Students connect at summit Students from Belgium Campus iTversity in Kempton Park were among the 45 schools and tertiary institutions that attended last week’s Disability Summit and Career Expo.
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In an era defined by rapid technological evolution, Information Technology (IT) education is undergoing a transformative shift. As we look to the future, the development of IT courses promises to be an exciting mixture of innovation and adaptation. Let’s explore how studying IT might unfold in the years to come.
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Belgium Campus iTversity has taken the lead in several initiatives in recent years to spur the number of women in the information technology (IT) sector.
Belgium Campus Initiates Collaboration Across Africa to Encourage Women in IT Read More »
Governments and companies around the world have been rushing to protect themselves and the public from online scamming and cybercrime in recent years.
A Lack of Cyber Security Makes South Africans Victims Read More »
With the need for information technology experts growing at a seemingly exponential rate, both internationally and domestically, there has never been a better time to join this exciting industry.
How IT Courses in South Africa Compare Globally Read More »
A career in software engineering can be both incredibly challenging and incredibly rewarding. In the modern world, there is an ever-expanding list of jobs becoming available in this industry.
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BusIT Week: Belgium Campus iTversity Hosts International Initiative for Student Exchange Belgium Campus iTversity, a leading educational institution specialising in Information Technology skills, is hosting the South African leg of an international initiative known as BusIT Week during 7-12 April on the topic ‘Smart Cities: FoodRescue South Africa: Nourishing Communities’. The initiative, organised by a network of partners, universities, and university colleges of Applied Sciences, aims to facilitate short-term internationalisation for students. International BusIT Week is a product of Businet, a group of international tertiary institutions such as universities dedicated to creating international experiences for students. Belgium Campus iTversity is the only institution in Africa that takes part. It is an intensive week during which students from around the world collaborate to address modern issues while focusing on a specific theme aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each year, every institution in the group hosts a BusIT Week and the event is open to all students from first to final years. The week provides an opportunity for students to make use of their technical skills, while burnishing their social and interpersonal skills. “It provides a space where people from diverse cultural backgrounds and geographic locations can share knowledge and ideas, creating room for new lines of dialogue which may not have otherwise existed. It also provides students an opportunity to collaborate with international peers for professional development beyond their home countries,” explains Francois Venter, Project Lead on Internationalisation at Belgium Campus. The aim of the selected topic, ‘Smart Cities: FoodRescue South Africa: Nourishing Communities’, he says, is to empower students to tackle food shortages using cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) technology. ”The goal is to develop and showcase a functional IoT prototype that provides people from a community assistance in maintaining a healthy system. This prototype will demonstrate the potential of IoT technology to contribute to sustainable solutions addressing food shortages, offering tangible proof of concept and inspiring further innovation in the field.” Venter adds: “It’s about creating a much more rounded student, culturally aware and able to work across time zones and cultural aspects and stems from long-term partnerships with international partners, aligning with Belgium Campus’s commitment to internationalisation and its longstanding relationships within the network.” BusIT Week further aligns with the institutions’ focus on cultural and IT skills. “IT is a massive growing field that we need to expose students to. The initiative provides students with valuable experiences in working across time zones and cultural boundaries, ultimately enhancing their professional readiness and global perspective,” says Venter. The selection criteria is entirely inclusive, emphasising Belgium Campus’s commitment to providing opportunities for all students, regardless of their academic year. While certain skill levels are required, students at any stage of their academic journey are welcome to join, fostering a collaborative environment where students support each other’s learning. South Africa in turn brings much to the BusIT Week, through its diverse cultural character. “Unlike European partners where national cultural similarities may prevail, South Africa presents a distinct cultural landscape of 12 official languages, enriching the learning experience for visiting students. Furthermore, the exchange of technical knowledge between international and South African students ensures a mutually beneficial learning environment.” To break the ice, through interactive networking sessions students are encouraged to share their cultural experiences and perspectives, facilitating mutual understanding and collaboration. The BusIT Week typically sees around 15 to 20 international students visiting South Africa, with an additional 30-plus South African students on average participating. “With a focus on SDGs, students will employ IoT to revolutionise food rescue efforts, aiming to optimise the achievement of SDGs.” Venter says that past endeavours have contributed to a deeper understanding of systems and their real-world applications. For this event’s topic, he outlines the role of IoT technology in addressing challenges faced by aquaponic systems. “By installing IoT devices on these systems, students aim to monitor and optimise their functionality, ultimately enhancing their sustainability and resilience.” This work will result in the development of prototypes for the gathering of data and analysis facilitated by IoT technology, including on crop performance and water quality, with students empowered to make informed decisions for system optimisation and future iterations. “Students should seize this opportunity for international exposure and transformative experience. They stand to gain multifaceted benefits from their BusIT Week experience. Beyond technical proficiency, the initiative fosters peer learning and cultural exchange, enriching students’ understanding of international collaboration and diverse perspectives. As students immerse themselves in this cross-cultural environment, they not only broaden their horizons but also develop essential skills for global citizenship and professional growth.” By actively engaging in initiatives like BusIT Week, students can unlock new horizons and shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities. ABOUT BELGIUM CAMPUS ITVERSITY NPC Belgium Campus is a South Africa-based pioneering ITversity in South Africa that helps raise the bar in private education in the ICT industry. The higher education institution collaborates with the industry to provide students with the financial support necessary to forge successful futures. Well-established and renowned, it has campuses in Pretoria, Kempton Park, and a newly opened campus in Stellenbosch. Its success stems from a Participative Development Model of Education which accounts for the needs of students, industry, academia, government, and society alike, resulting in demand-driven, student-centred, and business-focused higher learning. -My Pressportal
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Equipping The Technological Frontier In 2024 As we bid farewell to 2023, and stand on the precipice of a transformative 2024, the convergence of three major trends—ChatGPT’s ongoing influence, the surge of cloud computing, and the intersection of green energy and computing—paints a dynamic portrait of the technological landscape. The surprisingly swift ascent of ChatGPT in 2023 was not a fleeting trend but rather a prelude to sustained relevance in 2024. The challenge now is to explore not just its capabilities but also its integration into work life by streamlining workflows, and enhancing productivity, while navigating ethical considerations surrounding privacy and responsible AI use. It is impossible to ignore the profound impact ChatGPT has had on the IT landscape as businesses, professionals, and enthusiasts alike come to terms with its abilities in terms of generating coherent and contextually relevant content. The persistent relevance of ChatGPT is transforming the way we communicate and interact with technology, from customer support to content creation. One of the key conversations as we enter 2024 revolves around effectively integrating ChatGPT into the workplace. Businesses are exploring ways to provide more personalised experiences for both employees and customers – from automating routine tasks to aiding in complex decision-making processes. ChatGPT is an integral part of our professional lives As ChatGPT becomes an integral part of our professional lives, ethical considerations will loom large. Business leaders are grappling with questions related to privacy, bias, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The dialogue must be one of how to harness the technology for the greater good while avoiding potential pitfalls. Cloud powerful computing resources Similarly, cloud computing dominated the technological landscape in 2023, and continues to reshape the way we work as we enter 2024. The migration of computational tasks to the cloud has redefined work dynamics, enabling remote and flexible work models. The cloud became more than just a storage solution; it evolved into a comprehensive platform for computational tasks, from data analysis to running complex algorithms. From a work perspective, the migration of computational aspects to the cloud has redefined the traditional boundaries of the workplace. With the ability to access powerful computing resources from anywhere with an internet connection, remote and hybrid work models have become more feasible and empowered teams to collaborate seamlessly. Cloud computing’s impact on productivity cannot be overstated. The ability to offload computational tasks to the cloud means that local devices no longer bear the full burden of processing power. This results in faster, more efficient workflows, allowing employees to focus on high-value tasks rather than waiting for local processing to complete. Real-time collaboration, instant access to data, and the ability to scale resources on-demand contribute to a significant boost in overall productivity. Optimise energy consumption For South Africa, burdened by persistent load shedding, the convergence of green energy and computing provides hope. From solar panels and smart home technologies for households to renewable energy procurement and energy-efficient infrastructure for businesses, public awareness of green energy is growing in leaps and bounds. Green energy For businesses, the transition to green energy is not only an environmentally conscious decision but also a strategic move for resilience against power interruptions. Over the coming 12 months we anticipate businesses increasingly implementing robust energy management systems to monitor, analyse, and optimise energy usage across operations; as well as sourcing energy from renewable providers and investing in on-site renewable energy solutions, such as solar farms or wind turbines. Changes in business practices will include designing and retrofitting facilities to meet high energy efficiency standards, including efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and insulation; and encouraging employees to contribute to energy-saving efforts, fostering a culture of sustainability within the organisation. Collaboration between the government, businesses, and communities is essential to overcoming the initial cost challenge and fostering a sustainable energy ecosystem. In 2024, the intersection of ChatGPT’s ongoing influence, the transformative power of cloud computing, and the imperative for green energy adoption creates a landscape rich with opportunities and challenges. By embracing technological evolution, ICT educators such as ourselves become catalysts for a future where innovation, sustainability, and responsible use of technology converge for the betterment of individuals, organisations, and society at large. Finally, a major milestone achieved at Belgium Campus iTversity in 2023 was the development of a Diploma in Information Technology specifically designed for the deaf and hard of hearing. We are dedicated to ensuring that the education we provide is accessible to all students, including students with learning and physical disabilities, and will continue this path in 2024. ABOUT BELGIUM CAMPUS ITVERSITY NPC Belgium Campus is a South Africa-based pioneering ITversity in South Africa that helps raise the bar in private education in the ICT industry. The higher education institution collaborates with the industry to provide students with the financial support necessary to forge successful futures. Well-established and renowned, it has campuses in Pretoria, Kempton Park, and a newly opened campus in Stellenbosch. Its success stems from a Participative Development Model of Education which accounts for the needs of students, industry, academia, government, and society alike, resulting in demand-driven, student-centred, and business-focused higher learning. -Woman on Top
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Addressing the IT skills gap Addressing the IT skills gap SA is already experiencing substantial revenue loss due to an inability to fill IT positions. Talent shortage: SA has an estimated skills shortage for as many as 70,000 high-end information technology positions. SA faces a daunting challenge when it comes to unemployment, with extended rates reaching beyond a staggering 50% officially (30%). Computer literacy remains a pressing concern, limiting economic expansion and stunting workers’ personal growth. A study conducted by management consulting firm Korn Ferry underscores a global skills gap in the information technology (IT) sector. The study argues that there will be a global human talent shortage of more than 85 million people by 2030. Unchecked, this talent shortage could result in about $8.5 trillion in unrealised annual revenue due to the vast number of unfilled IT jobs worldwide. SA is no exception. We are already experiencing substantial revenue loss due to an inability to fill IT positions. The country has a skills shortage of 20,000-70,000 high-end IT professionals. The global skills shortage puts SA at further risk of losing skilled professionals to developed countries trying to compensate for their own shortfalls, meaning that even more professionals will be required to bridge the gap in this country. Closing the skills gap is the difference between having a sluggish or growing economy. But we cannot expect to be able to close the skills gap if we do not produce high school graduates who meet the standard necessary to pursue IT at a higher education level. One initiative aimed at addressing this gap is the introduction of IT education from primary school level. While laudable, it faces numerous challenges, notably resource constraints, inadequate teacher training and infrastructure deficiencies. Without effective solutions to these challenges, the goal of nurturing a new generation proficient in IT may remain elusive. The skills gap includes high school teachers who lack formal training in IT. Many SA educators are barely proficient in basic computer skills, hampering their ability to prepare their students for an IT-driven future. EARLY AGE It is of central importance to expose children to IT at an early age and foster among them a passion for Stem (science, technology, engineering, and maths) subjects. However, many students lack any exposure to IT concepts, with some encountering computers only when they enrol in tertiary education. Belgium Campus is entrusted by many corporates to disburse their education bursaries to fitting previously disadvantaged individuals, but we find that even at tertiary level, students lack awareness of IT opportunities, being unfamiliar with the field before their enrolment. The challenge is compounded by limited access to technology during their childhood development phase, with many schools lacking computer resources and often with parents who have never used a computer. In comparison, more advanced countries’ IT literacy CLOSING THE SKILLS GAP IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAVING A SLUGGISH OR GROWING ECONOMY is ingrained from an early age. SA lags behind and therefore needs to urgently address this disparity to remain competitive in an environment in which AI will be the norm. Access to affordable data and technology is a key driver in narrowing the IT skills gap and fostering inclusivity in the digital age. For instance, there are initiatives in other countries, such as Thailand, where free WiFi is made available to the entire population, recognising that access to data is crucial for participation in the digital economy. While data costs in SA have improved, they remain prohibitive for many individuals, excluding them from the benefits of technology. There are further challenges. Reducing the pass rate requirements means many students will receive a bachelor endorsement on paper but still not have the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully pursue a bachelor’s degree. This is not only a disservice to the country’s youth and what they strive for, but also the future of our country. The focus of the Belgium Campus iTVersity in its distribution of bursaries totalling about R30m a year is to enable students to pursue IT education in the form of vocational certificates and diplomas as pathways to ultimately enter the technology workforce successfully with hands-on experience, as well as bachelor’s degrees for both academic and professional tertiary education. EXTRA LESSONS To prepare students for that future, it has adopted an initiative among high schools to provide extra lessons in IT, computer applications technology and maths during winter breaks; donating computers to schools; and it plans to conduct training courses for IT educators to bridge the skills gap at the grassroots level. I remain optimistic about the evolving landscape of technology education in SA. There is a growing awareness of the importance of IT skills, driven in part by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the emergence of Generation Z. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated this awareness, highlighting the need for digital literacy and proficiency in an increasingly technology-driven and remote-working world. I remain optimistic about the evolving landscape of technology education in SA. There is a growing awareness of the importance of IT skills, driven in part by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the emergence of Generation Z. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated this awareness, highlighting the need for digital literacy and proficiency in an increasingly technology-driven and remote-working world. ABOUT BELGIUM CAMPUS ITVERSITY NPC Belgium Campus is a South Africa-based pioneering ITversity in South Africa that helps raise the bar in private education in the ICT industry. The higher education institution collaborates with the industry to provide students with the financial support necessary to forge successful futures. Well-established and renowned, it has campuses in Pretoria, Kempton Park, and a newly opened campus in Stellenbosch. Its success stems from a Participative Development Model of Education which accounts for the needs of students, industry, academia, government, and society alike, resulting in demand-driven, student-centred, and business-focused higher learning. -Dr Elaine van Wyk, Belgium Campus chief marketing officer
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Exploring the Diversity of IT Careers: Where Can Your Degree Take You? Are you thinking about pursuing an IT degree at Belgium Campus? If so, then you probably already know that the IT field is vast and that there are a ton of different career paths you can go into with a degree in this field, from software development to cybersecurity. Additionally, in terms of a degree with a high employability rate, an information technology degree would be your best bet. Here are a few fields you could go into after studying IT. Software Development Software development is at the heart of the IT industry. As a software developer, you’ll have the opportunity to create cutting-edge apps, websites, and software solutions that address real-world challenges. Whether you’re passionate about mobile app development, web development, or business software solutions, a degree in IT can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to thrive in this field. At Belgium Campus, you can specialise in this field when studying for your Bachelor of Computing or Bachelor of Information Technology degree. Cybersecurity Cybersecurity has become a top priority for IT organisations of all sizes. As a cybersecurity specialist, you’ll play a crucial role in protecting sensitive data and mitigating cyber threats. From conducting risk assessments to implementing robust security measures, your expertise will be in high demand across many industries. Data Science and Analytics Data has become a valuable asset for businesses looking to gain a competitive edge. As a data scientist or analyst, you will extract actionable insights from data and enable a business to make strategic decisions. With an IT degree focusing on data science, you will learn how to use advanced analytics tools and techniques to extract meaningful patterns and trends from complex datasets. You can also specialise in this field when completing your Bachelor of Computing degree at Belgium Campus. Management and Consulting with an IT degree As businesses embrace digital technologies to stay competitive, the demand for IT management and consulting professionals continues to grow. This is why Belgium Campus offers business management and entrepreneurship electives when studying for a Bachelor of Computing degree. In this role, you will make use of your technical expertise and business acumen to guide organisations through technological transformations or changes and strategic initiatives. Whether you are overseeing projects, managing IT resources, or providing strategic guidance to senior leadership, your ability to align technology with business goals will be vital. Pioneer the Future of IT with a Degree from Belgium Campus The IT industry is constantly evolving, with modern technologies reshaping the way we live and work. From artificial intelligence and machine learning to blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT), new technologies are driving innovation and creating new possibilities forprofessionals with an IT degree. That’s why Belgium Campus offers more than one type of IT degree centred around practical experience and the latest technological developments. By keeping up with the latest trends and advancements at Belgium Campus, you will have the opportunity to pioneer the future of IT and shape the way technology impacts the world while completing your degree. With an IT degree, you will be equipped to adapt to changing trends and use emerging technologies to drive positive change in the world. When it comes to choosing a degree to study, Belgium Campus offers many options, so if you would like to know more about which IT degree is best for you, visit our website or feel free to contact us, and we will help you however we can.
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