Nkulumo Nkuna, Senior Academic Technician at Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT), showcased TUT’s approach to preparing future-ready graduates when he represented the University at the National Youth Summit on Skills Development and Innovation. He encouraged young people to embrace artificial intelligence, build practical skills and create opportunities for themselves in South Africa’s evolving digital economy.
Nkulumo Nkuna on the far right, Senior Academic Technician at the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT), who represented the University at the National Youth Summit on Skills Development and Innovation.
Hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development in partnership with Africa Beyond 4IR (AB4IR), the three-day hybrid summit took place at Orion Safari Lodge in Rustenburg, North-West. Government, academia, industry leaders and entrepreneurs engaged young people on youth development, innovation, entrepreneurship and digital inclusion.
As part of the programme, AB4IR hosted Digital Youth Festival Africa (DYF-A) 2026, giving young people opportunities to explore emerging technologies, digital skills and innovation-driven career paths.
Nkuna was one of the panellists during Day 2’s discussion on Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Programmes and Funding Opportunities. Drawing on his experience in skills development and innovation, he said South Africa has no shortage of talented young people.
“I do not think the biggest gap is talent. South Africa has incredibly talented young people – the biggest gap is exposure.”
Nkuna highlighted TUT’s role in preparing students with practical skills that extend beyond lecture rooms.
“TUT is not just a place where students earn qualifications. It is fast becoming a place where students build careers before they even graduate. Innovation hubs, hackathons, industry partnerships, cloud training, entrepreneurship initiatives and work-integrated learning expose students to real industry challenges. Our goal is to produce graduates who are employable, innovative and capable of creating jobs for others.”
Speaking about artificial intelligence, Nkuna encouraged young people to see AI as a tool that strengthens their abilities rather than replacing them.
“Many people ask whether AI will replace them, however, a better question is: ‘How can AI make me better?’ AI should become your assistant, not replacing you. Those who learn to work with AI will always have an advantage over those who ignore it.”
Representatives from the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), Kaelo Training, Delivery Ka Speed and the Winny Seleke Virtual Assistant joined the panel, sharing insights on enterprise development, internships, entrepreneurship and funding opportunities available to young South Africans.
Nkuna concluded by encouraging young people to invest continuously in their personal and professional growth.
“Your qualification may get you an interview, but your skills, your attitude and your willingness to keep learning will build your career. Do not wait for opportunity to knock. Build skills that make opportunity look for you.”
His participation in the National Youth Summit reflects TUT’s commitment to equipping young people with the knowledge, practical skills, and innovative thinking needed to succeed in South Africa’s digital economy.
