By Thembeka Manetje
At the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), the commitment to producing future-ready graduates is more than a guiding principle, it’s a lived reality. A recent example of this, Hlulani Isaac Mathye, a third-year Diploma in Informatics student in the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, formed part of the winning team that clinched the top spot for the Future Star Award at the prestigious Huawei ICT Regional Competition 2024-2025 (Southern Africa).
Guided and accompanied by Prof Topside Mathonsi, Head of the Department of Information Technology, the team demonstrated outstanding technical acumen, problem-solving abilities and collaborative spirit, all of which are hallmarks of TUT’s graduate attributes.
Hlulani Isaac Mathye, who formed part of the winning team at the Future Star Award at the prestigious Huawei ICT Regional Competition 2024-2025 (Southern Africa).
For Mathye, the experience was nothing short of transformative. "Participating in the Huawei ICT Competition greatly enhanced my technical skills and confidence. It pushed me to deepen my understanding of cloud technologies beyond the classroom and exposed me to real-world challenges that required critical thinking, teamwork and adaptability," he said.
This journey did more than test knowledge; it shaped character and built resilience - qualities essential for thriving in the dynamic ICT industry. Mathye credits the competition with strengthening his academic foundation while fostering a proactive mindset and stronger communication skills.
When asked what advice he would offer fellow students, Mathye stressed the importance of early preparation, teamwork and curiosity. "Start early, take the study materials seriously and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Stay curious and committed, your dedication will carry you through the challenges and make the experience truly rewarding."
The Huawei ICT Competition is structured across four stages: preliminary, national, regional and the global finals. Along the way, participants can earn incentives, certifications and the kind of real-world exposure that supports Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and post-study employment prospects.
"This competition has the potential to positively change our future," Mathye noted. "It provides practical exposure that goes far beyond the classroom. I highly recommend every ICT student to take part and showcase their talents."
TUT’s success at the Huawei ICT Competition is a result of the University's focus on empowering students with industry-relevant skills, global insights and practical experience, ensuring they are well-prepared for today’s workforce as well as the challenges of tomorrow.
Read more about Prof Topside Mathonsi’s role in the competition here: https://www.tut.ac.za/latest-news/602-tut-prof-shines-at-huawei-ict-regional-competition