TUT Professor Honoured at Huawei ICT Regional Competition 2024-205
TUT Professor Honoured at Huawei ICT Regional Competition. The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Professor Topside Mathonsi, Head of the Department of Information Technology at the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT).
Prof. Mathonsi was awarded the prestigious Future Star Award at the Huawei ICT Regional Competition 2024–2025 for Southern Africa. This accolade underscores his leadership in guiding South Africa’s Cloud Track Team 2 to distinction in the highly competitive Cloud Track category. This category focuses on cutting-edge IT technologies such as cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence.
Huawei ICT Competition
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 Computing, Network, and Cloud and draws participation from Huawei ICT Academies and higher education institutions worldwide.
In the Southern Africa regional round, institutions 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, competed.
Prof. Mathonsi’s Vision for ICT Education
“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.”
He emphasized 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.”
TUT Commitment to ICT Excellence
Prof. Mathonsi’s recognition 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. TUT continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of ICT by providing students with opportunities to engage in international competitions and industry collaborations.
In 2016, TUT partnered with Huawei to launch the first Huawei Authorised Information and Network Academy (HAINA) in the Eastern and Southern Africa region. This initiative aimed to accelerate the development of educational tools and promote the growth of the local ICT technical workforce.
Conclusion
As the ICT landscape continues to evolve, TUT remains dedicated to equipping its students and faculty with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the digital age. The university’s ongoing collaboration with industry leaders like Huawei ensures that its curriculum and training programs remain aligned with current technological advancements and industry needs.
