- ICEP innovators set to graduate soon
by Nhlawulo Vision Chauke
The Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Informatics Community Engagement Program (ICEP) has significantly contributed to student growth by providing work opportunities that allow them to develop digital solutions while preparing for the future of work and engaging with the community.
In 2024, ten eager TUT students embarked on a transformative ICEP internship journey to create the Advancement and Partnerships Office’s 20from20 website, a digital platform supporting TUT’s #Twentyfrom20 campaign to raise funds for key educational and community initiatives.
Each student brought unique expertise to the project, forming a dynamic team ready to take on the challenge.
The Team and Their Roles
Developers – Tshiamo Matiza, Msizi Makaula, Fundiswa Khanyi, and Ziyanda Msibi built the website, ensuring an intuitive and user-friendly experience. “We integrated responsive design principles, optimised performance and ensured seamless navigation for users.”
Business Analysts – Karabelo Motaung, Lesedi Tshedza Mangena and Lesego Mokoena analysed the campaign’s objectives and target audience.
“We conducted research, gathered information on user requirements and ensured that the website’s features aligned with the campaign’s goals,” they explained.
Their keen analytical skills helped shape a website that truly catered to user needs.
Quality Assurance Testers – Mbali Madlingozi and Mogau Rakolota ensured the website functioned smoothly. Their keen eye for detail maintained high standards of quality and performance.
Scrum Master – Michael Sibanda managed the project, facilitating Agile methodologies, organising sprints, ensuring deadlines were met and keeping the team aligned with the overall vision. His leadership ensured smooth collaboration among all members.
As the project progressed, the team faced challenges, from technical bugs to shifting campaign requirements.
“At times, deadlines loomed large, and fatigue set in, but we adapted quickly, developing critical problem-solving skills,” Sibanda said.
Late nights of debugging and team meetings became the norm, but so did triumphs when major hurdles were overcome.
Through these experiences, they honed their technological proficiency, gaining hands-on expertise in coding, cloud computing and UX design. The project also sharpened their collaboration and communication skills, mirroring the teamwork required in today’s tech industry.
The 20from20 website went live in September 2024, effectively engaging donors and raising funds for TUT’s educational programmes.
“This project was more than just a learning experience. It was a launchpad for our careers. We built something meaningful, not just for our university but for the broader community,” said Sibanda.
Although the Agile Assassins as they call themselves, will soon graduate, they are now recognised as professionals who have successfully applied their skills in a real-world project.
The 20from20 project reaffirmed the importance of providing students with opportunities like this.
Mashitishi Benson Phurutsi, ICEP’s Chief Executive Officer, explained the program’s mission:
“We initiated ICEP because many students complete the theoretical component of their studies but struggle to secure internships to apply their skills. We believe all our students are capable but require platforms to implement their knowledge. The industry cannot absorb all students at once, so initiatives like ICEP bridge that gap.”
According to him, ICEP focuses on encouraging innovation through digital solutions, such as creating technology-based tools, applications, or systems to address specific problems or improve processes. These solutions can range from mobile apps to enterprise systems, enhancing productivity, communication and innovation across industries. It also features university hackathons and AWS Academy programmes which provide educational institutions with cloud computing curricula, resources and certification.
ICEP demonstrates TUT’s continuous efforts to bridging the gap between academia and industry. More information or requests for services can be found at www.icep.co.za or send email to
Ten TUT students responsible for designing the 20from20 campaign website.
From the left: Lesego Kamogelo Mokoena, Fundiswa Khanyi, Tshiamo Matiza,
Lesedi Tshedza Mangena, Mbali Madlingozi, Msizi Makaula, Mogau Rakolota,
Ziyanda Msibi, Michael Sibanda, Karabelo Motaung.