Phillip Crafford - Belgium Campus iTversity

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Software Engineering in South Africa: From Code to Complete Systems

Software engineering is the disciplined process of designing, building, testing and maintaining software systems, not simply writing code. In South Africa, software-related occupations remain in demand, with Software Developer, Programmer Analyst, Developer Programmer and Web Developer appearing on the Department of Higher Education and Training’s 2024 National List of Occupations in High Demand. Employers also continue to place strong value on practical experience. Belgium Campus iTversity offers several routes into the field, from its Diploma in Information Technology and Bachelor of Information Technology in Software Development to the Bachelor of Computing with a dedicated Software Engineering specialisation.

Software Engineering in South Africa: From Code to Complete Systems Read More »

Cybersecurity concept showing a glowing digital globe with security lock icons inside a server room, symbolising network security, data protection, cyber defence and global information security.

From Ethical Hacking to Risk Management: How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Course in South Africa

Articles / Phillip Crafford

A cybersecurity course can prepare students to protect the systems, software, networks and data modern organisations depend on, but cybersecurity extends well beyond ethical hacking. The field includes network and cloud security, secure software development, vulnerability assessment, incident response, governance, risk and compliance. In South Africa, demand for specialised cybersecurity skills is significant, with a 2024 CSIR survey reporting that 63% of surveyed cybersecurity positions were partially or fully unfilled. For prospective students, the right pathway depends on their existing IT knowledge, preferred type of work and longer-term career ambitions. Belgium Campus iTversity offers several routes into the field, from a dedicated Security specialisation in its Diploma in Information Technology to advanced technical, risk-management and research pathways.

From Ethical Hacking to Risk Management: How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Course in South Africa Read More »

A person in a black and red racing suit walks along a racetrack holding a helmet beside a white, streamlined solar-powered vehicle. Another helmeted occupant is visible inside the vehicle’s cockpit. The vehicle is parked on a paved track with safety barriers and light poles in the background under a clear sky.

Belgium Campus iTversity consortium set for Sasol Solar Challenge debut with SOL-1

News Articles / Phillip Crafford

SOL INVICTUS Dynamics, a multidisciplinary consortium of students, academics, and industry mentors from Belgium Campus iTversity, CTU Training Solutions, IMM Graduate School, Open Window Institute and UXi Private Education, will make its competitive debut in the 2026 Sasol Solar Challenge with its solar-electric vehicle, SOL-1.

The team will travel more than 2,500 km over eight days from Sasolburg to Paarl as part of South Africa’s premier solar-powered endurance event. Competing in the Challenger Class, SOL INVICTUS Dynamics will join local and international teams in a competition where success is determined by the total distance covered through a combination of vehicle efficiency, energy management, and race strategy.

For the consortium, the challenge also presents an opportunity to engage with learners at schools across the country and demonstrate how technology, engineering and innovation are applied in a practical setting.

Belgium Campus iTversity consortium set for Sasol Solar Challenge debut with SOL-1 Read More »

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SAICTA targets ICT jobs gap with new portal

News Articles / Phillip Crafford

The South African Information and Communication Technology Association (SAICTA) has introduced a new jobs portal aimed at connecting ICT professionals and graduates with employers.

Called Industry Connect, the portal is intended to go beyond traditional online job boards by linking employers, jobseekers and professional development in a single platform.

The portal is targeted at ICT jobseekers and ICT professionals, including graduates and people with existing ICT skills, while also serving employers looking to recruit ICT talent.

SAICTA CEO Dr Jannie Zaaiman says the initiative addresses one of the practical barriers to job creation: the disconnect between people with ICT skills and businesses that need them.

SAICTA targets ICT jobs gap with new portal Read More »

A group of participants wearing matching blue “Future Skills Competition” T-shirts stand on a stage during an award presentation. Several participants and event representatives hold a framed certificate, while a speaker stands at a podium decorated with South African flag colors. Event banners and a large display screen are visible in the background.

Belgium Campus Advances BRICS+ Skills Development

News Articles / Phillip Crafford

Belgium Campus iTversity continues to play a leading role in advancing skills development, applied technology, and innovation across BRICS+ nations through its ongoing involvement in the BRICS Business Council’s Skills Development, Applied Technology, and Innovation Working Group. Since joining the initiative in 2023, Belgium Campus iTversity has actively contributed to the development of BRICS skills standards, skills training and international collaboration aimed at preparing young people for emerging technology-driven careers.

Central to the initiative are the annual BRICS Skills Challenges and Innovation Competition, which bring together young people, educators, industry experts, and innovation leaders from South Africa and other BRICS+ countries. Hosted in a different province each year, the events provide participants with opportunities to showcase their abilities, develop new skills, and engage with peers and professionals from diverse backgrounds. Previous events were held at North-West University in Gauteng in 2024 and Esayidi TVET College in KwaZulu-Natal in 2025. In 2026, the initiative moves to the Western Cape, where Northlink TVET will host the next edition, bringing together participants and experts from across South Africa and the wider BRICS+ community. Professor Japie Greeff will continue to play a key role in the initiative, reinforcing Belgium Campus iTversity’s contribution to shaping skills standards and translating them into practical training and competition.

Belgium Campus Advances BRICS+ Skills Development Read More »

SAICTA’s New Job Portal Arrives Right On Cue As SA Targets A Million Jobs By 2030

News Articles / Phillip Crafford

The launch of the South African Information and Communication Technology Association’s (SAICTA’s) jobs portal comes at an opportune moment as government and business embark on Phase Three of their partnership, seeking to add a million jobs to the economy by 2030.

In announcing the partnership on 20 August, President Cyril Ramaphosa was clear that Southern Africa is well positioned to benefit from the digital revolution, while also making the point that “potential does not become prosperity by itself”.

SAICTA – which aims to bridge the gaps between education and industry; talent and opportunity; and innovation and impact – concurs that long-term stable economic growth that creates jobs will stem from policy, capable institutions, efficient infrastructure, regional value chains, and large-scale investments.

SAICTA’s New Job Portal Arrives Right On Cue As SA Targets A Million Jobs By 2030 Read More »

Person seated at a table using a smartphone, with a transparent search bar overlay displayed in the foreground. The search bar contains a search icon, the placeholder text "Search...", and microphone and camera icons, suggesting voice and visual search features. The background is softly blurred with warm indoor lighting.

Search is fragmenting – credibility and trust create the new visibility

News Articles / Phillip Crafford

Online search behaviour has changed significantly with the rise of AI. How can African brands adapt to this new marketing landscape?

Person using a smartphone with a dark translucent search bar overlay showing a magnifying glass icon and the word 'Search…' in white text.
Image by Freepik/Magnific

For decades, digital marketing has relied on a predictable strategy: ensure you rank on the first page of Google.

However, large language models (LLMs) have changed the dynamic, and marketers worry that search engine optimisation (SEO) may be going the way of the dodo. Do keywords, site structure and backlinks still matter in a ‘zero clicks’ environment in which users bypass the traditional blue links to company websites and social media platforms?

Search is fragmenting – credibility and trust create the new visibility Read More »

A group of students stand outdoors beside a blue solar-powered vehicle while a presenter explains its internal components. The vehicle's upper panel is raised, revealing wiring and technical equipment, with a globe mounted above the structure. The demonstration takes place outside a green corrugated-metal building in bright daylight.

SOL INVICTUS puts AI-enabled solar car through its paces at Zwartkops

News Articles / Phillip Crafford

Belgium Campus iTversity and its SOL INVICTUS partners are evaluating an advanced AI-powered telemetry system ahead of the Sasol Solar Challenge.
The solution, developed by students in collaboration with industry and academic partners, makes it possible for their solar-electric race car and support vehicle to operate as a single connected mobility platform and will be live tested at Centurion-based Zwartkops Raceway as the team prepares for South Africa’s premier solar-powered motorsport event.
Sasol’s Solar Challenge is an eight-day biennial endurance event in which local and international engineering teams race custom, solar-powered vehicles across public roads in South Africa between 10 and 17 September. The race starts in Sasolburg and travels a minimum distance of about 2,500 km to Cape Town via Jeffreys Bay.

SOL INVICTUS puts AI-enabled solar car through its paces at Zwartkops Read More »

A white solar-powered vehicle with solar panels mounted across its top is parked in front of a paddock at a racing circuit. The vehicle displays logos for Open Window, UXI, Belgium Campus iTversity, CTU Training Solutions, and IMM Graduate School, with the number 60 visible on the side. A blue tent labelled "Solar Challenge Team" stands behind the vehicle, alongside covered pit garages.

Varsity teams gear up for Sasol Solar Challenge with innovative SOL-1

News Articles / Phillip Crafford

SOL INVICTUS Dynamics, a multi-institutional solar car team, is gearing up to compete in the Sasol Solar Challenge 2026 with its solar-electric vehicle, SOL-1.
The project brings together students, lecturers and industry mentors from Belgium Campus iTversity, CTU Training Solutions, IMM Graduate School and Open Window, in an initiative focused on sustainable engineering, innovation, and experiential learning.
The Sasol Solar Challenge is an eight-day biennial endurance event in which local and international engineering teams race custom, solar-powered vehicles across public roads in South Africa. The 2026 event takes place from 10 to 17 September, starting in Sasolburg and traveling a minimum distance of about 2,500 km toward Cape Town.

Varsity teams gear up for Sasol Solar Challenge with innovative SOL-1 Read More »

Vertical farming facility with multiple illuminated tiers of leafy green crops growing in stacked indoor systems, overlooking a waterfront city skyline at night. A person stands near monitoring equipment beside the growing racks, highlighting the use of technology and controlled-environment agriculture.

Vertical Farming: How Technology Could Help Secure South Africa’s Food Future

Thought Leadership / Phillip Crafford

Space technologies are transforming IT by enabling global satellite internet, autonomous spacecraft powered by AI, affordable access through reusable rockets, advanced in orbit manufacturing, and stronger cybersecurity for space based networks. They are becoming a core driver of future digital infrastructure and innovation.

Vertical Farming: How Technology Could Help Secure South Africa’s Food Future Read More »