by Kgothatso Monono
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, staying ahead of the curve is essential for educators. Recently, a team of dedicated lecturers from the Faculty of ICT’s First Year and Foundation Unit (FYFU) had the privilege of attending the highly anticipated launch of the regional Google Cloud on 19 March 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
The event offered invaluable first-hand insights into the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud infrastructure and innovative solutions that are set to redefine how to approach global challenges.
“As lecturers, attending events like the Google Cloud launch is more than just an opportunity to stay updated. It is a chance to unlock new ways to use technology to solve some of the world's most pressing issues. It is essential to continuously adapt to evolving technology by acquiring new skills and staying updated with the latest trends. Embracing agility and integrating modern advancements ensures we remain relevant in the ever-changing educational landscape,” said Quintin Magaseng.
Nkulumo Nkuna said: “Attending the Google Cloud Launch has truly opened my eyes to the transformative potential of AI and cloud technologies in the classroom. It is inspiring to see how these tools can revolutionise the way we teach and empower our students to thrive in the digital age.”
The Google Cloud launch showcased tools designed to address critical global issues, such as climate change, healthcare and poverty. With access to these technologies, educators can incorporate real-world case studies and solutions into their curricula. Google’s AI and cloud services can be applied to analyse and find solutions for some of the world’s biggest problems.
Attending high-calibre events like the Google Cloud launch fosters a spirit of collaboration and innovation among educators. Lecturers not only gain technical skills but also develop a network of like-minded professionals, eager to push the boundaries of education.
From left Nkulumo Nkuna, Rhulani Salani, Simon Aldous (Director, Partners & Channels at Google Cloud) and Simon Sekele.
This environment of shared knowledge enables lecturers to collaborate on research projects, share best practices and innovate in their teaching methodologies.
Simon Sekele brought it to light that: “Attending such prestigious events is more than just professional development; it is about making a tangible impact on students and society. The world is increasingly dependent on technology to solve complex issues, and educators play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. By attending the Google Cloud launch, as lecturers we are not just learning about new tools, we are gaining the skills to impart knowledge that can change the world.”
Events like the Google Cloud launch provide more than just a glimpse into the future of technology. They offer educators the tools and knowledge necessary to equip their students with the skills needed to shape that future.
The Faculty of ICT’s FYFU is now more empowered than ever to lead their students into the future.
With new insights into AI, Cloud infrastructure and global innovations, these educators are primed to not only teach the next generation of tech leaders, but also to harness the power of technology to solve pressing challenges.
from left Nkulumo Nkuna, Simon Sekele, Rhulani Salani, Quintin Magaseng
and Dipono Manasoe (FYFU lecturers).