Participants contributed innovative ideas and exploited the new wave of technological advancement while taking care of and protecting the environment. Pictured: CUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube (centre) with her executives and some of the partners and awardees from NRF, RCC, NEMISA, USAID, UCT, WITS, UWC, UP, UFH, DUT, Sol Plaatje University.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the Central University of Technology (CUT) is taking proactive steps to prepare graduates for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.  On 7 February 2025, CUT hosted a pivotal Responsible Computing Challenge (RCC), a Mozilla Foundation initiative that aims to cultivate a new generation of tech professionals who approach technology design with a holistic perspective, driving a much-needed shift in industry culture.

The initiative aims to unite experts and leaders to address the urgent need for integrating responsible computing principles into higher education. It focuses on designing, developing, and testing curricula that equip students with the knowledge to understand the social and political impact of technology.

Dr Luzaan Schlebusch, Senior Lecturer at Welkom Campus is part of the cohort of awardees who have received a grant from the Mozilla Foundation for her work which focuses on developing a curriculum for future Computer Science educators that emphasises responsible computing. Her remarkable project incorporates language inclusivity in technology education, focusing on languages such as Sesotho and Afrikaans, and ensuring that technological learning is accessible to all students.

Dr Ziyaad Bhorat, Senior Advisor and RCC Country Lead for South Africa & USA, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in this endeavour. "We need to integrate various disciplines to prepare the next generation of tech leaders and practitioners. Technology creates new forms of positive connection and creativity; it also gives rise to challenges that can negatively impact communities of colour and marginalised groups," he said.  Dr Bhorat also emphasised the crucial need to understand the socio-cultural dimensions of Artificial Intelligence, as well as the importance of developing South Africa's educational workforce to effectively harness the opportunities and mitigate the risks associated with this technology.

A dynamic keynote panel discussion featuring Mr Trevor Rammitlwa, CEO of the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA), and Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal provided further insights.

Prof. Dube articulated CUT's Vision 2030, which aims to establish the university as a leading African University of Technology. "Developing technologies that address real-world challenges and promote human dignity is paramount."   She also highlighted the role of AI in fostering accountability and transparency, aligning with CUT's mission to ensure technology serves humanity's needs. “Participating in the responsible computing challenge will amplify efforts in shaping a future, where technology benefits humanity.”

She also highlighted the importance of shaping the future of technology with a focus on ethics, inclusivity, and social responsibility. “I am particularly excited about Dr Luzaan Schlebusch’s project which has received recognition. Her remarkable project incorporates language inclusivity in technology education, focusing on Sesotho and Afrikaans and ensuring that technological learning is accessible to all students. That is our philosophical approach at CUT.”

Mr Rammitlwa detailed NEMISA's work in coordinating digital technology initiatives and delivering digital skills training across various educational levels. "We are collaborating with universities and TVET colleges to establish digital skills centres," explained Mr Rammitlwa.  He emphasised NEMISA's focus on cybersecurity and responsible computing, ensuring both consumers and providers of digital tools act responsibly. He further stressed NEMISA's commitment to working with the government to integrate responsible computing into policy development and educational activities, driving digital literacy and high-end skills development in South Africa.  "We need responsible computing to be integrated into policy development and educational activities," he added.

The panel discussion concluded with a resounding call for continued efforts in interdisciplinary collaboration, responsible computing, and digital skills development. The panellists emphasised the need to integrate these elements into educational frameworks and policy development to ensure a sustainable and inclusive digital future for South Africa.

Dr Luzaan Schlebusch, Senior Lecturer at CUT Welkom Campus and one of the awardees who received a grant from the Mozilla foundation for her work which focuses on developing a curriculum for future Computer Science educators that emphasises responsible computing.