The Faculty of Accounting and Informatics in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), recently hosted the 9th edition of the IEEE Information Communications Technology and Society (ICTAS) Conference at the Capital Zimbali Conference Centre in Ballito. The three-day conference brought together academics, researchers, students, and industry professionals from South Africa and beyond.
The conference opened with the ICTAS Student Symposium which was held at Ritson campus hall, in Durban. The student symposium provided an interactive platform for seasoned researchers to engage with students as well as industry partners to present their work in areas such as artificial intelligence, engineering innovation, digital finance, data science, and educational technologies. The student symposium also had a data science workshop session, which was anchored by the data scientia team from the University of Trento, Italy. The student symposium set the tone for an intellectually stimulating and engaging conference.
In attendance was the Executive Dean, Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, Professor Oludayo Olugbara alongside his Deputy Dean, Professor Matthys Swanepoel, Acting Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Professor Sudesh Rathilal, Professor Raja Chatila (IEEE fellow), Professor Fausto Giunchiglia, Professor Volker Skwarek, Mr Nicolas Van Wyk, Dr Dave Govender, Industry representatives from SAP, Mbasane women in IT, GoDigital, Oracle Academy, FasDavTek, Bronto365, First Horizon, Honor, Visual works, MICTSETA, Faculty of Accounting and Informatics EXCO members, DUT staff members and delegates from Europe and the African continents.
During the official IEEE ICTAS 2025 Conference opening, Dr Oyeniyi Akeem Alimi, conference chair welcomed delegates and emphasised the importance of research-driven innovation in addressing global and local challenges. The opening also featured a heartwarming performance by the Northland Primary School Choir. The executive deans also addressed attendees and emphasised the university’s vision of producing impactful, transformative research.
Over the three days, delegates participated in high-level discussions and presentations that covered a wide range of themes, including deep learning, energy systems, smart cities, cybersecurity in finance, digital economy, machine learning for healthcare, and digital inclusion. Keynote addresses by renowned academics, including Professor Raja Chatila, Professor Volker Skwarek, and Professor Fausto Giunchiglia, added significant value to the conference.
Paper presentations explored diverse and innovative research, such as the design of multilingual medical chatbots, energy-efficient solutions for rural electrification, hybrid deep learning models, and AI-driven applications in health, education, and finance. These sessions were chaired by experienced academics who facilitated thought-provoking discussions and provided constructive feedback to the presenters.
The conference also celebrated culture, connection, and collaboration. Delegates enjoyed shared meals, meaningful conversations, and the lively ambiance that characterised the event on the gala dinner that took place on the last day of the conference.
As the conference drew to a close, Dr Oyeniyi Akeem Alimi delivered an inspiring closing address. He reflected on the achievements of the past three days and expressed gratitude to all participants.
“Over the past three days, we have witnessed an extraordinary exchange of ideas, groundbreaking research, and meaningful collaborations that embody the spirit of IEEE: advancing technology for humanity,” he said.
He also thanked the keynote speakers, authors, reviewers, session chairs, sponsors, and volunteers for their commitment and contributions to the success of the conference.
In his words: “To all attendees, thank you for your enthusiasm, curiosity, and critical engagement. Remember, the end of this conference is not the end of our journey; it’s the beginning of new opportunities to innovate and make significant impacts. We look forward to seeing you again at the 10th edition next year. Until then, stay curious, stay connected, and keep advancing technology for a better tomorrow.”
With the momentum from this year’s event, the university now looks forward to hosting the 10th edition of IEEE ICTAS in 2026.
Pictured: Attendees of the 9th edition of the IEEE Information Communications Technology and Society (ICTAS) Conference.
Siphokazi Dlamini
