Etienne Louw predicts that enriched mapping and geo-located information services are the future and the next major phase in the demand for ‘intelligent’ mapping. Apart from his expertise, Louw is a normal guy who has a big heart for Jesus and a love for ‘Blackie’, his Blackberry.

By Candace King


What was your first job/ where did you start?

I was a computer programmer at SA Post Office; had a bursary from them to study computer science and had to work back some years to pay them back. It was an exciting job. I wrote the ‘1023’ enquiry system still run by Telkom today.

What made you want to build a career in your profession?

I saw a small article in the Daily News in Durban while in matric; when I saw what computers could do to help make people’s lives easier I immediately realised that that is what I wanted to do. I had never seen a computer in my life up to that point.

Describe a day in your life at present.

I get up if at all possible only after the sun is up, get to MapIT and have fun. In the evenings I like spending time with my wife and I enjoy a good glass of red wine.


How do you unwind behind the scenes?

Love playing golf and watching the Sharks beat the Bulls.

List your favourite song; movie; and book

Song: Water of Love by Dire Straits
Movie: I am Sam;
Book: The Bible and Ten Lessons from the Future by Wolfgang Grulke.

Who would you most like to meet - dead or alive - and why

Jesus. I just think He was the most awesome man to ever live and I would have loved to be able to walk and talk with Him and ask Him about so many things in life that I do not have answers for.

What has been one of the most important lessons you have learnt?

That we in ourselves are weak and tend to stuff up everything we touch, but through Jesus we are strong and capable of anything. I still stuff things up every now and then but it is great to know He is always there to pick me up and give me the wisdom to correct what I have messed up.

What is your secret indulgence and your three 'can't live without' items?

Chocolate mousse; Blackie (my Blackberry); laptop; and golf clubs.

Who do you think is getting it right in the industry?

Internationally, Google and ESRI have been doing some great things and one can learn a lot from them. Tom Tom also has some good things up their sleeve, watch this space …

Which person in the industry do you think is making waves?

Our industry is not really known for its movers and shakers.

What is your favourite cologne?

Diamonds by Armani.

Which car would best personify you, and why?

Mercedes Benz SLK range – pure class.

What is your favourite reality TV series?

Survivor.

Who is someone you truly look up to, and which qualities do you
most admire about them?

Probably sounds corny, but I think Nelson Mandela is the most incredible man that walked this earth after my ultimate hero Jesus Christ. To have gone through all the emotional stages he had to in his life and still be the leader that I can admire because of his steadfastness and absolute Christ-like qualities is amazing. If I can leave a fraction of his legacy of leadership behind one day I would feel I have achieved a lot.

What's your stance on social media?

Social media is a great innovation of our time. It’s awesome to be able to connect with long lost friends; colleagues; and family. With interesting business applications mixed with location-based services, it becomes a very powerful tool and will become the defacto way people interact with each other and business in time to come.