A Tshwane University of Technology alumnus, Banele Mgwevu, is using technology to help young South Africans prepare for one of the most challenging aspects of entering the workplace – the interview process.

The software developer from Etwatwa on the East Rand, studied Information and Communication Technology at TUT’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT), where he specialised in Software Development.

Today, he is the founder of ITSAGO (Pty) Ltd, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered interview coaching and career preparation platform designed to help graduates improve their confidence, interview skills and CVs.

According to Banele, the platform was inspired by personal experience and the challenges many graduates face after completing their studies. “Being a TUT alumnus and having walked those same corridors, it was important for me to create something that gives back to students and graduates,” he said.

“I know what it feels like to finish your degree and still feel unprepared for the real world. TUT equipped me with the technical skills, but nobody taught me how to sell myself in an interview.”

The idea behind ITSAGO became even more meaningful after the company he worked for underwent restructuring, prompting him to consider returning to the job market himself.

“That feeling of uncertainty was really uncomfortable,” he explained. “Instead of just preparing for myself, I thought, ‘What if I could build something that helps everyone in that position?’”

The platform enables users to practise interview questions on camera while receiving AI-generated feedback on communication, confidence and answer structure. It also includes an AI career coach, an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), and a CV Builder, all aimed at improving graduates’ chances of securing employment.

South Africa continues to face one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world. Statistics South Africa reported that youth unemployment among people aged 15 to 34 reached 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025, highlighting the difficulties many young people face in entering the labour market.

While obtaining a qualification significantly improves employment prospects, many graduates still struggle to secure work. According to recent labour market data, graduate unemployment remains a concern, with thousands of qualified young people competing for limited opportunities.

Experts increasingly point to the need for graduates to complement their qualifications with workplace-readiness skills such as communication, interview preparation, networking and personal branding.

According to Banele, youth unemployment is one of the biggest challenges facing young South Africans, particularly graduates who often struggle with confidence and interview preparation despite having the necessary qualifications.

“Many graduates have the knowledge and technical skills, but they are not always prepared for the recruitment process itself. Employers are looking for candidates who can communicate effectively, present themselves professionally and demonstrate confidence. Those are skills that can be developed,” he said.

Since launching the platform, ITSAGO has attracted hundreds of users and gained recognition in several publications, including The Citizen and Boksburg Advertiser.

Banele hopes the platform will help graduates feel better prepared, more confident and ready to compete in an increasingly demanding job market.

“As technology continues to transform the world of work, career preparation is becoming just as important as academic achievement,” he said. “Our goal is to help young people bridge the gap between graduation and employment, giving them the tools they need to succeed.”

Story by By Tshifhiwa Mudau was first published on the TUT Website.

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The University of Pretoria (UP) is set to host the prestigious Falling Walls Lab competition on 12 August, bringing together some of the brightest young minds to showcase their innovative ideas. This global platform challenges students, researchers and early-career professionals to present groundbreaking solutions to pressing challenges in just three minutes, using only three slides.

What is Falling Walls Lab?

The Falling Walls Lab is an international forum that promotes interdisciplinary exchange and encourages participants to break down barriers in science, technology and society. Originating in Berlin, the competition has expanded worldwide, with local labs feeding into the global finale held annually from 9 November, the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Why it matters

• Innovation showcase: Participants pitch ideas that could transform industries, communities, and the environment.

• Global recognition: Winners of local labs gain entry into the global finale in Berlin, where they compete with innovators from across the world.

• Networking opportunities: The event connects young innovators with leaders in academia, business and policy.

By hosting the competition, UP reinforces its commitment to fostering research excellence and nurturing talent that addresses local and global challenges. The event, facilitated by the Department of Internationalisation and Strategic Partnerships at UP, will provide a platform for South African innovators to gain international exposure and help shape future solutions.

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The Department of Computing Science at Nelson Mandela University has signed a sponsorship agreement with National Glass to support PhD student Stephan Mulder, who will assist staff in training and guiding third-year students in the use of AI tools. This intervention forms part of the department’s Capstone Project initiative aimed at empowering students to use Generative AI constructively and responsibly.

The partnership with National Glass, a leading South African glass processing and manufacturing company, reflects the growing role industry plays in supporting innovation and future-focused education within higher education institutions. Through its investment in student development and emerging technologies, National Glass is contributing towards equipping future graduates with practical skills and exposure to the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The collaboration also highlights the value of academia-industry partnerships in preparing students for the demands of a digitally transformed economy.

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof Christa Grobler, highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in shaping the future of AI innovation.

“For the faculty ongoing partnerships with industry is pivotal, to position ourselves at the forefront of AI innovation, bridging the gap between academic excellence and industry disruption to ensure our graduates lead the next generation of the global digital economy,” said Prof Grobler.

The Department of Computing Sciences has received ongoing input from industry partners regarding the growing importance of AI integration in higher education. In August 2025, the Industry Advisory Board delivered a clear message: departments must continue strengthening the fundamentals of computer science while simultaneously equipping students with the skills to productively use Generative AI tools in coding and problem-solving.

Head of Department, Prof Jean Greyling, said it is critical for the Department of Computing Sciences to ensure that graduates remain highly sought after in industry.

“Over many years we have received very positive feedback from the employers of our students, and we simply cannot afford to ignore this current revolution.”

Earlier this year, alumnus and Alumni Achiever David Brown visited the department from Seattle, where he serves as Senior Vice President at Amazon. During his visit, he encouraged both students and staff to embrace and take ownership of Generative AI technologies.

While maintaining a strong focus on core computing fundamentals in first and second year, the department has introduced several interventions, including a dedicated Honours module focused on the effective use of Generative AI tools. The department is among the few computing departments in South Africa offering a specialised module of this nature. The module complements existing Honours offerings in Artificial Intelligence and Evolutionary Computing. Through sponsorship support from Amazon, students will also gain exposure to cutting-edge AI tools (used by Amazon developers globally) for their projects.

“We are very excited to partner with Nelson Mandela University’s Computer Science Department to support the development of AI-focused modules that give students practical, future-ready skills for the rapidly evolving technology landscape. We believe this collaboration is an important first step in helping prepare future computer science graduates,” said National Glass Executive Director Chris MacKeown.

Prof Dieter Vogts, who coordinates the Honours module, explained that to ensure students maintain a competitive edge in the workforce, it is vital they master the Generative AI technologies now. He said that the Applied Generative AI module is designed to navigate this fast-paced landscape through a student-driven teaching model.

“These classes are high-energy hubs of enthusiastic, rigorous discussion and peer-to-peer interaction,” said Prof Vogts.

“The module challenges us students in a good way, and we feel far more prepared and at ease as we are about to enter the working world,” added Honours student Zahid Uddin.

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• Dr Monika Moir of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation received a SAMRC–UKRI grant.

• Will focus on how climate change reshapes spread of West Nile virus in Africa.

• Will also investigate movement of virus and strengthen surveillance and research capacity.

As climate and environmental change continue to reshape ecosystems across the world, scientists are warning that mosquito-borne diseases may spread into new regions, become more frequent, and intensify in areas already under pressure.

A major new international research grant awarded to Dr Monika Moir at the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) will place Africa at the centre of efforts to better understand one of these moving threats: West Nile virus.

The three-year R14 million SAMRC–UKRI grant, funded through the U.K.’s International Science Partnerships Fund, focuses on the intersection of climate change, infectious diseases, and One Health research.

The project combines genomics, ecological surveillance, and predictive modelling to better understand how outbreaks emerge – and how they might be anticipated earlier.

“This project is about understanding how climate change is reshaping the spread of West Nile virus in Africa,” said Dr Moir. “Although the virus is endemic to Africa and can cause severe neurological disease in humans, it remains surprisingly understudied across much of the continent.”

While West Nile virus is often associated with outbreaks in Europe and North America, Africa remains central to the virus’s long-term evolution and circulation. “One of the main reasons for the lack in local knowledge is that surveillance in many African countries remains limited and inconsistent,” Dr Moir explained. “West Nile virus is endemic in Africa, meaning it is regularly circulating, but many infections probably go undetected or unreported.”

The problem is compounded by the nature of the virus itself. “West Nile virus transmission is complex because it circulates silently between mosquitoes and birds long before people become ill,” said Dr Moir. “Without routine monitoring, outbreaks can easily be missed.”

The project brings together researchers from the Royal Veterinary College in the U.K., the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ghana, the Pasteur Institute of Tunis in Tunisia, and the Kenya Medical Research Institute.

Together, the consortium will investigate how the virus moves across ecosystems and regions, while also strengthening surveillance and research capacity across Africa.

“Emerging infectious diseases do not respect borders,” noted Dr Moir. “Viruses move across countries and continents through complex ecological systems.”

Across Ghana, Kenya, Tunisia, and South Africa, researchers will collect mosquitoes, screen them for the virus, and sequence viral genomes to understand how different strains evolve and spread. The project will also generate rare mosquito surveillance datasets – information that remains limited across much of Africa despite its importance for understanding transmission risk.

“These datasets are incredibly important because they allow us to move beyond simply detecting outbreaks and start understanding how the virus is spreading, evolving, and responding to environmental change,” explained Dr Moir.

By combining mosquito data, viral genomic data, and climate information, the team hopes to identify transmission hotspots and better understand the environmental factors driving outbreaks. The team will also develop transmission risk maps across Africa. “The idea is to help public health systems move from reacting to outbreaks to anticipating them,” said Dr Moir.

For her, one of the most important aspects of the project is its direct public health relevance. “We hope this work will not only advance scientific understanding of West Nile virus but also help develop stronger disease monitoring systems, better-informed public health policies, and improved preparedness for future disease threats across Africa,” she said.

The project also includes a strong training and capacity-development component, supporting African public health researchers in advanced modelling and analytical approaches. “Building this expertise locally is important for long-term outbreak preparedness,” Dr Moir noted.

For CERI, the grant further expands its growing work in genomic surveillance, epidemic intelligence, and One Health research. “CERI has already demonstrated the power of genomics in understanding and responding to infectious disease outbreaks,” said Dr Moir.

“This project further builds on that expertise in vector-borne diseases within a One Health framework.”

She also sees the award as part of a broader shift in global health research. “I think the grant reflects growing international recognition of the importance of African-led research and collaboration in addressing global infectious disease threats,” she said, adding that “Africa is central to the ecology and evolution of many emerging pathogens.”

Over the next three years, the team aims to generate one of the largest genomic datasets for West Nile virus from Africa to date, while developing our understanding of the virus to support earlier detection and more informed outbreak response. The project also positions African researchers and institutions at the forefront of understanding how climate change is reshaping infectious disease risk across the continent.

Story by Katrine Anker-Nilssen was first published on the Stellenbosch University.

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For the first time in Africa, the International Union of Railways (UIC), in partnership with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), will host the inaugural Commuter and Regional Train Services (CRTS) Training at Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Johannesburg from the 26 to 28 May.

Led by TUT’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE), this global platform for knowledge exchange in the passenger rail sector will gather senior experts, operators, policymakers, and innovators shaping the future of commuter and regional rail.

With UIC representing more than 200 members in 95 countries and having hosted eight editions in Europe, this African session marks a milestone for TUT and the continent. The programme aims to address Africa’s specific opportunities and challenges in commuter and regional rail while fostering industry collaboration.

Industrial Engineering Head of Department and Gibela Research Chair, Prof Tshifhiwa Nenzhelele, said hosting the training reflects the growing recognition of Africa’s role in the future of rail innovation and development.

“It is an honour for TUT to host a training programme of this calibre for the first time on African soil. Bringing together experts from organisations such as Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, Gautrain, Transnet and other global industry leaders creates a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and skills development.

“This training is important because it equips stakeholders with global insights and practical solutions that can help strengthen and modernise commuter and regional rail systems across Africa,” he said.

Vanessa Perez, Senior Advisor at the UIC Passenger Department, said the programme is designed to give participants both a global and African perspective on commuter and regional rail services.

“The training will cover international trends, operational best practices and emerging developments in passenger rail, while also considering the realities and opportunities within African rail networks. Attendees will gain practical knowledge and tools for informed decision-making and customer-centric service,” she said.

“It will also facilitate engagement between international experts and African railway stakeholders, promoting the exchange of experiences, ideas, and innovative methods to support the growth of sustainable passenger rail services across the continent,” she added.

The three-day event will also feature a guided technical tour of the Gibela Rail Transport Consortium manufacturing plant in Dunnottar, Ekurhuleni.

Story by Mosima Rafapa first appeared on the TUT Website.

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The University of the Free State (UFS) congratulates Prof Melanie Walker – Distinguished Professor, South African Research Chair in Higher Education and Human Development, as well as Director of the Higher Education and Human Development research group – and Prof Ivan Turok, Research Chair in City-Region Economies in the Department of Economics and Finance and the Centre for Development Support, who have been selected by Research.com among the 2026 Best Social Sciences and Humanities Scientists in the world.

Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, celebrated this honour: “The recognition of Prof Melanie Walker and Prof Ivan Turok exemplifies the humanities and social sciences at their best, and affirms our commitment to scholarship that translates rigorous evidence into real-world impact on inequality, cities, and human development. We are proud of these scholars who bridge disciplines, geographies, and sectors to co-create knowledge that is inclusive, actionable, and transformative.”

Research grounded in human development

Prof Walker ranked 38th nationally, with a distinguished research record comprising more than 150 publications and 7 232 citations.

Together with her own research and through her leadership of a research group at the University of the Free State since 2012, Prof Walker focuses on theorising her empirical work by drawing on a sustainable human development framework and the conceptual grounding of capabilities, understood as opportunities to be and to do in ways that we value individually and collectively.

Through this integrated well-being focus, as well as her team’s conceptual and practical tools to contribute to research-based thinking and actions for improving societies for all, Prof Walker is able to express the relevance of her research. She does this through her integrated well-being focus on how development unfolds in real people’s lives, as well as the historical, structural, and economic barriers and enablers they confront.

These findings contribute significantly to addressing real-world challenges such as climate change, inequality, and poverty as it relates – in our case – to sub-Saharan African higher education.

“To be featured on this list as a Global South-based researcher, particularly someone working in Africa, is a tremendous personal recognition for the University of the Free State; but more than this, it contributes to dismantling global inequalities in knowledge production when Global South researchers working under far more challenging circumstances are ranked among those from universities regarded as the ‘best’ in the world,” says Prof Walker about this achievement.

Shaping the future of African cities

Prof Turok ranked 29th nationally, with an outstanding scholarly record of 278 publications and 10 889 citations.

Due to accelerated urban growth, there is a narrow window of opportunity to prepare the ground for more functional and sustainable cities in the future. Prof Turok therefore believes that researchers can contribute significantly to land-use planning and affordable housing.

He believes that research can identify and provide insight into the crucial elements of successful urbanisation. This is vital, especially since unplanned and poorly managed urbanisation can lead to poor economic and social outcomes as a result of overcrowding, congestion, pollution, and contagion.

Prof Turok deliberately reached out to policymakers and practitioners to build relationships and gain an understanding of the constraints hampering the economy of cities. This has allowed him to adapt his research and improve its relevance to the real world; he believes that the combination of sound concepts and robust evidence makes for impactful research.

“I’m pleased to be recognised in this way, although less for the personal kudos than for the profile this gives to research on cities, and particularly the economy of cities. I believe that cities deserve more attention from the research and policy communities, because they are crucial to the future of South Africa – and indeed the African continent as a whole. The prospects for our countries depend on doing a better job of planning and governing our cities,” says Prof Turok on receiving this recognition.

Research collaboration beyond borders

Both academics believe in the importance of international collaboration that can expose researchers to global practices and innovative methodologies. They appreciate the art of information sharing across the world, especially in the 21st Century, as this eliminates geographical boundaries and unifies research across the globe.

These prestigious achievements once again position the University of the Free State as an innovative research-led, student-centred, and regionally engaged university that contributes meaningfully to responsible societal futures.

Prof Vasu Reddy commented, “At the UFS, our research and postgraduate ecosystem is deliberately designed to foster innovation that is collaborative, globally connected, and locally relevant. The global recognition of our scholars affirms that transformative innovation, grounded in human development and urban sustainability, can reshape how we respond to inequality, poverty, and climate challenges.”

Story by Chrystal Francis first published on UFS Website.

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Two of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) leading academics have been recognised with some of South Africa’s highest national honours after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the recipients of the 2026 National Orders.

Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela will receive the Order of the Baobab in Bronze for her contribution to social cohesion and her pioneering scholarship on forgiveness, trauma and reconciliation. Prof Tulio de Oliveira has been awarded the Order of Mapungubwe in Gold for his contribution to scientific research, including the groundbreaking discovery of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

The Presidency announced the honours yesterday ahead of an investiture ceremony to be held on Tuesday.

The National Orders are the country’s highest civilian honours and recognise individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to democracy, society, science and humanity.

A scholar of the “reparative quest” and moral imagination

Gobodo-Madikizela, the 2024 Templeton Prize laureate, is the South African Research Chair in Violent Histories and Transgenerational Trauma and Director of the Centre for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest (AVReQ) at SU.

The Presidency said she was being honoured “for her powerful work on conflict resolution and the concept of unsolicited forgiveness. Her corpus of work on the psychology of forgiveness has been recognised internationally.”

Her work has shaped international understanding of trauma, memory and reconciliation in societies emerging from violence. A former member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Human Rights Violations Committee, Gobodo-Madikizela became globally known for her landmark book, A Human Being Died that Night, based on her conversations with apartheid assassin Eugene de Kock.

Over decades, her scholarship has explored how societies reckon with historical trauma and how empathy, accountability and moral imagination might interrupt cycles of violence passed between generations.

In 2024 she received the prestigious Templeton Prize, one of the world’s most respected awards recognising contributions to humanity’s deepest questions. At the time, the John Templeton Foundation praised her efforts to “repair ruptures created by past violence and to build a path toward healing and restoration”.

Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, SU’s Rector and Vice-Chancellor congratulated Gobodo-Madikizela and noted that her work at AVReQ has given South Africa and the world vital insights into how individuals and communities heal after conflict.

“Her work speaks directly to Stellenbosch University’s commitment to advancing knowledge in service of society and reflects the University’s broader focus on societal impact, meaningful engagement and research that contributes to human dignity, social justice and transformation,” Ramjugernath said.

Gobodo-Madikizela said her work has been about articulating the deeply human moments that are possible when societies dare to face violent histories in all their messiness. “In many ways, this honour recognises not only my scholarship on forgiveness, but also the moments in which South Africa showed its human face to the world – the moral imagination to honour humanity and to choose truth over denial. To receive this acknowledgement from my own country fills me with a deep sense of gratitude and thanksgiving. It is an honour far beyond anything I could adequately express,” Gobodo-Madikizela said.

A scientist who helped change the course of the pandemic

De Oliveira, Director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) and the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), has become one of the world’s most recognised scientific voices in genomic surveillance and epidemic response.

The Presidency said he would receive the Order of Mapungubwe in Gold “for his contribution in the field of scientific research with a groundbreaking discovery of the Omicron variant of COVID-19”.

Working with South African and international collaborators, De Oliveira played a leading role in identifying both the Beta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2, placing South Africa at the centre of global scientific efforts to understand and respond to the pandemic.

His work earned worldwide recognition and helped establish African genomic science as a major force in international public health. In 2021, the journal Nature named him among the ten most influential scientists in the world. TIME magazine later included him among the world’s most influential people.

At SU, De Oliveira has continued building large-scale scientific collaborations focused on epidemic preparedness, genomics, artificial intelligence and precision medicine. His research teams have supported genomic surveillance across Africa while helping train a new generation of African scientists.

He has repeatedly argued that scientific collaboration across borders is essential in combating global disease threats.

Ramjugernath noted the high calibre of expertise, innovation and societal impact reflected in De Oliveira’s work. “We warmly congratulate Prof De Oliveira on this exceptional and richly deserved recognition. This award not only honours a remarkable scientific contribution to global public health, but also affirms the growing impact and leadership of African science on the world stage.”

De Oliviera gave recognition to fellow-researchers as he expressed his gratitute. “I must stress that this was a team effort, and I would like to recognise some of the main contributors, including Dr Richard Lessells, Dr Jennifer Giandhari and Dr Sureshnee Pillay from KRISP at the University of KwaZulu Natal, and Prof Houryiiah Tegally, Dr Eduan Wilkinson, and Prof Cheryl Baxter from CERI, who worked day and night throughout the pandemic to advance science that saves lives,” De Oliveira said. “I would also like to recognise the dozens of scientists and colleagues from the Network for Genomics Surveillance in South Africa, a network fully funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the South African Medical Research Council.”

Recognition for SU scholarship

The dual recognition marks a significant moment for SU, with two of its academics receiving national honours for work that has shaped both public life and global scientific knowledge.

One has spent decades examining the human consequences of violence and the possibilities of healing. The other helped the world detect and respond to one of the most dangerous public health threats in modern history.

Together, their work reflects the breadth of scholarship emerging from South African universities – scholarship rooted both in local realities and global impact.

Ramjugernath said that the Institution is proud te celebrate the recognition of two of its academics’ service to the nation. “As one of Africa’s leading research-intensive universities, Stellenbosch University is proud to support scholarship that not only advances academic excellence, but also helps address some of the most complex human and societal challenges of our time.”

The National Orders investiture ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.

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Huawei Cloud’s Code4Mzansi competition has attracted more than 1,000 South African participants, making it the largest Huawei Cloud Developer Competition market globally and highlighting the growing momentum behind locally built innovation.

The finalists have developed AI- and cloud-powered solutions that address some of South Africa’s most pressing challenges, including township trade, healthcare access, food safety, youth unemployment, and energy resilience.

This new generation of South African innovators is building technology that could reshape the country’s future. The top finalists in the Huawei Developer Competition Code4Mzansi are developing AI‑ and cloud‑powered solutions grounded in the realities people navigate every day — from township food systems and household finance to healthcare access, energy resilience, youth employment and small‑business growth. Their work signals a shift toward homegrown technologies designed not in abstraction, but in direct response to the country’s most urgent social and economic challenges.

The competition attracted 1,041 participants in South Africa, the highest number in any Huawei Cloud Developer Competition market globally. South Africa also recorded the highest percentage of enterprise participants, with 176 enterprise teams comprising the 353 teams that entered the competition.

Held in partnership with the Department of Small Business Development and leading academic institutions, including the University of Cape Town, the University of Johannesburg, the University of Pretoria, and the University of the Witwatersrand, the competition has become a showcase for young South Africans building practical technologies around the systems people rely on every day.

What comes through strongly in the finalist solutions is the depth of understanding behind them. Several teams independently focused on food systems, township retail and payments infrastructure. That convergence speaks to how closely young innovators are reading the country itself.

“AI, cloud computing and other cutting-edge technologies are profoundly reshaping the world, driving transformative changes in productivity and production methods, and restructuring the global economy,” says Steven Chen, CEO of Huawei Cloud South Africa.

“Rooted in South Africa, Huawei Cloud continuously brings these advanced technologies to local developers, enriches the domestic developer ecosystem, and helps South Africa build core competitiveness amid the wave of AI and cloud computing.”

“SPAZA Shop serves as a typical application scenario. With outlets across tens of thousands of communities in South Africa, they supply daily necessities to millions of people every day. Leveraging Huawei Cloud and AI capabilities, local developers can build practical applications to help SPAZA Shops improve delivery efficiency, enhance community interaction, and ensure food safety,” said Chen.

Two finalist teams, SIMVAK’s Atlas and SpazaConnect, built solutions directly around this reality. SpazaConnect developed a WhatsApp-native marketplace that connects spaza shops, customers, and delivery runners and introduces product traceability through verified suppliers. The platform addresses the growing need for trust, visibility, and accountability in informal retail systems.

Atlas by SIMVAK positions itself as an AI-powered trust layer for township retail. The platform is designed to help communities, retailers, and suppliers respond more quickly to food safety risks while improving communication and product tracking across informal trade networks.

e-Khadi has delved into the deeply human space of household finance, built around South Africa’s SASSA ecosystem. The platform combines community credit, stokvel functionality, trusted store credit, stock forecasting, savings tools and financial literacy support for lower-income households and township traders.

PathForge tackles one of the country’s biggest frustrations among young people, the work experience barrier. The platform connects youth to mentorship, project exposure and practical pathways into employment.

HealthHive uses AI-powered healthcare navigation to help users move more efficiently from symptom checking to appointment booking and healthcare access.

GridGuard AI focuses on electricity theft and transformer protection, using intelligent monitoring systems to help strengthen energy resilience in affected communities.

Intellibuild applies AI and IoT technologies to agricultural and food production systems, enabling smarter farming practices and greater food resilience.

ROGOBOA developed an offline-first point-of-sale platform for businesses operating in environments with unstable connectivity, enabling traders to continue operating during outages and disruptions.

Auraa and VAZII by Afru-ikigAI focus on Africa’s growing creator economy, building digital infrastructure that supports music creators, monetisation and creative entrepreneurship.

“Together, the finalists paint a picture of young South Africans building inside the country’s real systems, food, money, health, work, trade, energy and culture,” says Professor Benjamin Rosman, Founding Director of the MIND Institute at Wits University and Co-founder of Lelapa AI. “What is significant from an innovation perspective is that these ideas start from lived reality and then apply technology with purpose. That is how young developers move from writing code to building solutions with relevance beyond South Africa.”

Participants competed across two main tracks: the Business Value Track and the Grand Innovation Track.

The Business Value Track focused on community-based service and delivery platforms, as well as on youth- and women-focused enterprise empowerment platforms. The Grand Innovation Track focused on AI-powered innovation and digital transformation solutions.

Five awards will be presented at the final and awards ceremony on 21 May, including two Business Value awards, one Grand Innovation award, a Future Star Award for student teams, and a People’s Choice Award determined through public voting among the top 20 teams.

The final and awards ceremony will take place on 21 May 2026.

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The University of Cape Town (UCT) has entered a strategic partnership with HyperionDev, a global leader in online tech education, to expand access to high‑impact, career‑focused digital and leadership programmes.

The collaboration brings together UCT’s academic excellence and HyperionDev’s proven model for scalable, outcomes‑driven online learning.

The first programme to launch under the partnership is a Leadership and Management offering, with additional courses in full‑stack web development, front‑end development and cloud computing to follow. All programmes are designed to be flexible, accessible and aligned with the evolving needs of students and employers.

Learners will benefit from a blended model that integrates industry‑relevant curriculum design, hands‑on project work, one‑on‑one mentorship and career support, delivered through HyperionDev’s proprietary learning platform.

UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela said: “As a university, we are deeply committed to expanding access to high-quality education that is both academically rigorous and socially responsive. This partnership reflects our role in shaping a more inclusive and future-ready higher education system, one that equips learners not only with knowledge, but with the capabilities needed to participate meaningfully in a rapidly changing world of work.”

Professor Brandon Collier-Reed, the Deputy VC: Teaching and Learning, added: “This partnership advances a key strategic priority: widening access to credible, career‑focused programmes that meet learners where they are.”

HyperionDev will lead key aspects of programme delivery, including curriculum development, student support and marketing, while collaborating closely with UCT to ensure alignment with institutional standards and brand integrity.

The programmes will be hosted on UCT-branded digital platforms, enhancing credibility and creating a seamless student experience.

Riaz Moola, Founder and CEO of HyperionDev, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with the University of Cape Town, an institution that represents excellence in higher education across the continent. Together, we are building programmes that not only teach skills, but unlock real career opportunities for learners. This partnership is about scale, access and impact.”

This partnership reflects a broader shift in higher education toward flexible, skills-based learning models that prioritise employability and lifelong learning.

By combining academic credibility with industry-aligned delivery, HyperionDev and UCT are setting a new standard for collaborative education in Africa.

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Samukelisiwe Nokuthula Mathenjwa earned a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering cum laude and channelled her research into tackling water access challenges shaped by her childhood experiences.

Addressing water access and quality challenges in South Africa, her study titled Impact of climate and land use change on water resources in the Upper Vaal River Basin South Africa examines how environmental changes affect water availability and quality.

Her findings show that reduced rainfall, rising temperatures, and agricultural activity are driving declining water quality due to increased nutrient runoff into rivers. Less rain and increased pollution result in less safe water for communities and ecosystems.

“It is about understanding what affects clean water and how we can improve it,” she says.

She believes engineers must respond to these challenges. “They must design systems that are climate resilient and ensure water is accessible to communities,” she says.

Mathenjwa’s achievement reflects a journey shaped by early experiences of water scarcity in the KwaFakude Village in Nongoma. After school, she walked long distances to a well and often returned with only 20 litres for her household if water was available.

“Sometimes you were lucky if the water was even clean,” she recalls.

Her interest in Civil Engineering started in Grade 9 when she saw the construction of an access road near her school. Curious, she asked about the profession of the person carrying drawings and wearing a white helmet, which introduced her to the field.

Her curiosity grew when her sister brought home books on Civil Engineering. She learned that engineers design systems that deliver services such as water to communities.

“I knew then that if I studied Civil Engineering, I could help solve the water challenges in my community and that vision became my anchor,” she says.

Raised in a family of seven siblings, Mathenjwa balanced her studies with herding her father’s goats. Her mother, a school principal, influenced her commitment to education.

“My mother instilled in us a belief in education. Through her resilience, I was inspired to follow her and I knew from a young age that education would open doors that would help me realise my dreams,” she explains.

Throughout her studies, she received support from her late supervisor, Prof Julius Ndambuki.

“He believed in my work and always reminded me that I can stumble but not to give up. Even when he was not happy with my progress, he still showed up for me,” she says.

She now aims to honour his legacy by continuing research focused on practical solutions to improve water access in rural communities.

Story by Mosima Rafata was first published on the TUT website.

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The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi has withdrawn the Draft National Artificial Policy Document published for comment after he found it contained various “AI-generated citations” or fictitious sources in its reference list, the department said in a statement released on Sunday.

“We initiated internal questions which have confirmed that this was the case. This failure is not a mere technical issue but has compromised the integrity and credibility of the draft policy. As such, I am withdrawing the Draft National Artificial Policy.

“South Africa deserves better. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies did not deliver on a standard that is acceptable for an institution tasked with the role to lead South Africa’s digital policy environment. The most plausible explanation is that AI-generated citations were used without proper verification. This should not have happened.

“In fact this unacceptable lapse proves why vigilant human oversight over the use of artificial intelligence is critical. It’s a lesson we take with humility. I want to reassure the country that we are treating this matter with the gravity it deserves. There will be consequence management for those drafting and quality assurance”.

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After six months of intense collaboration, the five artist-engineer winning teams of the inaugural AI & Africa Music (AIAM) Project at Wits University presented their prototypes exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and African musical traditions.

Led by Professor Christo Doherty from the Wits Innovation Centre (WIC) in partnership with the Wits Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute, the initiative focused on how AI can be used to preserve, reimagine, and responsibly co-create with African music practices.

The event brought together academics, students, and representatives from the creative, music and technology sectors.

Supported by Wits alumnus, PhD candidate, and US-based music executive, Charles Goldstuck, the five winning projects highlight considerations such as ethics, consent, provenance and creative ownership.

“The language of music is universal, but we all owe a debt of gratitude to the African continent, which was the origin of so much of the early influences that humanity experiences in music and culture.

“The AIAM Pilot Project is an opportunity to continue to enhance African human creativity in the era of artificial intelligence, building on influences that have shaped music for centuries,” says Goldstuck.*

Culture-First, Ethics-driven Design

The AIAM Pilot Project began in November 2025. It reflects Wits University’s leadership in culturally informed, ethical approaches to the use of AI in music, which prioritises collaboration with communities and experts to strengthen creative sovereignty while advancing technical excellence.

“Artificial Intelligence offers tremendous possibilities for African musicians, and not only challenges that need to be controlled through regulation. The Wits AI and African Music project created an opportunity for African musicians to work together with African AI engineers to explore these possibilities through creative collaboration and knowledge sharing,” says Doherty, who holds the Angela and David Fine Chair in Innovation at the Wits Innovation Centre.

AIAM brought together artists and engineers from seven African countries – South Africa, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria – in a Community of Practice, along with industry and research professionals, such as Tresor, the multi-award-winning Congolese-born singer, songwriter, music producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Their collaborations explored Archiving & Preservation, Creative Practice & Collaboration, Tool Development & Localisation, and Genre Innovation—advancing Africa-led approaches to music AI.

What a Showcase!

Held at the Chris Seabrooke Music Hall at Wits University on Thursday, 16 April 2026, the showcase featured live performances, listening stations, and demonstrations, and offered insight into how these prototypes function both musically and technically.

The project winning teams are:

ZAZI: A “musical digital twin” enabling real-time voice, rhythm, and storytelling interaction. Conceptualised by Umlilo (South Africa) - multidisciplinary artist and creative director at Future Kwaai Records - working with Gideon Gyimah (Ghana), an AI engineer specialising in financial sector voice AI and multilingual African speech technology systems.

The Bɛ̀bɛ̀i Engine: a performative AI instrument co-created with the Baka community to preserve endangered polyphonic traditions. Created by Joshua Kroon (Cameroon) - multidisciplinary artist and cultural documentarian - partnered with Emmanuel Apetsi (Ghana), an AI/ML engineer leading open source AI infrastructure and multilingual LLM development across Africa.

Says Apetsi: “Artificial intelligence is neither good nor bad; it is a neutral reflection of those who imprint it. That is exactly why projects like the Wits AI and African Music Project matter.

When African musicians, engineers, and researchers collaborate across cultures, something powerful happens: technology begins to carry the rhythm, stories, and spirit of our people.

What inspired me most was witnessing how creativity and artificial intelligence amplify each other, not to replace the human element, but to ‘expand it.’ The future of music technology doesn’t have to be imported.

It can be homegrown, collaborative, and unmistakably African. Yes, we’re not just experimenting with AI. We’re shaping how the world will experience African creativity for generations to come.”

Bina.ai: An AI children’s music and storytelling platform rooted in African genres and early learning principles, by Ehinome Ogbeide (Nigeria) — music strategist and digital innovator — and Muhigiri Ashuza Albin (DRC), a creative technologist building culturally grounded AI systems informed by community-based design.

Heritage in Code: A digital archive and AI fusion engine preserving African instrumental heritage with contributor royalties while enabling contemporary creativity, was created by Linda Nyabundi (Kenya) — DJ, producer, and cultural curator — working alongside Gebregziabihier Nigusie (Ethiopia), an AI researcher advancing machine learning for health, language, and cultural preservation challenges in low-resource contexts.

TIMah AI: a secure archive documenting Kikuyu traditional music with transcript workflows and community-centred consent governance, led by Tora Nyamosi (Kenya) - AI-driven music producer and cultural researcher - paired with Lawrence Moruye (Kenya), a machine intelligence engineer specialising in speech, language, and multimodal African-centred applications.

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The University of Johannesburg has secured a UNESCO Chair and formalised a strategic partnership with the government, positioning itself as a continental hub for advancing digital inclusion, equitable access to knowledge, and cultural representation. This milestone strengthens South Africa’s digital diplomacy and ensures African voices lead in shaping global digital narratives.

The UNESCO Chair in Cultural Inclusivity and Equity in Digital Media in Africa, awarded for the 2026 to 2030 cycle, was secured following a competitive global process that reviewed 135 applications at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

The awarding places UJ among more than 1,000 UNESCO Chairs across 120 countries.

UJ on Friday, 17 April 2026, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, formalising collaboration to advance digital transformation, policy development and inclusive innovation.

The agreement, signed with UJ’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, positions the UNESCO Chair as a strategic national asset that supports South Africa’s digital diplomacy and leadership on the continent.

Minister Malatsi said the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive digital progress.

“It [the partnership] also supports a broader ambition, which is that South Africa’s digital future will not be built by government alone. It will require partnerships across sectors. Government brings the public mandate and policy direction. Universities bring with them the research capacity and critical inquiry. Industry brings investment, aid and innovation, while civil society, on the other hand, helps to foster accountability and social legitimacy.”

The Chair, held by Professor Prinola Govenden in UJ’s Faculty of Humanities, will focus on addressing digital inclusion, cultural representation and equitable access to knowledge in Africa’s rapidly evolving digital environment.

It will also examine the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and contribute to policy and governance frameworks, while advancing strategies to counter digital exclusion and the marginalisation of local knowledge systems.

Prof Mpedi said this milestone reinforces UJ’s role as a leading African institution shaping the future of digital society.

“Our UNESCO chair will uniquely contribute innovative, empirical research, practical and strategic solutions, as well as policy recommendations for fostering a decolonised and inclusive internet that generally serves all African societies and its users. The Chair will also uniquely contribute to understanding the digital landscape for both knowledge representation and technical access perspectives, particularly concerning cultural representation, inclusivity and equity in Africa.”

The initiative aligns with UNESCO’s priorities in culture, communication and information, and contributes to its global focus on advancing Africa and preserving cultural diversity. It is supported by academic partners in China, Canada and Nigeria.

The development has received Cabinet-level endorsement, led by Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, citing its significance for South Africa’s global positioning and for Africa’s participation in international digital cooperation.

The MoU signing marked the first major activation of the Chair, with participation by industry stakeholders, including MTN Group, Ericsson, and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, signalling cross-sector support for inclusive digital growth.

Prof Prinola Govenden said the Chair carries a continental mandate to showcase the real Africa.

“This Chair positions UJ at the forefront of driving research, partnerships and policy that ensure African voices are not only included, but lead in defining global digital narratives. [We will use this chair to highlight] that audiences differ and interpret media, messages and texts in relation to their specific cultural context. African audiences and users are not passive, naive copycats. African users and audience are active, engaged, and we use media in our everyday lives in creative ways.”

The University is expected to officially launch the UNESCO Chair and host a Ministerial Roundtable on 15 May 2026, focusing on localisation, digital inclusion and equitable knowledge systems across Africa.

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Since then, the OAD has grown into a global network of projects, collaborators, partners, 11 regional offices, and communities working together to use the science of astronomy to build skills, create opportunities, and support development. Along the way, we have learned, adapted, and kept moving forward, always guided by the belief that knowledge and curiosity can serve society.

One lesson has remained clear over these 15 years: the strength of the OAD has always been its people. As our Director, Kevin Govender, says:

“The greatest strength of the OAD, by far, has been the people involved in it, the OAD family, a global network of passionate individuals who personify kindness, generosity, diligence and dedication.”

Today is a moment to acknowledge the partnerships that made this possible, the communities we have worked with, and the many individuals who continue to give their time, energy, and commitment to this shared purpose.

Happy 15 years to the OAD!
Astronomy for a better world - 15 years strong, and we are just getting started!

This video was first posted on the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development facebook page.

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Samsung in partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) announced the Top 20 schools that have been selected to advance to the next stages of the 2026 STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) - Solve For Tomorrow (SFT) competition.

At the ceremony to announce the selection were Simon Lee, President and CEO of Samsung Africa with his management team and strategic partners including Elspeth Khembo, Director for Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST), Curriculum Innovation and E-Learning at the National Department of Basic Education (DBE); as well as Tlali Tlali, Director of Corporate Affairs at State Information Technology Agency (SITA).

The announcement marks the end of the initial application phase which ran until 06 March 2026.

This year’s participation has reached new heights, with over 143 submissions from public schools across the country – a remarkable growth from 47 entries last year. This is testament to the unwavering dedication of the country’s educators and learners as well as Samsung’s valued partners: DBE and SITA.

The notable increase in participation can also be credited to the major shift in the application process in this year’s SFT competition, which has now been opened to all public schools, including quintile 5 - making it more inclusive and nationally representative.

The competition has reached a stage where it moves beyond theoretical knowledge, towards an active, mentored development of the solutions stage designed to create a positive social impact in local communities.

This year’s global themes: Social Inclusion through Sports & Technology and Environmental Sustainability via Technology, reflect our shared responsibility to build an equitable, sustainable and inclusive future.

The themes which seek to foster innovation among high school learners from underprivileged backgrounds throughout South Africa - are encouraging critical thinking and problem solving for Gen Z to build sustainable solutions through STEM.

Lee shared his sentiments on the collaborative agreement between Samsung and DBE which has highlighted the direct alignment of the SFT’s objectives to the country’s national education priorities.

He added that the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Samsung and DBE has been instrumental in driving this success, anchoring the company’s partnership in strengthening STEM education and equipping learners with critical skills for the digital economy.

The Director for Mathematics, Science & Technology (MST), Curriculum Innovation & E-Learning at the National Department of Basic Education, Elspeth Khembo said by teaching learners to use digital tools, data and technology to develop innovative solutions, Samsung’s SFT competition advances the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen STEM education, expand digital learning opportunities and cultivate future-ready skills among the country’s learners.

“All of this is in direct alignment with our national education priorities including fostering 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) skills, critical thinking and equitable access to opportunities in an effort to build a capable, innovation-driven and inclusive economy,”

For these Grade 10 and 11 learners from selected public schools - making it to this stage of the competition is a significant milestone. Advancing to this next phase means that these Top 20 school learners will - through project-based learning – be equipped with the 4Cs which are Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Communication. These skills are essential for solving real-world challenges.

SITA’s Tlali also said: “It gives us great joy to see the enthusiasm that’s evident in the significant increase in the number of schools from the country’s previously disadvantaged communities that participate in this unique, global initiative.

“Our goal of aligning with Samsung’s transformation goals and building a digital South Africa by improving educational and career prospects for our youth, remains intact.”

With the support of mentors, design thinking workshops, prototype funding and tablets for research and project execution, the learners will have the resources to turn their visions into reality.

This is complemented by the invaluable contributions from the judges and partners whose expertise and guidance is instrumental in nurturing this year’s young innovators.

Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung Electronics in South Africa congratulated the Top 20 schools that made it to the next stage.

“We are very happy with the quality of the entries we received from various schools around the country and are appreciative of the interest and overwhelming participation in this year’s competition.

“We are also grateful to our partners: DBE and SITA, whose strategic priorities align perfectly with our mission to empower students with skills that transcend the classroom and are able to prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Themes for this year include the social change through sports and tech which focuses on how the power of sport as a unifying force in South Africa is recognised. When combined with technology - sport becomes a tool for inclusion, youth development, health and community building.

The sports theme encourages young innovators to use digital platforms, data and smart solutions to improve access to sports, develop talent, promote wellness and create safer, more connected communities. It’s about using technology to amplify the positive social impact of sport beyond the field.

The second theme focuses on Environmental sustainability through technology that addresses the urgent environmental challenges that the country faces, such as climate change, water scarcity, waste management and energy access.

Young people are invited to develop tech-driven solutions that protect natural resources, promote renewable energy and support sustainable living. It signifies a shift toward responsible innovation using technology not just for convenience, but to secure a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

This challenge places Top 20 schools in the running to win substantial prizes, including up to R100,000 in STEM equipment for the winning school - with 2nd and 3rd place winning R50,000 and R30,000 respectively; plus Samsung devices for the top learners in the winning schools.

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As the global community celebrates World Quantum Day on 14 April, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) highlights the growing importance of quantum science and technology in driving innovation, economic competitiveness and scientific advancement.

Quantum research is rapidly transforming fields such as secure communication, advanced computing and precision measurement, positioning it as a cornerstone of future technological development.

In recognition of this international day, the NSTF proudly honours Prof Andrew Forbes, Distinguished Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and winner of the 2025 Special Annual Theme Award: Quantum Science and Technology of the ‘Science Oscars’ of South Africa (SA), the highly acclaimed NSTF-South32 Awards.

The award acknowledges his pioneering contributions to quantum photonics and his leadership in developing South Africa’s (SA) quantum technology research capacity.

“We are making quantum systems resilient for the real world. And we are doing it right here in Africa.”

His research has demonstrated how structured light can encode large amounts of information, enabling more efficient communication systems. He has also contributed to quantum imaging advancements, enabling imaging under extremely low-light conditions.

Forbes’ achievements include multiple national and international recognitions, including the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) Gold Medal and the World Academy of Science (TWAS) Physics Prize, and his appointment as Editor-in-Chief of APL Photonics. In 2015 he was also the inaugural winner of the first NSTF Special Annual Theme Award, which recognised his outstanding contributions to photonics in celebration of the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies that year.

“All awards are of course retrospective; they look to the past, but the past is the stepping-stone into the future. Our future is quantum. We want to see a quantum economy for SA. We want to see a trained, quantum-literate workforce. So I look forward to that future and hopefully you’ll join us in it,” says Forbes.

Beyond research, Prof Forbes has made a major impact in developing young scientists, mentoring numerous postgraduate students and early-career researchers who now contribute to academia and industry.

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World Quantum Day: The Day is an international initiative dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of quantum science and its impact on modern society. The date, 14 April (4.14), symbolically represents Planck’s constant, a fundamental value in quantum physics.

Quantum science is at the forefront of technological transformation. It underpins innovations such as quantum computers capable of solving complex problems far beyond classical limits, ultra-secure communication networks based on quantum encryption, and advanced sensing technologies with applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring and navigation.

Globally, countries are investing heavily in quantum research as part of their innovation strategies, recognising its potential to drive economic growth and technological leadership. Initiatives such as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology further highlight the global importance of this field.

By profiling leaders such as Prof Forbes, the NSTF underscores the importance of supporting cutting-edge research and ensuring that SA remains competitive in the global knowledge economy.

The NSTF encourages learners, students, researchers and industry stakeholders to support and engage with quantum science and technology in SA. Strengthening education, fostering collaboration and investing in innovation are essential to building a quantum-ready workforce.
Young people are especially encouraged to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), where quantum science offers opportunities to contribute to global innovation and national development.

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A breast cancer diagnosis is often spoken about in clinical terms, but for Dr Ina Vorster it became the beginning of a story that would take years to find its voice. Now, that story has earned national recognition after she was awarded the Marius Jooste Prize for her master’s dissertation in creative writing at the University of the Free State (UFS).

As she prepares to graduate this autumn, the recognition marks more than an academic milestone. It reflects a body of work that connects personal experience with wider meaning – something she will carry beyond her time at the UFS.

Dr Vorster, an anaesthetist by profession, turned to writing in Afrikaans to make sense of her experience and to reach others navigating similar journeys. Her work moves beyond medical language, offering a personal account shaped by nearly two decades of living with the realities of the disease.

From lived experience to recognised scholarship

The Marius Jooste Prize is awarded annually for the best master’s dissertation in Afrikaans across selected South African universities and is administered by the South African Academy for Science and Art.

Sponsored by the Dagbreek Trust, the award recognises academic excellence while honouring the legacy of publishing pioneer Marius Visser Jooste.

For Dr Francois Smith, head of the Department of Afrikaans and Dutch, German and French, the recognition carries weight beyond the individual achievement. “It is important that the work of students in our department is noticed and valued. We are a small department, and there is a global tendency to regard the study of language and literature as of lesser importance.”

Dr Vorster’s manuscript draws directly from her own life, beginning with a Stage III breast cancer diagnosis in 2007 and the uncertainty that followed. While searching for guidance during her treatment, she found little that reflected her experience, which led her to begin documenting her own journey.

“I realised that there is a lot of common ground in the life story of cancer patients … however, the individual narrative remains paramount. I wanted to share my story – making it available to others that might be walking through libraries and bookstores, looking for some guidance and encouragement on their breast cancer journey.”

Although her notes remained untouched for years, her decision to pursue a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing at the UFS created the space to return to them – and to shape them into the work she now completes as a graduating student.

Dr Smith notes that Dr Vorster’s path into the discipline was not conventional. “Although she is a highly experienced anaesthetist, she had no prior experience or training in creative writing. She had, however, a remarkable story to tell, as well as the perseverance and the receptiveness to guidance needed to ensure that this story got written.”

The moment of recognition came quietly. Dr Vorster recalls reading the email informing her of the award several times before the reality settled in. “After reading it five times, I started to realise what I have achieved by sharing my life with cancer. I am still pinching myself to make sure it is not just a dream.”

Beyond the personal milestone, the work speaks to a wider audience. Her writing reflects not only the experience of a patient, but also the impact of illness on families, colleagues, and support systems that often remain in the background.

“My wish is that the creative writing approach of sharing my journey might enlighten and empower others who either find themselves in a similar situation or are just trying to make sense of it all. A breast cancer diagnosis reaches much further than the patient only.”

For the department, the award signals both recognition and possibility. “It is important for us to reward excellence and to recognise students who produce work of exceptional quality. In this way, the wider world also remains aware that the UFS has students of high calibre,” Dr Smith says.

As she approaches graduation, Dr Vorster’s manuscript stands as both an academic achievement and a personal record shaped over time. It is also the beginning of something beyond the degree – a piece of writing that continues to reach others navigating illness, uncertainty, and recovery.

Story by Tshepo Tsotetsi and first published in UFS website.

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Lungisani Mjaji, a Commercial Photography alumnus at Tshwane University of Technology, shot to fame when a photo he took of his niece carrying an Albany loaf of bread went viral on social media.

Mjali now has a film screening at the IMAX theatre.

Q: What true story inspired your short film, The Float, and what themes did you want the audience to feel or understand?

A: Growing up in villages across South Africa, many of us disobeyed our parents, and sadly, we lost childhood friends along the way. My short film draws on these real-life experiences and aims to show people who have lost loved ones or friends in childhood that they are not alone. It’s a story of relatability, connection and awareness.

Q: What was the most challenging part of taking an idea from inspiration to a finished short film?

A: Bringing this short film to life took years, from scribbling ideas on paper to seeking funding. When I spotted the IMAX competition, I seized the opportunity, submitting my storybook and pitch deck. Having been selected as a finalist, I had just three days to shoot and edit the film with no funding and only a camera.

Drawing on years of planning, I enlisted the help of my mother (Cushiwe Princess Mjaji), my nephew (Sibonelo Mjaji) and the Tsawulwayo brothers (Melokuhle and Anathi). Despite being non-professional actors, they are natural storytellers and together we nailed it. Storytelling is in our blood, and we brought this raw and real story to life.

Q: How did you react when you learned your film was selected for screening at IMAX?

A: My stories are raw, real and untold – that’s what makes them special. When I start a project, I approach it with faith and determination. I give it my all, leaving no room for doubt. When my short film dropped, I was stoked – not just for myself, but for my village too.

Those kids in the film? I opened a door for them, a pathway to possibilities. I was happy my short film was selected. It felt like validation of all my hard work and dedication.

Q: What does it mean to you as a filmmaker (and as a former Photography student) to have your work shown on an IMAX platform?

A:The key is growth and dedication to your passion. Keep creating, even when no one’s watching, and trust the process. Be your own biggest fan and your work will shine. Tell your story, stay curious and keep learning – forever a student, every day a lesson.

Q: What do you hope audiences take away after watching it?

A: I hope that audiences will take away the importance of hope and faith, and of cherishing their loved ones. I also hope they stay curious and remember that there’s always a lesson to be learned from listening to your elders.

Q: How did your background in photography influence your filmmaking – camera choices, lighting, framing or storytelling?

A: I approached the composition of each scene as if it were a living image – every shot was a standalone picture, crafted to contribute to the overall narrative. My short film is a series of moving images, with each angle offering a unique snapshot of the narrative.

Q: What skills did you carry over from photography that helped you direct your short film?

A: Composing each scene as if it were a living image.

Q: Do you see yourself moving further into film after this experience? Yes.

A: One day, I will be a world-renowned filmmaker telling indigenous stories.

Q: How important was community and family support to getting this project completed?

A: My neighbours and my mom were so helpful. They have been with me since day one and have always trusted me with their children. I would like to thank my community for everything they have done for me. They didn’t start supporting me with this short film, but they have been supporting me for a long time.

Q: What was the collaboration like with Nikon South Africa and what guidance did you receive?

A:Collaborating with Nikon always feels great and it’s good to have access to the latest equipment and the opportunity to create.

Q: If you could offer advice to other students/alumni in the Department of Visual Communication at the Faculty of Arts and Design who wish to submit their work for major screenings, what would you tell them?

A: Have hope and create. Collaborate (ungathi wazi konke) and ask for help (uzosizakala).

Q: What’s next for you after the IMAX screening – new projects, new roles, or new goals?

A: I’m planning a series of short films and travelling the world. My target for this year is ten countries. I also want to host exhibitions and live my dream – to be the Lungisani Mjaji that I always wanted to be.

To watch a trailer of the film, click on (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U_MuK0c68uiW0eWv501MuJ9eCXc42M0N/view?usp=drivesdk).

This feature by Gerrit Bester first appeared on the Tshwane University of Technology Website.

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Brilliant minds from across the continent and beyond gathered in Kasane, Botswana, to advance astronomy, foster collaboration, and explore new frontiers in scientific innovation during the African Astronomical Society Conference.

Hosted by the Botswana International University of Science and Technology, the conference emphasises Africa’s expanding role in global astronomy, enhances international research collaborations, and influences the future of science.

The 6th Annual Conference of the African Astronomical Society, under the theme “ Under One Sky: Charting Africa’s Future through Astronomy- Innovation, investment & impact from Botswana Skies”. It began on 22 March and ends today.

The African Astronomical Society is a group or organisation created to bring together all astronomers, amateur astronomers, enthusiasts, and media professionals from different areas of astronomy and astrophysics to discuss community science interests and outreach, government involvement in what we are doing, and hiring institutions.

The African Astronomical Society is an annual platform for showcasing work ranging from science to outreach programmes, sharing best practices and ideas.

In a nutshell, the African Astronomical Society is the best way to implement shared outreach programmes on science through dissemination efforts and to share ideas on how to advance the fields of astronomy and astrophysics in the future.

Organisers describe the 6th Annual Conference of the African Astronomical Society as one of the most remarkable conferences, owing to more than 20 Zambians showcasing their work in outreach and science.

Principal Investigator Dr Saul Paul Phiri is delighted that Zambia has participated in all African Astronomical Society conferences since the society’s inception in 2019.

From the participation statistics, Dr Phiri says Zambia is in a favourable position to harness the benefits of astronomy, as her delegates continue to share expertise and experiences in all scheduled main and side meetings.

“We are above 25 delegates that have come from Zambia,” though locally, the outreach performance has not been impressive. The Zambian Astronomical Society is known only in secondary schools and at selected public events, which ordinary folk may not be privy to.

On this score, the Zambian Astronomical Society is planning to spread its tentacles countrywide across all 116 districts of the ten (10) provinces: Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka, Muchinga, Northern, North-Western, Southern, and Western.

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Dr Phiri believes that the future is bright, owing to the growing number of students passionately learning science in Zambia and benefiting from shared experiences at the ongoing 6th Annual Conference of the African Astronomical Society.

Alluding to programmes in space science and astronomy developed by the Copperbelt University (CBU) and the University of Zambia (UNZA) at the Great East Road Campus, Dr Phiri says the expert collaboration gained will bring to life approved local training programmes and give rise to homegrown space scientists.

The Zambian team is drawn from Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka, Northern, Southern, and North-Western provinces, with only Muchinga and Western provinces missing.

The conference serves as a platform for African experts to share knowledge, foster partnerships, and explore new ideas that can drive scientific development and technological advancement across the continent.

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Astronomers from the University of Cape Town (UCT) working with colleagues from Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (France), Swinburne University of Technology (Australia) and the INAF Osservatorio Astronomico di Cagliari (Italy) have uncovered the true scale of one of the largest hidden structures in the nearby Universe.

Their findings reveal the immense extent of the Vela Supercluster, a colossal concentration of galaxies that had remained concealed behind the dense dust and stars of our own Milky Way galaxy.

The international collaboration, led by researchers including UCT’s Emeritus Professor Renée Kraan-Korteweg from the Department of Astronomy, used a novel hybrid technique that combines different types of galaxy measurements to map this previously obscured region of the cosmos.

The discovery fills a major gap in astronomers’ understanding of the large-scale structure of the Universe and sheds new light on the forces that shape how galaxies move across vast cosmic distances.

Professor Kraan-Korteweg said the discovery builds on more than a decade of work by the UCT team. “I am truly exhilarated that the data gathered by my group could be successfully incorporated into this novel methodology.

“It has finally confirmed the prominence of the Vela-Banzi supercluster - something I suspected more than a decade ago - and shows that it plays an important role in the largescale cosmic flows in our region of the Universe, including our own Local Group of galaxies”.

The “Zone of Avoidance”

About 20% of the sky is difficult to observe because it lies behind the Milky Way’s dense disk. This region, known as the Zone of Avoidance, hides distant galaxies behind thick clouds of dust and billions of foreground stars.

For decades, this blind spot prevented astronomers from obtaining a complete picture of the large-scale structure of the Universe.

As a result, scientists struggled to fully understand the origin of large cosmic flows, the large scale motions of galaxies caused by the gravitational scale motions of galaxies caused by the gravitational pull of massive structures.

To overcome this obstacle, the research team developed a hybrid reconstruction technique that combines two types of galaxy measurements:

Universe Galaxy redshifts, revealing how fast galaxies are moving away from us as the Universe expands, and peculiar Galaxy distances and peculiar velocities, revealing how galaxies move under gravity across enormous cosmic distances.

By combining these measurements, scientists can reconstruct the underlying distribution of matter in the Universe, including invisible dark matter.

The team used more than 65 000 galaxy distance measurements from the CosmicFlows catalogue and added over 8 000 new galaxy redshifts observed close to the plane of the Milky Way.

A major breakthrough came from observations with two worldleading facilities in South Africa, the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) and the MeerKAT radio telescope, operated by the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.

These instruments allowed astronomers, including the UCT team, to detect galaxies deep inside the most obscured regions of the Zone of the Zone of Avoidance.

MeerKAT can detect hydrogen gas at radio wavelengths that pass through dust. This enables astronomers to observe galaxies that would otherwise remain hidden.

For the first time, astronomers systematically probed this hidden region of the sky and revealed the massive cosmic structure behind it.

The true size of the Vela Supercluster

These new observations reveal that the Vela Supercluster is far larger and more massive than previously thought.

Located roughly 800 million light-years away, the structure stretches across about 300 million years away, and contains an enormous amount of matter. This is equivalent to about 30 million billion Suns (around 3 × 10billion Suns (around 3 × 10¹⁶ ¹⁶ solar masses).

The analysis shows that Vela rivals the famous Shapley Supercluster, which has long been considered the most massive structure in the nearby Universe.

Vela itself has a complex internal structure, with two main dense cores moving toward each other. This makes the system even more remarkable. Its gravitational influence exceeds that of other or other well-known regions such as Laniakea, the supercluster that contains our own Galaxy and the Great Attractor.

Understanding cosmic flows

Massive structures like Vela exert a powerful gravitational pull on surrounding galaxies. This shapes the large-scale motions of matter in the Universe. By revealing the true extent of the Vela Supercluster, astronomers can now better understand the cosmic flows that influence the motion of galaxies across hundreds of millions of light--years.

A preview of the future of cosmic mapping

The study demonstrates the power of combining different types of astronomical observations to reconstruct the structure of the Universe, even in regions that are difficult to observe directly.

The research also highlights the growing global role of South African astronomy infrastructure and UCT’’s leadership in exploring the hidden regions of the Universe.

Such hybrid techniques will become increasingly important as the next generation of astronomical surveyastronomical surveys and observatories unfolds. These will allow scientists to map the cosmic web with unprecedented precision and reveal the hidden architecture of the Universe.

INAF Osservatorio Astronomico di Cagliari academic and former UCT PhD student Sambatriniaina Rajohnson said: “This discovery helps complete our map of the nearby Universe. For the first time, we can clearly see one of the major gravitational players hidden behind our own galaxy.”

An affectionate name for the Vela Supercluster: “Vela-Banzi”

The team of astronomers also acknowledged the land in South Africa and Australia on which the telescopes used in the research are located, recognising the communities and custodians of these lands.

Given the importance of the SARAO MeerKAT data in revealing galaxies at the lowest latitudes of the sky, the team has introduced a locally inspired affectionate name for the Vela Supercluster, Supercluster, “Vela-Banzi.”

Derived from isiXhosa, the name means “revealing widely”. This describes a structure that is now emerging behind the Milky Way as one of the most extended and massive superclusters in the nearby Universe.

Kraan-Korteweg highlighted the important role played by young researchers at UCT.

“I am extremely proud of the many UCT students who contributed to the challenging task of peering through the Milky Way’s disk over the years, among them six PhD and nine MSc students.”

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