Phillip Crafford - Belgium Campus iTversity

Two green humanoid robots pulling a pink rope behind prison bars in a grey cell, with blue sky visible through a small window.

Rogue AI agents spark calls for jail time

As increasingly autonomous AI systems begin causing real-world problems, companies are racing to put safeguards in place amid calls for tougher regulation – and even jail time.

The Vienna Agentic Incidents Database has recorded 30 incidents involving autonomous AI agents, including unauthorised file and database deletions, cyber intrusions, financial transactions and agents interfering with shutdown controls, since 2022.

Rogue AI agents spark calls for jail time Read More »

Hands typing on a computer keyboard, overlaid with digital screens displaying code, graphs, data and world maps, representing software development and data technology.

Software Development Course: What Should You Learn for the Future?

Articles / Phillip Crafford

A software development course should teach more than how to write code. It should develop programming fundamentals, problem-solving, software design, testing, and practical development skills while helping students understand emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. At Belgium Campus iTversity, Software Development forms part of the Bachelor of Information Technology and Diploma in Information Technology study pathways.

Software Development Course: What Should You Learn for the Future? Read More »

Programming course concept showing computer code on a digital screen being operated by touch

Programming Course in the Age of AI: What Should You Actually Learn?

Articles / Phillip Crafford

A programming course should teach more than coding syntax. Students need to develop programming fundamentals, logical and computational thinking, problem-solving abilities and an understanding of how software is designed and developed. As AI becomes increasingly relevant to technology, programming education should help students develop the foundational knowledge needed to understand, evaluate and work with evolving digital tools. At Belgium Campus iTversity, programming forms part of broader IT qualifications and is available as a specialisation within the Diploma in Information Technology.

Programming Course in the Age of AI: What Should You Actually Learn? Read More »

“Person using a laptop in a blue-lit server room surrounded by computer equipment and illuminated server racks.”

Choosing an IT Degree in South Africa: Building Skills for More Than One Career

Articles / Phillip Crafford

An IT degree can suit more than people who already know how to code. It can appeal to curious problem-solvers, analytical thinkers and people who want to use technology to create practical solutions. Choosing the right degree means considering your interests, how you like to solve problems and the areas of technology you would like to explore. Belgium Campus iTversity offers degree pathways including the Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Computing, with opportunities to study areas such as software development, software engineering, and data science.

Choosing an IT Degree in South Africa: Building Skills for More Than One Career Read More »

Overhead view of a collaborative office workspace where four people are gathered around a desk with laptops, computer monitors, documents, sticky notes, and a smartphone. One person is writing on a sticky note while another points towards materials on the desk, suggesting a team discussion or project planning session. A printed document labelled “Contract” is visible on the table.

7 High-Paying IT Careers Most Students Have Never Heard Of

Articles / Phillip Crafford

Most students associate IT careers with software development or cybersecurity, but the technology industry offers many lesser-known opportunities. Emerging roles such as DevOps Engineer, Data Engineer, Cloud Security Specialist, Site Reliability Engineer, AI Operations Engineer, Automation Engineer, and Solutions Architect are becoming increasingly valuable as organisations invest in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation. These careers combine technical expertise with problem-solving and strategic thinking, offering sturdy growth potential and excellent long-term prospects. For students considering a future in technology, exploring these hidden IT careers could open doors to exciting opportunities beyond traditional tech roles.

7 High-Paying IT Careers Most Students Have Never Heard Of Read More »

Close-up of a hand using a laptop touchpad, overlaid with HTML and web development code elements such as , , , and tags. The image has a blue-toned digital design with network connection graphics, symbolising software development, coding, web design, and technology.

Software Engineering in South Africa: From Code to Complete Systems

Articles / Phillip Crafford

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 »

Portrait of a person with short white hair and black-framed glasses, seated indoors against a light textured wall. The person is wearing a dark collared shirt with a colorful patterned panel on one shoulder and is facing the camera. Soft indoor lighting illuminates the scene, and part of a light-colored cushion is visible in the background.

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 »