University Ventures Receive Support from FoICT Alumni Chapter. Graduates from Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT) Pledge to Transform Student Experiences
In a recent strategic session hosted at Ditsela Place, Pretoria, the ICT Alumni Committee of the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT) unveiled ambitious plans aimed at significantly enhancing the lives of current students.
University Ventures Receive Support from FoICT Alumni Chapter
The committee’s primary objective is to secure third-stream income by engaging potential donors, partners, and alumni to support the Faculty’s flagship projects, ultimately improving the learning environment for ICT students.
Committee’s Vision and Objectives
During her welcoming address, Committee Chairperson Keabetswe Ramantshane emphasized the vital role that alumni play in the success of their alma mater. The committee, comprised of ten dedicated members, identified four key pillars to guide their efforts:
- Curriculum Enhancement: Ensuring continuous curriculum development aligned with industry demands, particularly in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), fiber and network extension, topped the agenda.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitating at least ten engagements with public and private organizations, both locally and internationally, to foster collaboration and support for FoICT initiatives.
- Infrastructure Support: Identifying partners to assist Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in meeting its infrastructure requirements, enabling cutting-edge educational experiences.
- Community Upliftment: Championing initiatives for community development, especially in areas where TUT campuses are located, with a particular focus on leveraging technology for positive societal impact.
Ramantshane highlighted the committee’s keen interest in exploring partnerships that can benefit ICT and harnessing AI-related solutions to address real-world problems. She emphasized the importance of embracing emerging technologies such as big data and machine learning to devise practical solutions.
The Alumni Chapter is currently in the process of crafting a concept document to outline its main strategic goals. Ramantshane also stressed the Chapter’s commitment to establishing platforms for information sharing, fostering rapid problem-solving for societal challenges.
Ongoing Initiatives
While finalizing their strategic plan, the ICT Chapter Committee has already thrown its support behind two critical Faculty initiatives:
- University Hackathon Series (UHS): This initiative aims to expand hackathon events to all TUT learning sites, including Soshanguve, Polokwane, and the eMalahleni campuses, fostering innovation and skill development among students.
- Girls in ICT: This program seeks to empower girls and promote gender diversity in the predominantly male tech industry, aligning with broader efforts to bridge gender gaps in STEM fields. The committee also supports the ICT-adopted high school in Hammanskraal by providing essential resources like furniture and computers.
Student-Centric Mission
Mashitishi Phurutsi, the manager of ICT First Year and Foundation Unit and an additional member of the Chapter Committee, praised the committee’s efforts. He emphasized the importance of keeping students at the forefront of the Alumni Chapter’s mission, regardless of the strategic direction it ultimately pursues.
Leap Towards Excellence
Launched in June 2023, the ICT Alumni Chapter has swiftly responded to the call of Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, to elevate TUT from “good to great.” This initiative aligns with the University’s Alumni Rejuvenation Strategy, initiated by the Advancement Office in 2022, designed to strengthen the connection between TUT and its graduates.
As graduates of the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology rally behind these initiatives, the future looks promising for ICT students, and the broader community stands to benefit from their endeavors.
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