By Kgothatso Monono
This Women’s Month, the Faculty of ICT shines a spotlight on Andiswa Siphokazi Madondo, a rising star whose determination and passion for technology have transformed challenges into opportunities. Her story is one of resilience, growth and inspiration for young women aspiring to careers in ICT.
Born in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal and raised in Pretoria, Andiswa’s academic excellence was evident early on. After attending Burgher Right Primary School, she matriculated from Pretoria Central High School in 2019 as the top student in her grade. The following year, she enrolled for a Diploma in Informatics at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
Her University journey was not without obstacles. A failed module delayed her studies and even led to temporary exclusion. Refusing to give up, she successfully appealed, passed the module in 2023 and completed her remaining courses in 2025. “My University path had its own challenges, but perseverance and focus kept me going,” she reflects.
Andiswa Madondo, National Branch User Assistance Technician at Arch Retail Solutions in Midrand
Andiswa’s passion for technology was ignited by a mentor – whom she calls her “second mom” – who introduced her to the ICT field. She has since fully immersed herself in the tech community. She joined the Hacker Society in 2022, participating in events like the Girl Code and African Bank Hackathons. In 2024 she was elected as a co-media manager for the society’s committee.
Her professional journey is equally impressive. During her Work-Integrated Learning semester, she joined Arch Retail Solutions in Midrand as a National Branch User Assistance Technician. Instead of completing only a temporary internship, her skills and work ethic earned her a permanent position. In this role, she manages integrated systems, troubleshoots software issues and oversees databases and servers.
The Faculty of ICT celebrates Andiswa for her resilience, academic achievements and commitment to technology. Her journey highlights the importance of mentorship, self-belief, and perseverance in opening doors for young women in ICT.
As she continues to make her mark in the industry, Andiswa is a role model for future generations – proving that setbacks can be stepping-stones and that with determination, success is within reach.
Andiswa Madondo whose determination and passion for technology have transformed challenges into opportunities.