Coding dreams ignite futures at TUT’s programming fest
According to the founder of the fest, it was encouring to see such enthusiasm and active participation from across all levels.
The Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) hosted its annual Programming Fest on July 28.
Students, lecturers and industry partners gathered to celebrate coding, creativity and innovation.
Founded in 2023 by Virginia Lindiwe Mokele, a programming lecturer at TUT’s eMalahleni Campus, the event has become a platform for students to explore programming beyond the classroom.
Mokele’s vision is to inspire confidence, resilience and vision in young ICT professionals while exposing them to real-world opportunities.
Through the fest, students are motivated by success stories of graduates who have thrived as software engineers, developers and other ICT professionals – proof that programming opens doors to limitless possibilities.
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The 2026 event offered participants the chance to showcase their skills, collaborate with peers and industry professionals, compete for prizes and gain inspiration from workshops and testimonies.
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The initiative also celebrated academic excellence by recognising top-performing students in programming modules.
High achievers were rewarded with laptops, monitors and headsets, equipping them with tools to continue excelling in their studies and careers.
“Personally, I am deeply grateful and humbled by the outcome of the event. Seeing months of planning come together so successfully, and witnessing the excitement and appreciation from both students and our industry partners was incredibly rewarding,” Mokele said.
“The overwhelming turnout and positive atmosphere reaffirmed the importance of this event. This year’s success has laid a strong foundation for an even bigger and better Programming Fest in the years to come.”
The keynote address was delivered by Senyeki Marebane, academic manager for the department of computer science at TUT’s eMalahleni Campus.
“Every great achievement begins with a dream. It is through dreaming that a vision is born, and through a vision that destiny becomes clear. When you know what you want to achieve, you begin to see your path more clearly. Your dream gives direction to your life and purpose to your efforts,” Marebane said.
He reminded students that success requires commitment, consistency and resilience, urging them to protect their dreams and remain focused despite life’s distractions.
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— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) August 5, 2026
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