Mathew Zungu, Senior Solutions Consultant, Inspired Testing
Industry veteran returns to lead automation and AI testing initiatives
Inspired Testing is delighted to announce the return of Mathew Zungu to the role of Senior Solutions Consultant.
Zungu, who previously served as Test Architect with the company, brings extensive expertise in test automation, quality assurance, and emerging AI testing methodologies to his renewed position.
In his current role, Zungu works directly with clients to identify and resolve pain points through automation frameworks, while conducting comprehensive analysis of test environments and performing quality assurance and engineering assessments.
His work spans people, process, and tools, including training and upskilling testers who wish to transition from manual testing to test automation. Reflecting a core value of Inspired Testing — exercising collective and reflective wisdom — Mathew helps build a community of professionals who not only learn from each other but shape the future of testing together.
In his first role at Inspired Testing, Zungu was instrumental in implementing proof of concepts (POCs), introducing test automation solutions to clients, developing responses to RFQs for test automation, and performing health checks across various projects. When offered a new challenge in the banking sector, Zungu found the support and flexibility he needed from Inspired Testing's leadership.
"Jacques Fouché told me that if I found the grass wasn't greener elsewhere, I'd always be welcome back," Zungu recalls.
"The openness, generosity, and transparency of the leadership team, including Leon Lodewyks, CTO at Inspired Testing, really stood out to me. So when I reached out and said, 'The grass is not greener, can I come back?' They welcomed me with open arms," he explains.
"The lesson for me was clear: even if the grass looks greener on the other side, never burn bridges. I was proud to come back, and I carry the Inspired Testing badge with pride."
The company publicly celebrated Zungu's return on professional social networks, demonstrating their commitment to transparency and employee relationships.
"Today I am even more comfortable with the work that I'm doing," says Zungu. "It makes me even more committed to do the very best for our clients, and I've been given the autonomy to use all my expertise and the company's resources to do so."
Zungu identifies a critical gap in the current market: the scarcity of quality software testers who can effectively leverage AI tools. "Companies are really battling to find testers that are fluid, who can use AI tools for the betterment of software testing," he notes. "Very few testers can claim to be proficient in using AI in testing, and also testing AI."
Inspired Testing's proprietary VeloAI platform - a testing co-pilot designed to assist testers - represents a competitive advantage in this space, both in South Africa and internationally. According to Zungu, the tool not only designs test cases and writes code but provides additional time for advanced skill application - encouraging testers to ask what’s next and explore new possibilities in AI-driven quality assurance.
"Too many companies are afraid to adopt AI due to fear of security and exposure, but our tools have guardrails built in from day one to ensure maximum security and privacy for any organisation in any industry," he states.
Looking ahead, Zungu aims to establish himself as a domain expert in AI testing, particularly in testing Large Language Models and GPTs.
"I firmly believe this is the future of testing, and the future of technology as a whole," he says. "The biggest risk is the lack of skills, and that's where we have the advantage as a company and a group of professionals."
Nadine du Toit, Managing Executive at Inspired Testing, commented: "Matthew's performance is truly exceptional. It is an honour to collaborate with him once more and be part of the same team."
Outside the office, Zungu maintains a healthy lifestyle through gym workouts and golf, while continuing to explore AI technology as a personal interest.
