TUT academic named finalist for prestigious IT Personality Award

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) continues to make its mark in South Africa’s technology sector, with Professor Topside Ehleketani Mathonsi, Head of the Department of Information Technology in the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT), being named a finalist in the IT Personality Award category of the 2026 Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) President’s Awards.

Topside Ehleketani Mathonsi, Head of the Department of Information Technology. The recognition places Prof Mathonsi among an elite group of ICT leaders whose contributions are helping to shape South Africa’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Widely regarded as one of the country’s most respected industry accolades, the IITPSA President’s Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership within the ICT profession.

This year’s awards are themed “Excellence in Ethical Digital Transformation,” highlighting the growing importance of responsible innovation and ethical leadership in an increasingly technology-driven world. Prof Mathonsi’s nomination reflects not only his personal achievements but also the critical role universities play in developing the expertise, research and leadership needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

Describing the nomination as a significant honour, Prof Mathonsi said the recognition represents the collective efforts of those who have contributed to his professional journey. “Being named a finalist for the 2026 IITPSA IT Personality Award is deeply humbling. I see this recognition not only as a personal milestone, but as recognition of the students, colleagues, researchers and collaborators who have been part of my journey,” he said.

Prof Mathonsi, says receiving recognition from the broader ICT profession is particularly meaningful because it affirms the impact of academic work beyond the university environment. “It reminds me that the work we do in developing people, advancing research and using technology to address real societal challenges has an impact beyond the university,” he adds.

He further expressed his gratitude to IITPSA and the adjudication panel for acknowledging his contribution to the sector. “I am grateful to IITPSA and the adjudication panel for this recognition and honoured to be named alongside accomplished ICT professionals.”

Prof Mathonsi holds a Doctor of Computing in Information Technology and is recognised for his expertise in cybersecurity, wireless and mobile networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud and edge computing, smart infrastructure and emerging technologies. His research and leadership focus on addressing contemporary challenges related to digital security, connected technologies and responsible innovation.

As Head of the Department of Information Technology, he continues to play a pivotal role in preparing graduates for a technology landscape shaped by rapid advances in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud technologies and digital infrastructure. His work bridges the gap between academic research, industry collaboration and practical solutions to societal challenges.

The timing of the nomination is especially significant as the ICT sector undergoes unprecedented transformation. Artificial intelligence is redefining workplaces and creating demand for new skills, while concerns around cybersecurity, digital governance and ethical technology use continue to grow.

According to IITPSA President Pearl Pasi, the 2026 finalists were selected through a rigorous adjudication process and represent the professionalism, leadership and ethical conduct required in a fast-changing digital environment. She noted that the future will require ICT professionals who are not only innovative and adaptive but also committed to responsible practice.

Prof Mathonsi is one of four finalists in the IITPSA’s IT Personality Award category, which recognises ICT professionals who have made outstanding technical, academic and professional contributions to the industry over an extended period.

His achievement highlights the important contribution of academia to the advancement of the ICT profession and underscores TUT’s commitment to producing graduates, research and innovation that meet the demands of a digitally transformed society.

The winners of the 2026 IITPSA President’s Awards will be announced during a gala event at Emperor’s Palace on 30 October 2026, following the IITPSA Workforce Intelligence Conference and Exhibition in Johannesburg.

For TUT, Prof Mathonsi’s nomination is a proud milestone that celebrates academic leadership, research excellence and the collective efforts of students, colleagues and industry partners working to drive technological innovation for societal benefit.