By Thembeka Manetje
The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is proud to celebrate one of its own, Prof Topside Mathonsi, Head of the Department of Information Technology at the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT), for winning the Future Star Award at the prestigious Huawei ICT Regional Competition 2024–2025, Southern Africa.
Prof Mathonsi led South Africa’s Cloud Track Team 2, to distinction in the highly competitive Cloud Track category, which focuses on cutting-edge IT technologies such as cloud computing, big data and artificial intelligence. The Huawei ICT Competition is an international platform designed to nurture emerging ICT talent and promote closer alignment between academic training and industry demands. It features three main tracks, namely Computing, Network and Cloud - and draws participation from Huawei ICT Academies and higher education institutions worldwide.
Institutions that competed in the Southern Africa regional round included top universities such as the University of Zambia, University of Eswatini, University of Zimbabwe, Namibia University of Science and Technology, University of Botswana and several South African universities including TUT and the Durban University of Technology.
Speaking about the achievement, Prof Mathonsi said: “Winning the Future Star Award at the Huawei ICT Regional Competition 2024–2025 was both humbling and deeply fulfilling. It is a recognition not just of my individual journey, but of the collaborative spirit of the South Africa Cloud Track Team 2 and the tireless support of our institution. It affirmed the importance of investing in local ICT talent and innovation.”
Beyond personal accolades, Prof Mathonsi highlighted the broader impact of such competitions on education and the tech industry: “Competitions like the Huawei ICT Regional Competition are vital for bridging the gap between education and industry. They provide students and academics with a platform to engage with real-world technologies, industry standards, as well as global best practices. Ultimately, these competitions foster innovation, industry collaboration and open doors to career and research opportunities that transform lives.”
Prof Mathonsi’s win not only brings honour to TUT but also reinforces the University’s commitment to excellence in ICT education and leadership in fostering the next generation of tech talent in Southern Africa.
Prof Topside Mathonsi, Head of the Department of Information Technology at the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology won the Future Star Award at the prestigious Huawei ICT Regional Competition 2024–2025, Southern Africa.
