SA rising ICT stars receive sponsorship boost

by AKANI CHAUKE

JOHANNESBURG – THREE young rising stars have joined the ranks of the Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) educational sponsorship recipients.

Angel Agbugba, Thabo Dladla and Dean Feldman will receive ISPA Inspires funding for the 2026 academic year.

“A strong pipeline of skilled and diverse talent is essential to the future of our industry,” said Aurora Vani, Chair of ISPA’s Social Development Working Group.

ISPA Inspires is a noted Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector funding programme that has helped create valuable industry access points.

Agbugba, Dladla and Feldman were chosen for their academic potential, commitment and passion for the ICT sector.

They will receive financial support and opportunities to connect with industry professionals – including ISPA members – who can help realise their bright futures.

Agbugba is a third-year Computer Science student at Tshwane University of Technology. She is the first in her family to attend university. Raised in a single-parent household, she took a gap year after matriculating in 2022 to help with family finances. She aspires to become a software engineer.

Dladla is a final-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) student in Computer Science and Computer Engineering at the University of Cape Town. His long-standing interest in engineering and recent exposure to networking fundamentals via the South African National Research Network (SANReN) has deepened his ambition to build solutions, including applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and engineering in healthcare.

Feldman is a third-year Computer Science student with strong skills in algorithms, data structures and software development. He is passionate about problem-solving, analytical thinking and applying technical skills to real-world challenges.

“Angel, Thabo and Dean represent the determination and innovation that the ICT sector needs. We congratulate them and look forward to supporting their academic journeys and future contributions to South Africa’s ICT sector,” Vani concluded.

ISPA is South Africa’s official internet industry representative body (IRB).

– CAJ News