Induction Sessions for Computer Science Students

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UKZN School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science in collaboration with First National Bank (FNB) and Business Systems Group (BSG) hosted student induction sessions on the Westville and Pietermaritzburg campuses for Computer Science students.

To emphasise the unity among aspirant computer scientists, the School invited students from first-year to postgraduate levels.

The event opened with welcome addresses from Dean and Head of the School Professor Serestina Viriri, and College Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Fhatuwani Mudau, whose inspiring words were well received by participants who listened intently as the speakers emphasised the profound role computer science is playing in shaping the world of tomorrow.

The driving forces behind the induction sessions event were Mrs Rosanne Els, a lecturer in the Computer Science discipline and the academic leader in the Computer Science discipline at UKZN Dr Mandla Gwetu, who explained that the purpose of the t-shirt project was to once again establish a sense of community amongst Computer Science students as this was stripped from them during COVID-19 times with the sudden shift to online teaching and learning.

The Computer Science T-shirts were sponsored by event partners, BSG and FNB. The event was also an opportunity to celebrate the unity and shared aspirations of emerging computer scientists within the UKZN community.

BSG and FNB representatives addressed students with the Principal Chief Transformation Advisor at BSG, Mr Rishi Birbal, delivering a presentation titled: Unlock your Potential. Accelerate your Career; while Solution Architect at FNB Ms Bhavna Pithamber, clarified how FNB had been pioneering in the tech space and also shared valuable advice for prospective employees.

The event partners had exhibition stands at which students were able to engage with the partners and get valuable information about work opportunities at FNB and BSG.

Students also interacted with Computer Science alumnus Ms Ayesha Osman of BSG, Mr Sahil Lawton and Mr Alexander Goudemond.

Participants joined in a fun dance contest and received computer science T-shirts designed by Computer Science graduate Ms Salurie Padayachee, symbolising the profound connection between students and lecturers and reflecting the discipline’s journey.

Els was overjoyed, saying she had long nurtured the vision of organising T-shirts for the students and the overwhelming turnout and enthusiasm surpassed even her optimistic expectations. Els also expressed her gratitude to Leena Rajpal and her team for making this event as successful as it was.

Words: Siphesihle Owen Shezi

Photographs: Supplied