In the ever‑evolving world of technology and education, few individuals embody innovation and social impact as powerfully as Mr Fanie Ndlovu, proudly recognised as the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Alumnus of the Month for July 2025. A dynamic social entrepreneur, developer advocate and tech coach based in Durban, currently serving as Technician at DUT’s Department of Accounting & Informatics, Mr Ndlovu has transformed lives through his unwavering commitment to digital empowerment, diversity and inclusive education.
Mr Ndlovu’s journey is rooted in his belief that technology can and must serve as a bridge to opportunity. Over the years, he has built a thriving community of more than 600 developers and directly empowered over 2 000 individuals including women in IT, high‑school learners, primary school learners persons with disabilities and hearing impaired university students. His initiatives have not only opened doors to knowledge but also inspired those who once felt excluded from the digital revolution to claim their space within it.
His outstanding contributions have earned him accolades that speak volumes. In 2018, he clinched third prize at the Innovation Durban Youth Challenge and was honoured with the DUT Community Engagement Cluster Award for his work in shaping future‑focused learning. That same year, he represented DUT on the global stage, speaking at the Google GDG Sub‑Saharan Africa Summit in Kenya and later attending the Emerging Leaders Peace Summit at the United Nations in Thailand. His passion for technology continued to propel him forward, taking him to the Microsoft Imagine Cup Final Summit in the Netherlands in 2020, where he showcased innovation from the heart of KwaZulu‑Natal to the world.
Through collaborations with industry leaders such as Google and Microsoft, he remains at the forefront of regional tech education, driving initiatives that integrate Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) tools into everyday learning. His workshops and mentorship programmes have equipped students and professionals with cutting‑edge skills in AI, robotics, IoT and digital innovation, ensuring that Durban and South Africa remain competitive in a global tech landscape.
Mr Ndlovu’s impact goes beyond skills development; it is deeply human. His advocacy for gender and diversity in ICT has championed female students and learners with disabilities, breaking barriers in fields historically underrepresented by these groups. As Co‑Chairman of VarsityGenie, a community‑driven group focusing on AI and digital innovation in education, he continues to cultivate spaces where collaboration and creativity thrive.
A five‑time Microsoft Certified Professional, Mr Ndlovu is also a sought‑after global presenter, inspiring audiences at events like AI Community Day Durban by showcasing youth‑led projects and faculty initiatives that are shaping the future. His work reflects not only technical expertise but a heartfelt dedication to building communities that uplift one another.
Mr Fanie Ndlovu’s story is a testament to the power of education, innovation and perseverance. From DUT’s classrooms to global stages, he has proven that with vision and purpose, one can turn knowledge into impact and create pathways for others to follow. As DUT celebrates him as Alumnus of the Month for July, his journey stands as a shining example to students, alumni and aspiring change‑makers everywhere: true success lies in using your gifts to empower others and transform the world around you.
Pictured: Mr Fanie Ndlovu, DUT Alumnus of the Month for July 2025.
Swelihle Shoba
