TUT Fascinating World of ICT Introduced to Learners and Industry Partners

In conjunction with Faculty Entrepreneurial Expo Day (FEED), the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology at Tshwane University of Technology recently organized its annual event at the Soshanguve South Campus. The purpose of FEED was threefold: the Faculty’s courses would be promoted to grade 12 learners within close proximity to the Soshanguve South Campus; students of ICT would be encouraged to become entrepreneurs; and final year students would present their latest, cutting-edge projects to industry partners.

TUT Fascinating World of ICT Introduced to Learners and Industry Partners

A wide range of industry participants attended the event, including the Rail Manufacturing Center for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubation (RMCERI), Thatha (ICT alumnus, owner of Shumi Phones), International Business Machines (IBM), Huawei, and other prominent technology companies. Students from the faculty created a variety of exciting projects for the event. In addition to exhibiting projects, these companies also got a deeper understanding of the students’ work.

The Faculty also provided first-hand information to 80 (80) matric learners from Hlomphanang High School with mathematics and physical science as subjects in the Student Centre about the wide range of courses offered at the Faculty, as well as the need for jobs that require ICT-related skills as well as their relevance for the future of work, from the respective Heads of Departments. They also agreed that the ICT Faculty’s focus is on equipping its students with the latest skills and knowledge so that they are prepared for the future.

Students interested in enrolling at TUT were given an overview of the University’s admission procedures, policies, and laws by TUT’s Assistant Registrar: Enrollment Management and Planning, Wally Langa.

Afterwards, the matric learners toured the exhibition room and interacted with the industry partners and students who were displaying their final year projects to see what they would learn if they enrolled.

FEED’s coordinator and initiator, Vuyisile Memani, a lecturer in computer science, explained why he organized the event. ICT is a faculty that prides itself on offering relevant qualifications that empower students to make a positive impact on the world. We equip our graduates with vital technical skills that allow them to contribute immediately to the workplace or even start their own businesses. To enhance our impact on the communities where we are located, we chose to display our programmes at Hlomphanang and to promote our university as a good choice for students,” he said.

We delivered the programme of the day exactly to the letter and the school greatly appreciated our hospitality, as well as the HoD sharing valuable information with them personally. Learners were given an insight into Tebogo Sako’s experience as a student in the Faculty of Education. I was thrilled to hear that it excited and motivated them to become part of the ICT Faculty,” Memani said.

TUT’s invitation was appreciated by educator Mpho Mathabatha, who accompanied the learners. Many of our learners had never been to a university before. The experience of a day in university life was immensely enjoyable, even if it was just for a day. In addition, the Expo enhanced the learners’ outlook on things. A number of students were inspired to join the ICT faculty by the projects they created and displayed, particularly since they used technology to solve real life problems and make positive changes in their communities and around the world.”

Final year students displaying their projects.