By Kgothatso Monono

This Women’s Month, the Faculty of ICT shines a spotlight on Andiswa Siphokazi Madondo, a rising star whose determination and passion for technology have transformed challenges into opportunities. Her story is one of resilience, growth and inspiration for young women aspiring to careers in ICT.

Born in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal and raised in Pretoria, Andiswa’s academic excellence was evident early on. After attending Burgher Right Primary School, she matriculated from Pretoria Central High School in 2019 as the top student in her grade. The following year, she enrolled for a Diploma in Informatics at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).

Her University journey was not without obstacles. A failed module delayed her studies and even led to temporary exclusion. Refusing to give up, she successfully appealed, passed the module in 2023 and completed her remaining courses in 2025. “My University path had its own challenges, but perseverance and focus kept me going,” she reflects.

Andiswa Madondo, National Branch User Assistance Technician at Arch Retail Solutions in Midrand

Andiswa’s passion for technology was ignited by a mentor – whom she calls her “second mom” – who introduced her to the ICT field. She has since fully immersed herself in the tech community. She joined the Hacker Society in 2022, participating in events like the Girl Code and African Bank Hackathons. In 2024 she was elected as a co-media manager for the society’s committee.

Her professional journey is equally impressive. During her Work-Integrated Learning semester, she joined Arch Retail Solutions in Midrand as a National Branch User Assistance Technician. Instead of completing only a temporary internship, her skills and work ethic earned her a permanent position. In this role, she manages integrated systems, troubleshoots software issues and oversees databases and servers.

The Faculty of ICT celebrates Andiswa for her resilience, academic achievements and commitment to technology. Her journey highlights the importance of mentorship, self-belief, and perseverance in opening doors for young women in ICT.

As she continues to make her mark in the industry, Andiswa is a role model for future generations – proving that setbacks can be stepping-stones and that with determination, success is within reach.

Andiswa Madondo whose determination and passion for technology have transformed challenges into opportunities.

The Marcia Lebambo Foundation, established in 2012, has become a beacon of hope for learners in under-resourced schools across Southern Africa. The non-profit organisation focuses on improving literacy among children in townships and rural areas by teaching reading and writing skills through engaging programmes such as storytelling, writing clubs, book summarisatio, and its flagship initiative – the Spelling Bee competition.

As South Africa marks Women’s Month, the story of the foundation’s founder, Dr Marcia Lebambo, highlights the power of resilience, vision and academic excellence to transform communities. Rising from the rural villages of Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga, Dr Lebambo has built her career on the belief that education and entrepreneurship can drive meaningful change. Today, she serves as Section Head: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies at the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).

In her academic capacity, she specialises in entrepreneurship policies, small business development, technological entrepreneurship and management, as well as youth entrepreneurship in rural and township contexts. Driven by the aspiration to become South Africa’s most sought-after Entrepreneurship Professor, she continues to influence discourse and policies aimed at reshaping socio-economic conditions through self-employment and innovation.

Among her proudest achievements is mentoring postgraduate students, especially women and first-generation scholars, many of whom have gone on to graduate, publish in journals, lead community initiatives, pursue doctoral studies and even earn PhDs. Her leadership as section head and as chair of her department’s Research and Postgraduate Committee has further advanced research development within the Faculty.

Like many women in academia, Dr Lebambo has faced subtle gender discrimination and dismissal. She overcame these challenges by remaining assertive, building confidence and completing two prestigious Women in Leadership programmes offered by TUT’s Business School and the Nelson Mandela University’s School of Education. These initiatives equipped her with practical tools in self-awareness, leadership and resilience.

Her influence reaches far beyond academia. Through the Marcia Lebambo Foundation’s literacy initiatives, more than  5 000 learners in South Africa and Lesotho have been empowered to read, write and dream bigger futures. By combining her research with grassroots impact, Dr Lebambo embodies a holistic approach to education that bridges scholarship, leadership and community development.

To young women aspiring to venture into academia, her advice is unwavering: “Take the leap, even if you’re unsure and scared - do it!. Success waits on the other side of fear. Embrace every role you hold and never leave any part of yourself behind. Seek out your tribe of mentors, family and supporters because the journey is not easy. Do not compare yourself to anyone - most importantly give yourself grace and permission to start again as many times as you need to.”

Dr Lebambo’s journey reminds us that academia is more than knowledge production – it is about shaping lives, influencing policy and building stronger communities.

Dr Marcia Lebambo, Section Head: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies at the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and founder of the Marcia Lebambo Foundation

The Tshwane University of Technology’ (TUT) Dr Lawson Naidoo, Section Head: Research and Postgraduate Studies at the Faculty of Management Sciences, has been appointed to the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Curriculum and Quality Assurance.

The prestigious appointment, formally approved by Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, Minister for the Public Service and Administration, takes effect on 1 September 2025. The Committee plays a crucial role in shaping curriculum development, strengthening quality standards and advancing public sector training and education in South Africa.

Dr Naidoo brings to the role a wealth of expertise in supply chain management, research methodology, and public procurement, as well as a strong record of academic research and professional contributions. In addition to his appointment being a personal milestone, it also reinforces TUT’s standing as a leader in applied research and knowledge production that addresses both national and global challenges.

Congratulating him on the achievement, Dr Antonie Drotsky, Head of the Department of Marketing, Supply Chain and Sport Management, said: “We wish Dr Naidoo success as he represents TUT on this important platform and contributes towards shaping curriculum and quality assurance at the highest level.”

Newly appointed member of  the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Curriculum and Quality Assurance, Dr Lawson Naidoo, Section Head: Research and Postgraduate Studies at the Faculty of Management Sciences.

As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, a leading academic in the travel and events sector, the Tshwane University of Technology’s Dr Lisa Welthagen, is being recognised for her remarkable contributions to education, industry innovation and women’s empowerment. With more than 26 years of professional experience and a PhD in Tourism Management, she has become a driving force in shaping the country’s tourism and events landscape - ensuring it is both locally sustainable and globally competitive.

Dr Welthagen’s academic journey is rooted in the belief that education extends far beyond the classroom. She has dedicated her career to preparing students to make a meaningful impact in the real world by fostering cross-sector collaboration and advancing industry standards. Many of her graduates now hold leadership positions in tourism and events, while others have launched their own businesses, a testament to her mentorship and influence.

Among her proudest milestones are leading the re-curriculation of the Event Management qualification, serving on the CEPA Council, and being elected Vice Chair of the SACIA Event Safety Council (2023–2025). She has also contributed to updating national standards (SANS10366) through the SABS technical committee and played a key role in National Department of Tourism research projects. These achievements highlight her commitment to bridging academia, policy and practice.

Dr Welthagen’s journey has not been without challenges. Like many women in academia, balancing professional demands with personal responsibilities required resilience. She overcame this by focusing on competence, consistency and collaboration, allowing her results to speak louder than assumptions. She also cultivated strong professional networks that value expertise over gender - a strategy that not only strengthened her career but also positioned her as an advocate for inclusive academic and professional spaces.

Reflecting on her impact, she emphasises that her work benefits students, the industry and communities alike. By aligning education with practice, she promotes safer, more sustainable and inclusive events that serve society at large. “Knowing that my contributions have helped shape both people and practice is what makes this work deeply fulfilling,” she says.

To young women aspiring to enter academia, her advice is clear: “Go into every room knowing that your voice and thoughts are heard. Don’t be afraid to step beyond your comfort zone. The opportunities you create for yourself - and those you embrace - will shape your path. Above all, remember that academics are about changing the world for your students, your field and your community.”

Dr Lisa Welthagen, a leading academic in the travel and events sector in South Africa

By Yolanda Thabede and Makgomo Shai

Learners at Reitumetse Secondary School in Soshanguve were given a glimpse into the world of journalism, communication and higher education recently, when the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) hosted an inspiring outreach programme aimed at motivating the next generation of communicators and storytellers.

The initiative, led by the Department of Journalism and Integrated Communication in partnership with Student Development and Support (SDS), introduced learners to career paths in journalism, public relations, broadcasting and communication.

Integrated Communication lecturer Nilton Bernardo set the tone, highlighting TUT’s legacy as South Africa’s largest residential university and showcasing the diverse opportunities it offers. “At TUT, we take immense pride in our commitment to quality education, exceptional facilities and devoted student support,” he said, inviting learners to picture themselves as future professionals in media and communication.

Broadcast journalism lecturer Vukosi Baloyi painted a vivid picture of the Journalism programme at TUT’s North Campus, celebrating its diversity and academic excellence while wishing learners well in their upcoming exams.

The programme also offered practical guidance with SDS Practitioner Nomsa Bokaba urging learners to know their strengths, research carefully, safeguard their APS scores and consider multiple options for further study. “You have one life. Make it count,” she reminded them.

Dr Sello Ramollo added exam preparation strategies, from using study guides effectively to maintaining emotional balance, while reinforcing self-belief through affirmations like “I am enough. I can do this.”

Personal stories from student mentors Usenathi Mputumana and Felicity Makhafola, resonated well with the learners. Usenathi shared her journey of overcoming stage fright, while Felicity reflected on her transformation from a disengaged learner to an inspired mentor, crediting TUT’s supportive environment.

Beyond career guidance, the initiative also highlighted the role of community service as a building block of societal cohesion and growth. By engaging with schools like Reitumetse Secondary, TUT demonstrates how universities can extend their impact beyond the lecture hall, nurturing civic responsibility and inspiring learners to contribute positively to their communities.

By the end of the day, one message stood out: at TUT, every learner has the power to write their own headline and story - and the journey is just as meaningful as the destination.

By Reatlegile Ratlagane

A group of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) students from the Faculty of Economics and Finance has launched a fundraising drive to help Grade 12 learners from Ga-Rankuwa, who cannot afford university application fees. Their goal: to raise R24 000 to support at least 100 matric learners applying to TUT and Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.

The initiative, led by the newly registered Economic Excellence Association, seeks to break down financial barriers that often prevent deserving learners from furthering their studies. To reach their target, students are offering car wash services at R75 per vehicle and collecting door-to-door donations.

Project Manager and third-year Economics student Chantel Moagi, said the effort was born out of witnessing the struggles of local learners. “We identified that many of the learners are struggling to apply because of lack of funds, thus deciding to do something about it. We have identified a few schools in Ga-Rankuwa and are planning to assist learners before TUT’s applications for 2026 close,” she explained.

The initiative gives learners the freedom to apply for any course of their choice, not limited to the Faculty of Economics and Finance. Moagi stressed the importance of ensuring that financial challenges do not destroy young people’s dreams of higher education.

In an ongoing effort to meet the fundraising target, the association appeals to individuals and organisations to contribute.

By Kgothatso Monono

The Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT) is celebrating a major success by one of its students, Thandukwazi Mathebula, who has been crowned winner of the Directorate of Extracurricular Development (DED) Idols Season 2, at the Tshwane University of Technology.

Born and raised in Driekoppies, Nkomazi, Mpumalanga - fondly known as the Place of the Rising Sun -Mathebula impressed audiences with his vocal talent, dedication and stage presence, securing the top spot in the competition as its only male contestant.

Currently pursuing a diploma in Informatics, Mathebula has been balancing his academic journey with his passion for music since 2014, drawing inspiration from South African gospel greats like Dumi Mkokstad, Ayanda Ntanzi and Oncemore Six.

Reflecting on his win, he said: “It elevates me to a level of recognition that opens doors in the music industry. I had faith, gave it my all and was humbled by the overwhelming support from the audience.”

Despite the challenges of managing his studies and music, Mathebula credits discipline and time management for keeping him on track: weekdays for studies and weekends for music. He also thanked DED for providing platforms that nurture young artists.

Looking ahead, Mathebula hopes to merge his creative talent with his academic knowledge by building a company that bridges both worlds. “The sky is not the limit; the only limit is your mind,” he added.

FoICT applauds Mathebula’s dual success in academics and the arts, hailing him as an inspiration to fellow students to pursue their passions without compromise.

Thandukwazi Mathebula, season 2 DED Idols Soshanguve Campus winner

By Kgothatso Monono

Championing gender equality in the technology sector, Dr Thembeka Manetje is transforming opportunities for young women in ICT. As the driving force behind the Tshwane University of Technology’s Girls in Tech empowerment programme, the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT) Marketer has dedicated herself to equipping female students with the skills, mentorship and confidence needed to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

The initiative was born out of the critical problems many young women face when entering higher education - ranging from peer pressure and low self-esteem to persistent stereotypes that ICT careers are “better suited” for men. For those from disadvantaged backgrounds, limited opportunities and socio-economic hardships often compound these barriers, making academic and career progression even more difficult.

Girls in Tech seeks to dismantle these obstacles by offering mentorship, hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technologies and opportunities to connect with accomplished ICT professionals. The programme also sharpens vital soft skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving, ensuring students are well-rounded and industry-ready.

Reflecting on its impact, Dr Manetje said: “By exposing young women to accomplished female alumni in ICT who have made significant progress, we can inspire and motivate students to see themselves in those roles. Combined with access to new technologies and essential skills, these young women are empowered to grow into impactful ICT professionals.”

This Women’s Month, FoICT celebrates Dr Manetje for creating an inclusive platform where young women can learn, grow and boldly pursue success in technology.

Dr Thembeka Manetje is transforming opportunities for young women in ICT.

By Kgothatso Monono

The Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT), in celebration of Women’s Month, honours one of its inspiring leaders, Virginia Lindiwe Mokele, a Programming Lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology's eMalahleni Campus and the visionary founder of Programming Fest, launched in 2023. Virginia’s work is fueled by her passion to inspire students and expose them to the world of programming beyond the classroom. 

Through the Programming Fest, she has created a dynamic platform that motivates and empowers students by showcasing success stories of past graduates who have thrived in the ICT industry as Software Engineers, Software Developers and other tech professionals. These testimonies serve as proof that programming is not only achievable but can also open the door to limitless opportunities.

“The initiative also celebrates academic excellence by recognising and rewarding top-performing students in programming modules. High achievers receive laptops, screens and headsets, empowering them with the tools they need to continue excelling in their studies and future careers,” she said.

Virginia is dedicated to equipping students with confidence, resilience and vision for their future in Information and Communication Technology. She grateful for her manager, Senyeki Marebane’s constant encouragement to grow and to her supportive colleagues who walk this journey with her. Above all, she gives thanks to God for the strength and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of her students.

As the Faculty of ICT celebrates Women’s month, Virginia stands out as a beacon of passion and purpose, a woman empowering the next generation of ICT leaders from the eMalahleni Campus.

Virginia Mokele, the brains and passion behind the popular ICT Programming Fest.

Amogelang Aysha Ramatena

In a field historically dominated by male voices, Dr Ria Chetty has emerged as a formidable scholar and practitioner, reshaping the narrative around leadership in law enforcement. She was the sole Doctoral graduate in her discipline at the recently held Autumn 2025 graduations. As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is also celebrating outstanding women who were conferred Doctoral degrees at the Autumn 2025 graduations. 

Dr Chetty’s progression from undergraduate to Doctoral graduate was fuelled by a deep commitment to personal growth and systemic change. Her academic focus has consistently aligned with her professional experience in law enforcement, allowing her to stay responsive to evolving trends in policing leadership. 

Her research, which examined the social identities and self-efficacy of South African female police leaders, offers critical insights into the barriers women face and the strategies they employ to lead effectively in male-dominated environments.

Her academic journey spans a 13-year period at TUT. Her Master’s thesis, awarded cum laude, explored the effectiveness of road safety advocacy messages in Durban. This work sparked questions about broader social dynamics, guiding her doctoral inquiry into gender and leadership. The transition from public safety messaging to identity-based leadership analysis reflects Dr Chetty’s ability to connect theory with real-world challenges.

Through her doctoral research, Dr Chetty has redefined her understanding of leadership, embracing identity, resilience and adaptability as core traits. She now champions inclusive leadership models that recognise diverse paths and empower women to lead authentically. Her work underscores the importance of confidence and self-awareness in transforming law enforcement spaces.

Dr Chetty’s scholarship has already made waves. Her co-authored papers: “Gender Inequality and Discrimination in Law Enforcement” and “Breaking the Blue Ceiling” offer ground-breaking perspectives on female leadership within the South African Police Service. These publications have amplified her voice in academic and policy circles, opening doors to new opportunities and collaboration.

Beyond TUT, Dr Chetty is the founder and managing director of the 3rd Eye Civic Defence Institute, an organisation focused on building safer and more resilient communities. She is a policing expert and a prominent empowerment speaker on safety and security. 

She serves as a part-time lecturer, examiner, assessor and moderator at various institutions, where she develops training material and mentors the next generation of law enforcement professionals. Her advice to aspiring women in male-dominated fields is clear: embrace your identity, build confidence, seek mentorship and advocate for change.

She is also a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. She holds a National Diploma in Road Traffic and Municipal Police Management (2015) and a BTech in the same field (2016). She attributes her success to God and to the strong foundation and inspiration laid by her late parents.

The Faculty of Science at the Tshwane University of Technology, proudly hosted the Annual Eskom Expo for Young Scientists Northern Gauteng regional finals, reaffirming the University’s commitment to fostering innovation and scientific excellence among South Africa’s future leaders. The event brought together learners and TVET college students from across Gauteng to present more than 200 innovative projects, addressing real-world challenges across diverse disciplines, including biology, physics, chemistry, environmental science, agriculture, artificial intelligence, humanities and social sciences. 

The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists is the country’s largest and most prestigious national science fair initiative. It provides a platform for learners to showcase their original research while developing critical thinking, problem-solving and scientific communication skills. The Expo offers participants the opportunity to advance from regional to national and international science fairs, where they gain recognition and exposure on a global stage. Through this platform, young scientists are encouraged to apply creativity and innovation to find solutions to pressing societal issues, reinforcing the significance of science and technology in shaping the future. 

In her welcome address, Prof Ntebogeng Mokgalaka-Fleischmann, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, expressed the Faculty’s pride in being selected as the regional host for the Expo. “Welcome to TUT and the Annual Eskom Expo for Young Scientists! Today, we are celebrating 45 years of the Eskom Expo – a testimony to its impact and relevance. It is an honour and privilege for the Faculty to serve as the regional host of this inspiring initiative. As you walk through the Expo, you will witness projects that showcase the creativity, innovation and deep understanding of scientific concepts by our learners,” she said. 

She also encouraged participants to embrace curiosity, critical thinking and collaboration in their pursuit of knowledge. “Science is not only about memorising facts or formulas – it is about asking questions, finding solutions and communicating complex ideas clearly. My PhD supervisor used to say: if you can’t explain your research to your grandmother in her native language, then you do not understand it. As you explore these projects, imagine the possibilities: What if? Why not? How can we?” 

The Faculty of Science contributed significantly to the success of the event by providing expert judges across various project categories and exhibiting some of its latest academic programmes and research initiatives. These exhibitions offered learners and educators valuable insights into scientific careers and study opportunities at TUT, reinforcing the Faculty’s commitment to advancing education and research excellence.

 Highlighting the purpose and long-standing impact of the Expo, Raven Motsewabangwe, Gauteng Provincial Coordinator for the Eskom Expo, said: “Since 1980, we have been passionate about achieving better results for our learners. The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists is an exhibition where students showcase their own scientific investigations. Our vision is to inspire young scientists and researchers, while our mission is to help them identify problems, analyse information, find solutions and communicate findings effectively.” 

The Expo brings together learners, educators, professional organisations, and government institutions, providing a robust support network for developing the next generation of scientists. 

This year’s event marked the 45th anniversary of the Eskom Expo, a milestone that underscores its enduring significance in promoting scientific literacy, research, and innovation. By hosting this esteemed event, the Faculty of Science at TUT continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing young talent and contributing to the advancement of science in South Africa and beyond.  

By Tshifiwa Mudau and Nhlawulo Vision Chauke

Every so often, we encounter an artist whose sound feels like a conversation soulful, layered and deeply personal. MODIKA., formerly known as Phonikz, is such an artist. His journey from the heart of Limpopo to international playlists has been nothing short of remarkable.