and compete with international businesses,” he explained.
Initially, the company started with four software developers, but has now expanded its headcount to 20.
Khoi Tech is a member of Proudly South African, a platform which Moloi believes is important for the business as it also provides access to new markets.
For more information visit www.khoi.africa Or email info@khoi.africa.
Telkom's Future-Makers Program www.group.telkom.co.za/about-us/business-units.html
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for urgent reforms to cut red tape, warning that municipal bureaucratic delays stifle investment and township entrepreneurship. Speaking at the 2026 National Local Economic Development Summit, the President identified administrative backlogs as the primary barrier preventing small enterprises from accessing critical government support. The President urged local governments to act decisively, promoting private sector collaboration to create a business-friendly environment that unleashes South Africa's entrepreneurial potential.
*This story first appeared in Vuk'Uzenzel.