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The crowd spoke, and we listened. Belgium Campus iTversity is bringing its world-class IT qualifications to Stellenbosch. With two campuses in Gauteng, in Pretoria and Kempton Park, we thought it only fair that we also give Western Cape residents the opportunity to graduate as sought-after professionals in the fastest-growing industry on earth. With this in mind, all that’s left to ask is: Western Cape, are you ready for your digital revolution? What You Can Study Choose between two exceptional qualifications that include workplace training at a leading organisation. What Sets Our Courses Apart 1) They are regularly updated to meet the changing needs of the industry. We collaborate with over 140 local and global businesses to stay up to date with technological advances and the changing skills and profiles required in the workplace. 2) They have international recognition. Our courses are benchmarked against the accreditation protocol of the Dutch and Flemish Accreditation Organisation every 5 years. The latest audit found our Bachelor of Computing degree even more advanced than an academic bachelor’s programme of European standards! Regardless of the qualification you choose, you can rest assured that you will graduate in demand with plenty of exciting job opportunities. Why Study in Stellenbosch Not a Stellenbosch resident? You may want to consider relocating to pursue higher education. Why? Aside from the obvious, being Belgium Campus coming to town, there are many other reasons Stellenbosch is a great place to study. Here are our top 4 in no particular order: 1) It’s beautiful! Surrounded by stunning mountains and famous vineyards, Stellenbosch is definitely one of the most picturesque parts of South Africa. The small town also boasts historic architecture and quaint oak-lined streets. 2) There’s plenty to do. Leading on from point one, the backdrop Stellenbosch provides enhances any activity! Some local favourites include wine tasting, hiking, and enjoying some water sports at one of the nearby beaches. And if by some miracle you find yourself wanting, the metropolitan city of Cape Town is a mere 50-minute drive. 3) It’s a university town. University towns are known for their vibrancy and diversity, and Stellenbosch is no different. With a population dominated by energetic youth from all over the world, there is nothing quite like pursuing your studies in this melting pot. 4) It has a rich cultural heritage. As South Africa’s second-oldest town, Stellenbosch has a rich cultural heritage for students to explore, including Cape Dutch architecture dating back to the 18th century. 1. It’s beautiful! Surrounded by stunning mountains and famous vineyards, Stellenbosch is definitely one of the most picturesque parts of South Africa. The small town also boasts historic architecture and quaint oak-lined streets. 2. There’s plenty to do. Leading on from point one, the backdrop Stellenbosch provides enhances any activity! Some local favourites include wine tasting, hiking, and enjoying some water sports at one of the nearby beaches. And if by some miracle you find yourself wanting, the metropolitan city of Cape Town is a mere 50-minute drive. 3. It’s a university town. University towns are known for their vibrancy and diversity, and Stellenbosch is no different. With a population dominated by energetic youth from all over the world, there is nothing quite like pursuing your studies in this melting pot. 4. It has a rich cultural heritage. As South Africa’s second-oldest town, Stellenbosch has a rich cultural heritage for students to explore, including Cape Dutch architecture dating back to the 18th century. A Perfectly Located Campus with Top-Notch Facilities Belgium Campus iTversity will form part of the UXI EduHub, located in Stellenbosch Central at 10 Distillery Rd, along with IMM, Open Window, and UXI Sport. This prime location provides easy access to: Planned Facilities Looking for a premium on-campus experience? We have a number of top-notch facilities in the works for you to enjoy, including: A Student Village An atrium Boardrooms An IoT workshop A library A study space A canteen Need More Information? Would you like more information about our Stellenbosch campus or the qualifications offered there? Send us an email at info@belgiumcampus.ac.za or give us a call on 010 593 5368, and we will happily answer all your questions. -Louise Fuller

Coding skills are becoming increasingly versatile, opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities. While software development, data science, and web development are common paths, there are some lesser-known, yet fascinating careers that a programming course can lead to. If you’re ready to think outside the box, check out some of the obscure career paths we will explore throughout the course of this article.

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.

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.

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

Study a Software Engineering Course with Practical Projects So, you are thinking about studying a software engineering course? Unlike some academic disciplines where theoretical knowledge will suffice, software engineering is inherently practical and hands-on. It is, therefore, crucial that you choose a course that will provide you with the practical skills necessary to succeed in this demanding and dynamic field. Software Engineering Course at Belgium Campus iTversity At Belgium Campus, all the theory our students learn as part of a course is grounded in real-world applications. We offer a software engineering specialisation as part of our Bachelor of Computing course, where our students work on real-world innovation projects from their very first year of study! These projects encompass diverse sectors such as health, agriculture, automotive, aviation, and even aerospace, resulting in well-rounded graduates who can work in any industry! Final Year Software Engineering Course Project Exhibition The practical experience our software engineering course students gain throughout their studies culminates in a final project exhibition at the end of their third year, just before they embark on their mandatory 1-year workplace training. During this exhibition, our students present their final year projects – all aimed at solving real-world problems – to members of our faculty. Our software engineering course students did not disappoint, and our members of faculty were very impressed! Their projects featured engineering innovative solutions in the drone industry, including introducing advanced features to optimise drone delivery, and drone surveillance projects to help farmers select optimal areas for cultivation, protect cargo trucks from theft and assist security companies with monitoring. Their projects also included an automated parking system for reduced queues and enhanced safety, infrastructure detection software improving vehicle safety with features like lane detection, obstacle avoidance, and road sign recognition, as well as a reimagining of urban infrastructure and transportation systems. This reimagining involved optimised traffic lights, enhanced pedestrian crossings, and improved emergency vehicle response times through optimal lane detection. “Our entire studies throughout the last 3 years built up to this moment, and we are proud of what we achieved. It felt great working as part of a team, and the learning process was one of the biggest takeaways.” – Software Engineering course student Ammaar Peerbhai. Benefits of a Software Engineering Course with Practical Projects Enrolling in a software engineering course that includes practical experience comes with many benefits that will prepare you for the challenges and demands of the software engineering industry. These include: An understanding of how to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. A taste of the software engineering work you will do in the real world. Enhanced critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills. Practical experience to add to your portfolio. Enhanced technical skills, including programming languages and software testing.  The practical projects our software engineering course students work on also have the added benefits of: Multidisciplinary knowledge and skills through the broad range of fields we incorporate into their course. Exposure to the latest tools, technologies, and best practices. Networking opportunities through projects that involve collaboration with industry partners. Need More Information About This Course? Would you like more information about the software engineering specialisation offered as part of our Bachelor of Computing course? Get in touch with us, and we will gladly provide you with all the information about this course and pursuing engineering within the IT field. -Louise Fuller

Chatsworth’s Trevolin Pillay one of six deaf students who graduated in IT from Belgium Campus The calibre of students the institution provides allows them to boast a 100 percent graduate employment rate and provide no fewer than eight percent of the ICT graduates in South Africa. In a South African first, six deaf IT students graduated from Belgium Campus iTversity NPC each with a three-year bachelor of information technology (BIT) degree, on Friday. Trevolin Pillay (23) from Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal is one of the six graduating students and has done his community proud. The tertiary institution has taken responsibility to be an important catalyst in the growth and development of students with disabilities and students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. “We collaborate with the industry to provide these students with the financial support necessary to forge successful futures through higher education,” said Dr Elaine van Wyk, chief marketing officer at Belgium Campus, which is a well-established and renowned South African-based private higher education institution. The institution has campuses in Pretoria, Kempton Park, and a newly opened campus in Stellenbosch.The calibre of students the institution provides allows them to boast a 100 percent graduate employment rate and provide no fewer than eight percent of the ICT graduates in South Africa. The six deaf graduating students are: Trevolin Pillay (23) from Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal Sieshane Perumal (27) from Westville, KwaZulu-Natal Violen Moonee (27) from Darnall in KwaZulu-Natal Nkululeko Lekokoane (29) from Soweto Admar Claassen (29) from Bougainville, Paarl Yazeed Moosa (29) from Portlands in Western Cape Five of the graduates were sponsored by Liberty, with Tirisano sponsoring the sixth. The six students previously completed the institution’s diploma in information technology before returning to further their studies. “We are the first higher education institution in the country to offer a dedicated bachelor’s degree and IT diploma for deaf students. We have also made provision to allow students with other disabilities, long-term medical conditions, or special needs to complete their IT studies with us. This allows us to breathe life into the tremendous talents and business concepts of often marginalised groups within society,” Dr Elaine van Wyk added. Belgium Campus is also currently developing a technical deaf dictionary- which will further open the doors to deaf students entering the IT economy. She explained that the institute was established in 1999 to address South Africa’s widening skills gap and to ensure that all graduates would be employable in an evolving economic environment by nurturing the IT industry’s next great minds. For 23 years, Belgium Campus iTversity has contributed to the growth of the South African economy by providing well-rounded graduates whose knowledge, skills, and attitudes make them future-fit and immediately employable. It has been allowing deaf students to pursue IT qualifications since 2015, at which time the institution only had eight deaf students. The institution’s deaf community continues to grow and today they are proud to have over 30 deaf students pursuing qualifications with them. “Our success stems from our adoption of a proactive Participative Development Model of Education. It considers the needs of all stakeholders (students, industry, academia, government, and society), resulting in demand-driven, student-centred, and business-focused higher learning,” Dr Elaine van Wyk continued. Belgium Campus believes everyone should receive an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams and ambitions. The institution makes these courses accessible to deaf students by providing SASL (South Africa Sign Language) interpreters throughout each course and limiting the class sizes to ensure each student gets dedicated time and attention. -Rising Sun Community Newspaper

Six deaf students to graduate with IT degrees South African-based private higher education institution Belgium Campus iTversity will tomorrow confer IT degrees on six deaf students, according to a statement. A first for the campus, the students will graduate with a three-year Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) degree, after previously completing the institution’s Diploma in IT.   The graduating students are: Admar Claassen, Nkululeko Lekokoane, Violen Moonee, Yazeed Moosa, Sieshane Perumal and Trevolin Pillay. “We collaborate with the industry to provide these students with the financial support necessary to forge successful futures through higher education,” says Dr Elaine van Wyk, CMO at Belgium Campus. “We are the first higher education institution in the country to offer a dedicated Bachelor’s Degree and IT Diploma for deaf students. “We have also made provision to allow students with other disabilities, long-term medical conditions, or special needs to complete their IT studies with us. This allows us to breathe life into the tremendous talents and business concepts of often marginalised groups within society.” The institution aims to address the country’s widening skills gap and ensure all graduates are employable in an evolving economic environment, according to Van Wyk. It provides 8% of the ICT graduates in SA, she reveals. “Our success stems from our adoption of a proactive participative development model of education. It considers the needs of all stakeholders (students, industry, academia, government and society), resulting in demand-driven, student-centred and business-focused higher learning.” Belgium Campus has been affording deaf students the opportunity to pursue IT qualifications since 2015, at which time the institution only had eight deaf students. Today, it has over 30 deaf students. Belgium Campus makes its courses accessible to deaf students by providing South African Sign Language interpreters throughout each course and limiting the class sizes to ensure each student gets dedicated time and attention. In addition to catering for deaf students, the institution is developing a technical deaf dictionary, to further open the doors to deaf students entering the IT economy. -Staff Writer, ITWeb

Students, academic institutions recognised for excellence Kathy Gibson reports – Huawei South Africa has recognised student excellence in its ICT Talent Development Annual Awards ceremony 2023.   The Huawei South Africa ICT Academy is one of the company’s most prestigious skills development programmes, partnering with 71 universities and TVET colleges. The academy aims to contribute to identifying, training and certifying talent across the country. Noluthando Madzivhe, talent development manager at Huawei South Africa, explains that Huawei provides course accreditation, instructor enablement and learning resources to the universities and colleges. Students come out of the programme with certification, practical experience and job opportunities. In 2023, three new institutions were added to the programme, brining the total to 71. Kain Chen, deputy-CEO of Huawei South Africa, points out that ICT is transforming the world, changing the way we live and improving productivity. “This cannot be achieved without a consistent talent supply,” he says. Digital know-how needs to be across three levels, he says: we need to promote digital literacy among ordinary citizens; we need to develop digital talent pools; and we need to enable key decision-makers to better use digital tools.   Huawei has launched a number of ICT talent development programmes to help meet these goals, with the ICT Academy its instrument for building a talent pool of youth. “We have made good progress,” Chen says. “Today, more than 71 academic institutions have enrolled in the programme, with more than 3 000 students attaining certification. Zamokwakhe Khuzwayo, CEO of National Skills Authority of the Department of Higher Education and Training, sounds a warning that South Africa stands in danger of being left behind in the fourth industrial revolution, as the world moves ever faster on the digitalisation road. Delivering a speech on behalf of higher education minister Blade Nzimande, Khuzwayo says the awards symbolise the transformative power of education and the power that lies in each of us. “The South African constitution challenges us to bring out the great potential in each of us,” he says. “And these awards serve as a remind that collaboration and shared vision, we can overcome any challenges and achieve greatness.” At the ICT Talent Development Annual Awards ceremony 2023, the following accolades were awarded: Excellent ICT Academies: Majuba TVET College, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), University of Venda, Walter Sisulu University; and Durban University of Technology (DUT). Excellent ICT Academy Instructor: Eloge Ngole (DUT); Waldon Hendricks (CPUT); Starleen Mangozho (Majuba TVET College); Thembilihle Hlase, the Graduate Institute of South Africa); Thapelo Gift Makondo, Tshwane North TVET College). Excellent ICT Acamdy Ambassador Club: Warda Sheikh and Tembela Sopazi (Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology); Nyasha Keith Matevengwe and Ilunga Lolekondo (CPUT); Makgata Welcome and Mzolo Thabiso (South West Gauteng TVET College). Winners of ICT competition finals include: ICT Competition 2023-2024 National Finals – prizes for excellence: Muhammad Shaahid and Lebo Motaung (Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology); Seotsanyana Retshidistswe and Edwin Taruvinga (CPUT); Lindiwe Molefe and Nkateko (Tshwane University of Technology); Botlhale Tsatsi (North West University); Tebogo Mashiane (University of Johannesburg); and William Mathebe (University of Limpopo). ICT Competition 2023-2024 National Finals – second prizes: Frans Nhlapho (South West Gauteng TVET Collee); Felicia Maake (University of Limpopo); Singethwe Mzila (DUT); Sandiswe Msibi (University of Pretoria); and Martin Maboya (CPUT). ICT Competition 2023-2024 National Finals – first prizes: Sphephelo Gamede (Tshwane University of Technology); Sergio Elias (University of Johannesburg); Mthetho Nzimande (DUT); and Dickson Hove (Tshwane University of Technology). ICT Competition 2023-2024 National Finals – grand prize winners: Koketso Ntsoane (Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University); Kamohelo Mototo (Belgium Campus University); and Caster Matsimbi (Tshwane University of Technology). Grand prize winner Kamohelo Mototo (Belgium Campus iTversity)

Record-Breaking Matric Results In 2023 – But Does It Position Matriculants For It Careers? Johannesburg 19 January 2024 In Thursday’s announcement, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga revealed the 2023 matric results, showcasing an impressive pass rate of 82.9%. This marks a continued upward trend in National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rates over the past decade, with the percentage increasing from 60% in 2009 to the current 82.9%. Despite facing unprecedented challenges such as Covid-19, the matric class of 2023 demonstrated resilience and determination and are to be resoundingly congratulated. While celebrating the impressive pass rates, it is crucial to conduct further analysis to ensure that the subjects passed equip graduates for careers in emerging fields such as Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence. This positive momentum in South Africa’s education system lays the foundation for a brighter future, emphasising the importance of continued efforts to enhance both access and quality in education. One of the major tools and enablers of adaptation is the ICT, AI and Big Data complex, core of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). This is the driving force behind a lot of new development, decision making and economic activities. It is the driver behind the development of the new careers that this generation of matriculants will find are opening up, including the culture and entertainment industries. In the context of South Africa’s journey towards a modern 4IR economy, it is imperative that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects assume a central role in the nation’s public education system. The 2023 matric results, with their commendable pass rates, underscore the importance of fostering a strong foundation in STEM disciplines. As industries evolve and technology becomes increasingly integral to every aspect of our lives, prioritising STEM education becomes synonymous with preparing the youth for the demands of the future workforce. Encouraging a robust emphasis on STEM subjects will not only empower students with the necessary skills for 4IR but also position South Africa as a global contender in the rapidly advancing fields of technology, innovation, and scientific discovery. A strategic focus on STEM education is a crucial step in ensuring the country’s sustained growth and competitiveness in the dynamic global economic landscape. It’s no secret that there is a global ICT talent deficit that is having a severe impact on the global economy. According to research conducted by global organisational consulting firm Korn Ferry, there will be a global human talent shortage of more than 85 million people by 2030. Unchecked, this talent shortage could result in about US$8.5 trillion in unrealised annual revenue. Looking closer to home, South Africa currently has a skills shortage of between 20,000 and 70,000 high-end ICT professionals. This comes notwithstanding the country’s high unemployment rate, whereby according to Statista, South Africa is expected to register the highest unemployment rate in Africa in 2024, with around 30 percent of the country’s labour force being unemployed. The global skills shortage puts South Africa 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 the country. With the above in mind, closing the skills gap is the difference between having a recession or a growing economy. We cannot expect to be able to close the skills gap if we are not producing high-school graduates who are meeting the standard necessary to pursue ICT at a higher education level. Reducing the pass rate means that many students will receive a bachelor endorsement on paper but still not have the necessary marks to 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.   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. 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. Jan Mentz, academic dean of Belgium Campus ITVersity For more information contact: Lunice Johnston Communications Lunice Johnston Mobile: +27 82 824 6384