The Department of Information Technology in the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in collaboration with Vodacom NXT LVL held a cheque handover ceremony on Tuesday, 18 March 2025 at the Ritson campus in Durban. The event marked the presentation of a cheque valued at R20,000 to Ms Fezeka Sthandiwe Mzimela, a deserving recipient of the Code Like a Girl project, to assist in settling her outstanding tuition fees.
In attendance was the Head of Department of Information Technology at DUT, Mr Ebrahim Asmal, Marketing Specialist: Vodacom, Ms Mbali Magwaza, Luthando Cetwayo, Technician, Mrs Ugeshni Moodley, award recipient, Ms Fezeka Mzimela, influencers and DUT students.
The Code Like a Girl project is an annual initiative led by Mr Ebrahim Asmal. It is designed to empower young high school girls by equipping them with digital and coding skills. Through this initiative, the learners who participate gain hands-on experience in programming, problem-solving, and critical thinking, preparing them for future careers in IT and related fields.
Mr Asmal highlighted the importance of such partnerships in advancing educational opportunities and bridging the gender gap in the technology subdivision.
“This collaboration with Vodacom NXT LVL is a testament to our commitment as a department and faculty to empowering young women in technology. Mzimela’s dedication and hard work deserved recognition, and we are proud of her,” said Mr Asmal.
Ms Fezeka Mzimela.
An emotional Mzimela expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the financial assistance. “I am incredibly thankful to Vodacom NXT LVL, my department, and lastly Mr Asmal for this generous support and for starting this initiative. This contribution not only helps ease my financial burden but it also motivates me to continue striving for excellence in the IT field,” she said.
This ceremony served as a moment of celebration and encouragement for other students who wish to enter the world of technology. It highlighted the importance of industry-academic collaborations in fostering talent and creating opportunities for young women in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics fields.
The cheque handover ceremony served as a moment of celebration and encouragement for other students aspiring to enter the world of technology. It underscored the significance of industry-academic collaborations in fostering talent and creating opportunities for young women in the Science Technology Engineering Mathematics fields.
Pictured: Mr Ebrahim Asmal, Ms fezeka Mzimela and Vodacom representatives.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.
Siphokazi Dlamini
