The programme ran for 12 months of which 4 months was online classes and the remaining 8 months was a work placement, where we were placed at different companies to help with our development and gain invaluable knowledge, and experience.

I was placed at Telkom SA SOC Limited from January as a learner, with the learning that I’ve got from TSAFRIKA Foundation I’ve applied it to Telkom. I gained a lot of experience and showcased my interest in learning at Telkom. After the learnership programme with TSAFRIKA Foundation came to an end, Telkom absorbed me and gave me an internship. I became an intern at Telkom from the first of September 2024, working under the Corporate Information Security Governance (CISG) department, working as a Security Technology Analyst.

I highly recommend the TSAFRIKA Foundation programme to anyone seeking to enhance skills, advance career, or gain industry insights etc… The programme’s impact extends beyond the individual, benefiting organizations and communities.

The experience profoundly influenced my belief that the dreams I had were not out of reach. Being a part of the AEC opened my mind and empowered me to believe in myself. From taking career assessments to discovering opportunities I never knew existed, the AEC played a vital role in shaping my aspirations.

Thanks to the support and guidance I received from the AEC, I was able to achieve the marks necessary to gain admission to university and secure funding from the Telkom Foundation to further my studies. They truly made what once seemed impossible, possible.

What am I currently studying?
I am currently studying a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (third year) at the University of Witwatersrand.

What am I passionate about?
I have many passions, but one that truly stands out is my love for numbers—particularly when they are applied to understanding the physical world around us. This fascination has shaped my journey, leading me to engineering, and ultimately to electrical engineering, where I can fully explore the dynamic interplay between numbers and the real world. What captivates me most is the realm of high-frequency phenomena. There’s something exhilarating about how, at these frequencies, the familiar laws of physics start to behave in unexpected ways, opening new realms of possibility, such as advanced communication technologies. The idea that the very principles governing the world can shift and reveal new patterns at high frequencies is endlessly fascinating to me. It’s this blend of the known and the unknown, the predictable and the surprising, that drives my passion and fuels my commitment to exploring electrical engineering further.

How is the Telkom Bursary?
The Telkom bursary has been an incredible experience. There isn't a single aspect that I can say they haven't done exceptionally well. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity they've given me to focus solely on my studies without the burden of financial worries. Beyond covering my academic expenses, Telkom has gone above and beyond by offering opportunities like vacation work, which, though brief, has been immensely valuable. It allowed us to gain real-world insights into the fields we aspire to join, bridging the gap between our studies and the industry. Their support has been consistent and unwavering, and I truly hope they continue to provide us with more opportunities to grow and learn in the future. Telkom has been a remarkable partner in my educational journey, and I couldn't be more appreciative of their commitment to helping us succeed

Currently, I am in my third year, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Pretoria. I am deeply passionate about computers, technology, software development, and essentially anything related to the tech field—it all captures my interest.

Since my first year in 2022, I have been fortunate to receive a bursary from Telkom, which has significantly alleviated the financial burden associated with pursuing a degree at a major institution. My experience as a beneficiary of the Telkom bursary has been wonderful, and I have no complaints.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a vacation work program at Telkom Park, which was an incredible experience. It taught me that working in this field requires strong collaboration and teamwork skills, something I found both insightful and rewarding.

Since my first year in 2022, I have been fortunate to receive a bursary from Telkom, which has significantly alleviated the financial burden associated with pursuing a degree at a major institution. My experience as a beneficiary of the Telkom bursary has been wonderful, and I have no complaints.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a vacation work program at Telkom Park, which was an incredible experience. It taught me that working in this field requires strong collaboration and teamwork skills, something I found both insightful and rewarding.

My journey began in 2023 when I enrolled in the Business Analysis Level 5 program through TSAFrika Foundation. This program opened the door to a world of opportunities, equipping me with essential skills and knowledge that I had previously only dreamed of acquiring. The training was rigorous yet rewarding, and I found myself growing both personally and professionally.

One of the highlights of my experience was the practical training I received at Telkom. This hands-on experience allowed me to apply what I learned in real-world scenarios, and I was fortunate to work alongside some of the most talented professionals in the industry. Their mentorship and support were invaluable, and I learned the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and continuous learning.

Thanks to the skills I gained and the confidence I built during my time with TSAFrika Foundation and Telkom Foundation, I was thrilled to accept a position as a Technician at Telkom. This role has not only provided me with financial stability but has also allowed me to contribute to a company that values innovation and growth.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the TSAFrika Team and Telkom Foundation Team for believing in me and investing in my future. Their commitment to empowering individuals like myself has made a lasting impact, and I am proud to be part of this transformative journey.

To all current and future learners: embrace this opportunity with open arms. Work diligently, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. With determination and focus, you can achieve remarkable things on your path with TSAFrika and Telkom.

In 2024, I proudly completed my Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, marking a major milestone in my academic journey. This accomplishment is the result of years of hard work, persistence, and dedication. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to learn and grow in the IT field, and I am excited to see where this will take me.

Before completing my degree, I had the privilege of doing my practicals with Telkom at their Centurion office under the Business Analysis team. This experience exposed me to the real-world business environment and allowed me to develop practical skills that will stay with me throughout my career. The training I received, both academically and professionally, has made me well-equipped to excel in various areas of IT, including creating websites and developing insight dashboards for clients. These are skills that I use to help businesses market themselves and track their growth in the digital age.

I am incredibly thankful for the learnership program that has helped me build a solid foundation for my career. The learnership gave me more than just technical skills; it gave me hope and the belief that anything is possible if you work hard and continue to learn. It has shown me that, no matter where you start, with the right mindset and support, you can achieve your dreams.

A huge thank you goes to TsaAfrika Foundation, my stakeholders, and my current employer for believing in me. I also owe a lot of gratitude to Telkom for sponsoring my learning program, providing the necessary tools such as a laptop, router, data, and a workplace where I could grow and learn.

The journey has been transformative, and I now feel empowered to continue pursuing my goals, with a stable career ahead of me. I look forward to the future and to furthering my contribution in the field of IT.

Through hard work, education, and continuous learning, I've learned that anything is possible. I am excited for the next chapter of my life and the opportunities that lie ahead.