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01 August 2019 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Anja Aucamp
Jaco Marais, Programme Director, and Dr Eduan Kotzé
Jaco Marais, Programme Director, and Dr Eduan Kotzé, Academic Head of the Department of Computer Science and Informatics. Dr Kotzé believes the partnership with IoT.nxt will expose UFS staff and students to new and creative ways of thinking.

UFS information technology students will get exposure to the very latest developments in data science, after a recent exciting partnership was announced between the university and Internet of Things company, IoT.nxt – described by CNBC Africa as “a world leader in technological innovations.”

“The partnership with IoT.nxt will open new opportunities for our students and staff, not only to work with one of the most innovative companies in the country, but also to be exposed to new and creative ways of thinking, all in preparation for the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR),” says Dr Eduan Kotzé, Academic Head of the UFS Department of Computer Science and Informatics.

“We also believe the partnership will strengthen our academic programme, especially in data science, and prepare our students to be ready for the ever-changing world of technology.”

He explains that it is a huge task to stay at the forefront of technological development. “IoT.nxt's involvement will help us to continually expose our students to trendsetting technologies that is applicable in the industry. It will also ensure that our graduates have the neccessary skills when they enter the job market. In doing so, our curriculum will remain relevant and keep up with new developments in the IT industry,” says Dr Kotzé.

UFS IT excellence

The Department of Computer Science and Informatics at the University of the Free State is widely regarded as one of the best IT departments at a tertiary institution in South Africa. Dr Kotzé believes the fact that we are one of only a few universities who present data science as an undergraduate qualification, followed by an honours qualification, provides us with a competitive edge and differentiates us from other institutions.

“We are also the only university offering a Bachelors Degree in Computer Information Systems aiming to deliver entrepreneurship in technology to make South Africa a role player in the IT industry,” says Dr Kotzé.

Job-ready graduates

He believes the planned short courses will expose students to the latest technology. He is also convinced that the opportunity to become accustomed to the workings of a successful IT company through holiday work, will have a very positive impact on the job readiness of the department’s graduates.

“Because of the pace at which technology is evolving, it is crucial that anyone in the IT industry is already in contact with industry entities that are at the top of the wave, such as IoT.nxt,” says Dr Kotzé.

According to Nico Steyn, IoT.nxt CEO, the support of education drives in the field of technology has been a key focus of his company. Steyn says IoT.nxt selected the UFS for this partnership because it views the university as one of the leading education institutions in this field. There are also UFS graduates among the co-founders.

Direct contact with pioneers

Steyn believes that there is an industry-wide shortage of qualified people in South Africa, and a growing demand for students to graduate with a qualification that meets the requirements of businesses. “Our company, and the vibrant broader technology industry in South Africa, needs such graduates. Through our partnership with the UFS, we will aim to drive interest in this career,” Steyn says.

The partnership with IoT.nxt is one of several industry partnerships that have been entered into by the UFS Department of Computer Science and Informatics over the past few years. “In the IT industry, it is crucial that our curriculum is constantly adapted to remain relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. The relevant skills are determined by the industry and it is therefore a huge advantage to have direct contact with pioneers in that sector,” says Dr Kotzé.

News Archive

Exciting open day and Albert Einstein program at Boyden Observatory
2005-05-06

National Science Week, which will be held from 7-14 May 2005, is an annual country-wide celebration of science, led by the Department of Science and Technology.  The department selected a proposal by the Boyden Science Centre to coordinate a week of activities in the Bloemfontein area as one of the many projects in the country.

The project for Bloemfontein and surrounding areas will be delivered though a collaboration between the National Museum in Bloemfontein and the University of the Free State (UFS), including the Research Institute for Education Planning, the Department of Physics and other departments in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

The purpose of National Science Week is:

to create awareness of the important role that science play in people’s daily lives;
to encourage our youth to consider studying and improving their performance in mathematics and science; and
to attract more of our youth into science, engineering and technology (SET) careers.

 

World Year of Physics and Albert Einstein Program at Boyden Observatory

The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) declared the year 2005 as the World Year of Physics (WYP). In recognition of this declaration, the great contribution of Physics to the development of technology, and its importance in our everyday lives will be featured strongly during the National Science Week 2005.

On Saturday 7 May 2005 there will be a public programme at Boyden Observatory from 15:30 as a contribution to the World Year of Physics. The programme will be presented in collaboration with the Bloemfontein branch of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa and will include short presentations on astronomy, space exploration and the sun.

The main presentation will be at 19:00 the evening on the life and work of Albert Einstein. The programme will also include observing sessions through telescopes of objects like the sun, Jupiter and Saturn. There will also be an exhibit on Albert Einstein. Attendance is free but booking is required.  For bookings, phone 051-4012561.

Public lecture programme:

Next week the following exciting public lectures will be presented as part of the Science Week activities:

Monday 9 May 2005 

National Museum:

A discussion on Apocalypse Then: the greatest mass extinction of all time.  The lecture will be presented by Dr Jennifer Botha, Paleontologist at the National Museum.
Bookings: 051-4479609 (entrance is free).

UFS campus:

All lectures at Kine 2, Medical Faculty, UFS campus. Follow directions from the DF Malherbe Road entrance.
Bookings: 051-4012561 (entrance is free).

Tuesday 10 May 2005:

A discussion on the Tsunami disaster of 26 December 2004 at 19:30 (UFS campus, Kine 2 Medical Faculty).

Wednesday 11 May 2005:

A discussion on Is there life out there? at 19:30 (UFS campus, Kine 2 Medical Faculty).

Friday 13 May 2005:

A discussion on Hunting Black Holes at 19:30 (UFS campus, Kine 2 Medical Faculty).  The lecture will be presented by Dr Phil Charles, Director: South African Astronomical Observatory.

Science awareness day at the National museum

The science week will be concluded on Saturday 14 May 2005 with a special Science Awareness Day at the National Museum, Aliwal Street, Bloemfontein. 

The excellent exhibits at the museum will be supplemented with activities, career information and video shows. The duration of the programme will be from 10:00-16:00.  For enquiries, please call 051-4479609.

 

Issued by:  Lacea Loader
   Media Representative
   Tel:  (051) 401-2584
   Cell:  083 645 2454
   E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za

6 May 2005
 

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