Thought Leadership

Edward van Niekerk, a senior lecturer at Belgium Campus iTversity

Johannesburg 27 May 2024 The education of Deaf learners has long been veiled in silence – enforced not by nature, but by humanity itself.

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.

Governments and companies around the world have been rushing to protect themselves and the public from online scamming and cybercrime in recent years.

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

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

The Unintended Consequences Of BBBEE Is Setting Students Up For Failure Johannesburg, 19 February 2024 There is a noticeable shift in the way education bursaries are being awarded under Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) regulations in recent years – and not for the better for those that most need and deserve them. The regulatory requirements force compliance to be too prescriptive and the process has in consequence migrated to something where many South African companies and trusts want maximum BBBEE points, sometimes without thinking of the potential unintended consequences. It’s not really the fault of the donors, but more a regulatory requirement enforcing a tick-box approach to point-earning rather than the human factor. The initial and laudable idea of BEE was to promote education and to empower the man on the street. That human factor has often been lost but should remain part of individual corporate initiatives whereby they should sponsor more than just education – by including many of the peripheral but essential things associated with education. The argument is that many South African corporates and trusts are making an extremely narrow selection of candidates that is based on scoring BBBEE points rather than genuinely uplifting deserving disadvantaged candidates. The scoring process tied to the BBBEE regulations opens the door to a disheartening level of discrimination within initiatives that are supposed to be non-discriminatory and aimed at uplifting the previously disadvantaged. However, companies gain more points if they sponsor a certain group leading them to prioritise ticking these boxes over considering the actual needs and potential of the students. Institutions are tasked with finding suitable candidates for bursary money entrusted to it but is often given such detailed preferences that the individuals ultimately selected are set up for failure. Many institutions maintain a database of suitable candidates, including those with disabilities such as deafness, but is increasingly being asked to find exclusively ‘black females’, or even ‘disabled black females’. Given the extremely low percentage of matriculants that pass STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) with university exemption-grades, qualifying candidates are a scarcity and often those least likely to succeed. Students who may excel academically but do not fit the specified criteria are overlooked. Those selected both lack necessary support and are set up to fail, while others sometimes pursue studies solely because of the stipend, not necessarily out of genuine academic interest, which can impact their study performance. A second challenge is that some corporates, having achieved their goal of accumulating maximum BBBEE points for their own scorecard rating thereafter take insufficient interest in the beneficiaries’ performance. Most companies only cover tuition fees, leaving out vital aspects like accommodation, transport and food. For students from severely disadvantaged backgrounds living in inadequate conditions, this creates significant challenges. The challenges these students face extend beyond academic performance, involving socio-economic factors that need consideration. Many lack basic amenities such as electricity and wi-fi, making it nearly impossible for them to focus on their studies and succeed in a university environment. Sometimes, students lack the funds even to travel to the campus, making online learning their only option. However, evidence suggests that many of these online students don’t pass even the first year. If companies fail to provide comprehensive support to address the poverty these students face, their chances of success remain minimal. That investment, which could have gone to a student more likely to succeed, is consequently wasted. If companies were more attuned to the home situations of these students, they would realise that covering more than just tuition is crucial for setting them up for success. For instance, allocating a budget to cover not only tuition but also residence, daily meals, wi-fi, and a laptop would significantly enhance the chances of these students thriving academically. When it comes to companies doing it the right way, the process begins with them reaching out to academic institutions who maintains a comprehensive database. Individuals interested in bursaries apply through them, and they are placed on a waiting list for potential sponsorships. The beauty of this system lies in their ability to filter and match applicants with the specific requirements of the sponsoring company. If companies still wish to pursue their narrow criteria, more individuals could yet benefit if companies perhaps awarded bursaries to fewer students but rather covered all their costs – raising the pass rate. Some forward-looking companies already do so, and typically this is because they have identified individuals which they intend to employ post-education. It is worth highlighting the moral dilemma for those involved: Is it ethical to offer bursaries when there’s an awareness that a significant portion of the recipients might not overcome the hurdles due to inadequate support? This simply reduces the skills base of the country: it’s a complex issue that requires a re-evaluation of both the regulations and the practices of companies involved in this process.  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

Significant Funds Towards Education, Healthcare, Underscores Government’s Focus On Human Capital Development Johannesburg, 21 February 2024 Key highlights of the National Budget include the projection of achieving a primary budget surplus in 2023/24 and stabilising debt by 2026/27. This indicates a prudent approach aimed at ensuring fiscal sustainability in the medium term. Moreover, the allocation of significant funds towards education, healthcare, and social protection programmes underscores the government’s focus on human capital development and social welfare. One notable aspect is the emphasis on skills development and social welfare. A significant portion of the budget, including additional funding of R25.7 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period, is allocated to sustain salaries of essential public servants including teachers. This investment in human capital is crucial for the country’s long-term development and socioeconomic stability. The Minister said that National Treasury was able to protect the budgets of critical programmes such as the school nutrition programme – something which I believe should have been expanded with an eye to future skills development. The programme provides food to pupils in almost 20,000 schools. Another important initiative was to increase the early childhood development grant from R1.6 billion to R2 billion – a drop in the ocean perhaps but at least a step in the right direction.  Furthermore, the allocation of R7.4 billion towards the presidential employment initiative demonstrates a commitment to tackling unemployment and fostering economic growth. However, it will be essential to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of such programs to maximize their impact. While the budget doesn’t explicitly outline new initiatives, the continued investment in education and culture, with 24.4% of total function budgets allocated, underscores the government’s recognition of the importance of nurturing talent and fostering creativity. However, it’s imperative for the government to ensure that these funds are efficiently utilised to address skill gaps, improve educational outcomes, and support innovation and entrepreneurship, thus contributing to economic growth and competitiveness. Overall, while the budget maintains fiscal discipline and prioritises social welfare, more targeted measures and robust implementation strategies are needed to effectively address the skills gap and promote sustainable economic development. This will require close collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society to leverage resources and expertise for maximum impact. 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.  – Jan Mentz, Academic Dean of Belgium Campus ITVersity

Enterprise, employment, education, and innovation are the key levers for effective regional development.