Infotech embarked on its journey in 1980 as a sub-distributor for Wang products, carving a niche in South Africa's public sector with a focus on delivering cutting-edge technology solutions. In 1982, it aligned with the Mertech Group, formed by the Mergon Foundation Trust and BNF Trust, which soon became its majority shareholder, providing a robust foundation for growth. The company quickly distinguished itself, achieving the highest sales revenue for Wang products in Southern Africa for three consecutive years starting in 1983, a testament to its market prowess.

By 1989, Infotech pioneered Technicare, a groundbreaking outsourcing service for software and system support, addressing critical gaps left by original suppliers unwilling or unable to maintain their products. This innovation solidified Infotech’s reputation, and by 1992, it had become a sought-after distributor for global giants like Microsoft, Cisco, Hewlett-Packard, and Intel, expanding its influence across South Africa’s technology landscape. The early 1990s marked a pivotal shift as Infotech launched its research and development division in 1993, laying the groundwork for what would become its core business.

In 1994, IBM acquired a 25% stake in Technicare, signaling confidence in Infotech’s vision, while the establishment of the Infotech Foundation, funded by the Mergon Foundation Trust, underscored its commitment to uplifting disadvantaged communities, with a trust deed ensuring black community leadership. Financial success followed, with audited statements in 1995 revealing a 37% compound annual growth rate since 1980, reflecting the group’s dynamic expansion. By 1997, Infotech advanced its Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) initiatives by introducing Pamodzi Investment Holdings to Technicare, which acquired IBM’s stake and took an active board role.

The sale of Technicare in 1998 for R150 million provided substantial capital, strategically reinvested to fuel future ventures and innovation. As the new millennium approached, Infotech continued to evolve. In 1999, its Cabling Division transformed into Blown Fibre, an independent entity specializing in fibre optic technology, leveraging Fibre Flow as its flagship product. By 2000, Infotech repositioned itself as a technology holdings company, prioritizing the development of proprietary intellectual property to spawn innovative ventures.

In 2006, a joint venture formed Enermatics Energy, which developed smart-meter solutions to address South Africa’s looming energy crisis, empowering municipalities with demand-side management tools. A year later, in 2007, Infotech co-founded Intellibureau Solutions, a platform for tracking personnel and assets, further expanding its technological footprint. By 2009, both Mobile Data and Enermatics Energy had matured into self-sustaining entities with independent leadership.

A 2012 restructuring solidified Infotech’s evolution into a technology holdings company, creating three wholly-owned subsidiaries: Infotech RED, dedicated to research and intellectual property; Intellibureau Solutions, the commercial arm; and iSanity, a niche storage and IT service provider that introduced INFINIDAT to South Africa until 2018. The introduction of the “Authentically Infotech” certification unified its brands under shared values of innovation, integrity, and quality, drawing on the collective expertise of the Infotech RED team.

In 2017, Infotech achieved a landmark deal, selling its Intelligen™ mobile asset tracking platform and Wattkeeper® smart utilities platform to Urbanise, a global IoT and service delivery leader listed on the ASX. This acquisition, finalized on February 6, 2017, after South African Reserve Bank approval, enhanced Urbanise’s capabilities in real-time asset management and utility billing, integrating Infotech’s innovative technologies into global markets. Meanwhile, iSanity, excluded from the deal, emerged as an independent entity with Infotech as its majority shareholder, supported by the Mergon Foundation

By 2022, iSanity rebranded as Infotech Integrated Solutions, seamlessly aligning with Infotech’s 40-year legacy as a trailblazing IT company in South Africa. Through strategic acquisitions, empowerment initiatives, and relentless innovation, Infotech has not only shaped the technology landscape but also left an indelible mark on social progress and economic growth.