Prophet SA Spotlight: Rikus van Zyl

Team Lead of Software Design at Prophet SA, Rikus van Zyl, is one of the several team members who celebrate more than ten years of service with the company this year. Rikus shares some of his highlights at Prophet SA thus far and tells us a little more about himself. 

You have been with Prophet SA for 12 years this year. During this time, what have been some of your highlights at the company thus far? 

One of my highlights is the fantastic colleagues that I have come to know and built friendships with over the years. It is really satisfying to see how Prophet SA’s client base and footprint has grown and the functionality that we can now offer our clients that we could not do 12 years ago. Thanks to Prophet, I’ve had the privilege of travelling to Germany, Argentina and Brazil as well as many parts of South Africa. 

What do you hope to achieve in your new role as Team Lead Software Design? 

Our focus has always been to offer comprehensive ERP solutions that have the users’ best interest at heart, which include an easy-to-use and robust front-end design.  Within this role, we aim to further streamline the overall system design and ensure we build the front-end in such a way that users can more easily fulfil their day-to-day operations.  

What does your job entail on a day-to-day basis i.e. what is your role? 

It varies. At times I give training– both in-house and for our clients. Furthermore, I look after the relationships between Prophet SA and our clients. For the past year, I am also partly responsible for the changes that have been made to QX on the front end. My role in this regard is to ensure that the changes that we make are sustainable from a long-term perspective for our clients. 

Which aspects about Prophet SA drew you to the company originally? 

My journey at Prophet SA actually began by chance. At the time, it was not my intent to change jobs. One day, a recruiter phoned me to ask me whether I’d be interested in an employment opportunity in Somerset West. Since I had nothing to lose, I said yes, and was subsequently invited for an interview. Strangely, I remember thinking to myself, as I drove home after the interview, that I wasn’t so sure about this opportunity. At the time, I worked for a printing company which employed more than 120 people and here I was considering a move to a much smaller company operating from a residential home in Somerset West. However, after further telephonic conversations, I began to see the benefit of joining the Prophet SA team: exposure to its international office in the UK and more importantly, the opportunity to learn about a whole new industry. 

What is on your wish list for the next five years at Prophet SA? 

My wish for the company is that we will continue to grow from strength to strength with our values guiding us along the way. 

Do you have a hobby? What are some of your favourite things to do outside of work? 

I don’t have a specific hobby. I like to do what most Afrikaans speaking people do – visit with friends, braai and good music. 

Name the top three items on your bucket list. 

1. I want to see the gorillas in Africa 

2. Skydive 

3. Learn to play guitar