The next wave of ICT talent arrives

By: Nosipho Mnyandu

The Faculty of Information and Communications Technology (FoICT) officially welcomed its first-year students with an exhilarating orientation day filled with motivation, engagement, and inspiration.

The students gathered with lecturers and key staff members for orientation day

The orientation took place on 27 February at the Tech 9 Hall at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Polokwane Campus. The new cohort gathered with excitement as representatives from various university directorates delivered messages of encouragement and guidance to mark the beginning of their academic journey.

Participants at the Tech 9 lecture hall

Phetolo Phalafala, Academic Excellence Officer at the Polokwane Campus, urged students to attend lectures consistently and actively participate in their academic activities. He emphasised the importance of dedication and hard work, highlighting that the Academic Excellence Office takes pride in recognising and awarding students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance each year. His message served as a powerful reminder that excellence is both acknowledged and celebrated within the faculty.

Adding to the inspiration was Mmaphuti Kgomo, the 2025 Top Achiever of the Faculty, who shared practical advice drawn from her own experience. She encouraged students to build meaningful relationships with their lecturers and to take full advantage of opportunities available to them, including Studythons and Hackathons. She also advised students to use their spare time wisely by developing additional skills that would enhance their academic and professional growth.

Mmaphuthi Kgomo, 2025 Top Achiever of the faculty

Financial literacy was also a key focus of the day. Winston Milanzi from First National Bank, one of the sponsors of the Limpopo Varsity Hackathon, provided valuable insights on managing personal finances. He encouraged students to be responsible with their money and shared practical advice on how they could make their finances work for them from an early stage.

Winston Milanzi

Speaking on behalf of Girls in Tech, an initiative dedicated to supporting young women within the ICT Faculty, Refilwe Mthethwa encouraged female students to become part of the initiative. She emphasised that the platform exists to empower women in a field that has traditionally been male dominated, reminding them that they are equally capable of excelling and reaching great heights in the technology industry.

Refilwe Mthethwa

The orientation was interactive, allowing students to engage directly with the speakers and ask relevant questions. The atmosphere was lively and spirited as students participated in a war cry, fully immersing themselves in the welcoming experience and embracing their new academic community.

ICT mentors and tutors 2026


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