The success of the South African team in the 2022-2023 Huawei Global ICT Competition held in Shenzhen, China, continues to be celebrated.
The team, comprised of two University of KwaZulu Natal graduates, Lutho Sigidi and Nqubeko Asanda Shabalala, along with University of Johannesburg graduate Terry-Anne Fredericks, has not only made their country proud but has also secured employment with Huawei, drawing accolades from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
President Ramaphosa, during his official opening of the Huawei Innovation Centre, where the latest digital technologies and solutions, including 5G, Cloud, and AI, are showcased, took the opportunity to meet with the triumphant graduates. He commended their achievement in the global ICT competition, expressing his admiration and even humorously requesting a photograph with them.
Ramaphosa stated, “Also most impressive [were the] winners of the ICT Global Competition, who I had the opportunity to greet earlier, and I’d like to be photographed with them later if they’ll allow me. Then it will rub off on me a little bit as well.”
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The Winning Trio’s Professional Journey
Since their graduation, the winning trio has taken on various roles at Huawei, contributing their skills to the tech giant. Terry-Anne Fredericks, now a Huawei Network Engineer, shared her feelings about the President’s affirmation: “It evoked feelings of excitement, pride, and honor, as it provided me with a unique opportunity to engage with one of the most powerful and influential figures in the country. We have been given a chance to showcase our capabilities so that we can build a better life and future not only for ourselves but for our country as well.”
Nqubeko Shabalala, who serves as a Pre Sales Engineer and Product Manager at Huawei, expressed his astonishment at the unexpected encounter with the President and the importance of places like the Innovation Centre. He noted, “This kind of exposure through places like the Innovation Centre, I believe, is exactly what’s needed here in South Africa.”
Team leader Lutho Sigidi, now employed as an IP engineer with Huawei, emphasized his role as a representative of South Africa’s youth. He said, “I felt honored as a representative of South Africa’s youth, showing the endless capabilities of our talent. I am certain that I represent many young people from around the country, and I hope I have motivated and encouraged others.”
President Ramaphosa’s Vision for Digital Technologies
President Ramaphosa, after the ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the facility, praised initiatives like the Huawei Innovation Centre for aligning with the South African government’s focus on digital technologies as a driver of economic growth and youth development. He also commended Huawei for integrating youth into the workforce through programs like the LEAP program, ICT academies, and DigiSchool projects, which align with the government’s own youth development initiatives.
Ramaphosa concluded by highlighting South Africa’s strong ICT sector and the importance of collaboration with cutting-edge companies like Huawei to enhance capability and efficiency. He congratulated Huawei for cultivating local digital talent through its various programs.
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Huawei ICT Competition 2023-2024: Opportunity for Aspiring ICT Enthusiasts
In addition to celebrating the achievements of the South African team, Huawei announced the launch of the Huawei ICT Competition for 2023-2024, offering university and college students worldwide the chance to showcase their skills in cutting-edge technologies like 5G, AI and Cloud. Registration is now open, and students with a background in science and ICT are encouraged to participate through self-study, furthering the company’s commitment to nurturing digital talent on a global scale.