FoICT welcomes first-years with dynamic orientation at Soshanguve South

The Faculty of ICT launched its 2026 Orientation at the Soshanguve South Campus, equipping first-year students with tools, skills and confidence to thrive in a fast-changing tech world.

Dr Carla Coetzee, Acting Unit Manager for First-Year and Foundation Unit.

Designed to welcome first-year students into University life, the programme also equipped them with the knowledge, skills and support systems needed for academic success.

Dr Carla Coetzee, First Year and Foundation Acting Unit Manager, opened the programme with a purpose-setting and welcoming session. She encouraged adaptability, collaboration and innovation in the evolving field of technology and reaffirmed the Faculty’s commitment to student support, academic excellence and holistic development.

Students participated in interactive and informative activities throughout the week. The Amazing Race stood out as a key highlight as students explored the campus while building teamwork, problem-solving skills and engagement in a dynamic setting.

Tshegofatso Ramokgadi, a Computer Systems Engineering student and member of the Girls in Tech programme, shared her excitement about starting her academic journey at the Tshwane University of Technology. “I am excited to start studying at TUT and I look forward to meeting my lecturers,” she said.

She described Girls in Tech as a programme that empowers girls and women with skills and opportunities in STEM, adding that it builds confidence, encourages innovation and inspires female students to thrive in technology-driven fields.

Various directorates and institutional structures engaged students during the programme and guided them on university processes, support services, as well as academic and administrative systems.

As part of a practical exercise, students worked in groups to identify challenges they encountered since joining the university. They developed app layouts and painted banners that articulated the problems, while proposing practical interventions. Panels assessed the groups on creativity, problem-solving and teamwork.

Students proposed automated student card systems, improved campus navigation solutions and a language translation tool to assist students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Each group presented its ideas with confidence and demonstrated critical thinking and an understanding of how technology can address real-world challenges within the University environment.

The Faculty of ICT Orientation Programme aligned students with the Faculty’s vision to produce innovative solution-driven graduates who will make a meaningful impact in the digital world.

New cohort of ICT first-year students. Lecturers and students who attended the orientation.