- ISPA has named two winners in its ISPA Inspires bursary programme.
- Both winners are ICT students at the Durban University of Technology.
- This is the third group of ICT students to receive support from ISPA since its Inspires programme launched in 2023.
The Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) has been on a push to uplift the local ICT sector. The association has been doing this with its ISPA Inspires award which supports South Africans pursuing a career in the ICT space.
The first bursaries under the ISPA Inspires programme were dispersed in 2021 following the receipt of 288 applications. This year’s applications opened at the end of 2022 and now ISPA has announced its winners.
They are:
- Thembelihle Mzobe – Durban University of Technology
- Mduduzi Shangase – Durban University of Technology
According to a press release shared by ISPA, Mzobe is currently looking to attain an advanced diploma in ICT to add to her diploma in ICT Business Analysis. On the other hand, Shangase is studying an advanced ICT diploma at DUT.
“It is abundantly clear that South Africa has talented youth ready to take on the challenges of the country,” chairperson of ISPA’s Social Development Working Group, Aurora Vani said in a statement.
In addition to its Inspires programme, ISPA also helps top achievers in the ICT sector enter organisations such as the Institute of Information Technology Professionals by sponsoring memberships. Furthermore, bursary recipients can also be considered for employment opportunities at ISPA.
The association says that its members have started using the ISPA Inspires database to shortlist applicants for positions with a view to supporting B-BEE skills development initiatives.
“Technology and the Internet creates a network that has brought people together to work towards creating solutions. This has resulted in development that has moved at speeds that were unfathomable over 50 years ago. ISPA hopes to leverage off the creative thinking of the youth today and encourage their development to meet the challenges of the future,” said Vani.
With the academic calendar under way most, if not all, bursary programmes are already closed. However, Hypertext is always on the hunt for programmes that help South African’s further their education so be sure to check back regularly for news and updates on local bursary offerings.
Furthermore, ISPA directs those looking for educational support to the Skills Registry. This project is run by ISPA, the Wireless Access Providers Association of South Africa (WAPA) and the Wireless Application Service Providers’ Association (WASPA) with a view to developing ICT skills in South Africa.
The project also calls on businesses to provide internships, learnerships, and even employment opportunities through the Skills Registry. You can read more about the registry here.
[Image – CC 0 Pixabay]
