Shaping Tomorrow’s Tech Leaders
- Ruth First Trust
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
At the heart of every opportunity lies the potential to inspire curiosity, ignite ambition and unlock talent.
This month, a group of our scholarship recipients stepped into a world many young people only dream of accessing — the fast-paced, innovative environment of Investec headquarters in Sandton — for the “Developing Tech Talent” programme, an immersive experience designed to expose learners to the future of technology, innovation and Artificial Intelligence.
For Tanique Fekete, Buhle Msimango, Claire Zengenene, Charity Nwaokpo, and fellow Jeppe Girl, Hafsa Dawood, the day was far more than an educational outing. It was an opportunity to imagine themselves in spaces of leadership, innovation and possibility.
From the moment they entered the striking building with its towering glass walls and bustling atmosphere, the learners were captivated. Surrounded by students from schools across Gauteng, they quickly found themselves immersed in conversations about technology, creativity and the rapidly changing digital world.
The programme opened with inspiring talks from industry leaders in technology and engineering, who challenged learners to remain curious, courageous and committed to using technology to create positive change. Learners were introduced to the many ways Artificial Intelligence is already transforming industries — from fraud detection and cybersecurity to automating complex coding tasks and improving efficiency within organisations.
A standout moment came during a live demonstration of Microsoft Co-Pilot, where learners watched AI generate content and even build a game in real time based on audience suggestions. For many, it was their first glimpse into the extraordinary possibilities of emerging technology.
Yet the day was not simply about watching innovation — it was about participating in it.
During an exciting robotics challenge, learners were divided into teams and tasked with building a functioning robot while simultaneously creating an AI-generated music video within a strict one-hour deadline.
What followed was a lesson in teamwork, resilience and creative problem-solving. From malfunctioning parts to last-minute adjustments, the teams worked together with determination and enthusiasm, eventually completing their robots with only minutes to spare.
When the robots finally lined up for the race challenge, nerves and excitement filled the room. Tanique’s and Charity’s teams placed first and second respectively but beyond the robotics competition, learners were given invaluable insight into the many career pathways available in technology. Guided by young software engineering graduates, they toured the Investec offices, engaged with professionals and asked thoughtful questions about careers, studies and the future of work in an AI-driven world.
Another powerful session focused on cybersecurity and the ethical challenges emerging alongside advances in Artificial Intelligence. Learners witnessed a striking AI voice-spoofing demonstration, highlighting how technology can both protect and endanger people if used irresponsibly. The session sparked important conversations around digital safety, ethics and critical thinking in the modern world.
Perhaps most exciting of all was seeing our learners actively contributing ideas of their own. During a live app-development challenge, Buhle’s concept for a peer-tutoring platform — allowing learners to create educational videos and support one another through collaborative learning — was selected as one of the featured app ideas presented by developers from Investec and Microsoft.
By the end of the programme, the learners left with far more than branded shirts and medals. They left inspired, empowered and more confident in their own ability to shape the future. Buhle reflected that the biggest take-away from the day for her was that she shouldn’t limit herself to traditional career paths. Before this experience, she was only considering Medicine or Engineering and now she realises that there are many other opportunities out there. Especially in the world of Tech.
Experiences like these are transformative. They allow young people to see themselves in rooms they may never previously have imagined entering. They expose learners to careers, mentors and opportunities that broaden aspirations and ignite ambition.
Most importantly, they remind our Ruthies that they belong in these spaces.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Investec for investing in the next generation of innovators and leaders, and to the educators who continue to open doors for our learners.
The future of technology is being shaped today — and we are incredibly proud to see our learners stepping boldly into it.
Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust
Should you wish to make a donation, payment is accepted by SnapScan or eft to Absa, Eastgate, Branch code 632005, Account number 4076706321. Many thanks.
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