Graduate turns childhood curiosity into academic excellence

As a child Sifiso Mawila spent hours dismantling and assembling mobile phones in his father’s repair shop – an experience that planted the seeds for a lifelong passion for technology and problem-solving.

This passion has culminated in a Postgraduate Diploma in Information and Communication Technology, which was awarded during this morning’s graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Informatics and Design and top honours in a prestigious innovation challenge.

His journey started in Soweto where his father introduced him to technology in his small phone and computer repair business.

“From a very young age, I learned how to dismantle and assemble phones. This sparked a curiosity in me to understand how different components work together to make up a complete device. That curiosity eventually led me to discover software development and how it can be used as a tool to solve real-world problems.”

He moved to Cape Town in 2024 to pursue an Advanced Diploma in ICT at CPUT and excelled.

“Through dedication and hard work, I graduated summa cum laude, marking a major milestone in my academic journey and my family's history. In 2025, I completed my Postgraduate Diploma in ICT, with electives in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, becoming the first in my immediate family to reach this academic level, all while balancing both work and academic responsibilities.”

While completing his postgraduate diploma he represented CPUT at the 2025 SATNAC Innovation Challenge, where his team won first place in the Openserve Category. The competition brings together students from universities across South Africa to solve industry-driven problems from major organisations

“My team and I worked on Openserve’s challenge, which focused on transitioning their fleet to electric vehicles. We developed a platform powered by a machine learning model that analysed operational data to identify and classify sites suitable for Openserve to deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This enabled more informed decision-making and helped avoid unnecessary costs by prioritising high-viability locations.

“Winning the challenge still feels unreal. Competing against over 100 talented students with innovative ideas made the experience even more meaningful, and it was incredibly rewarding to see our hard work recognised at that level. What made it even more special was that I was balancing the competition with my exams at the time, so winning felt like a double achievement, knowing that I had successfully completed my studies while also being part of a winning team.”

The team later presented their solution at the 2025 SATNAC Conference, where they shared their work with industry leaders and guests from around the world.

During his studies, he dedicated time to tutoring undergraduate students, helping them to simplify complex programming concepts and supporting their transition into the world of software development while encouraging them to build strong portfolios.

“Driven by my passion for Machine Learning and Biometrics, I developed a Facial Recognition System as part of my research, with the goal to improve the student verification process at CPUT exam centres using biometrics.”

Sifiso now works as a Junior Analyst Developer.

“I chose Information Technology because of its power to turn ideas into real solutions that can improve people’s lives. My goal is to build technology solutions that leverage artificial intelligence to improve usability, accessibility, and inclusivity. Through my work, I hope to contribute to innovative technology while also inspiring and supporting other students entering the field.”

At the heart of his journey is a powerful influence – his father.

“My father is my role model. He has always pushed me to go beyond my limits and strive for more in everything I do. His work ethic and determination to make things happen, regardless of the challenges he faces, have had a big influence on me.

“What inspires me most is his commitment to learning. Even though he did not have the opportunity to pursue formal education, he has never used that as an excuse to stop growing. He continuously seeks knowledge and improvement, and that mindset has shaped how I approach both my studies and my career.”

He also expressed his gratitude to the academic staff, and his supervisor, Zukile Ndyalivana, whose guidance and support played a crucial role in shaping his academic journey.

“Mr Ndyalivana’s extensive background in Computer Science, along with his mentorship, challenged me to think deeper and refine my research into a solution with real-world impact.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za