In its quest to become a ‘great’ university, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) encourages its community to live the DUT values and principles, which are deeply embedded in the contributions of DUT interns at the DUT AppFactory.
The digital DUT AppFactory was conceptualised and consists of a software development laboratory where interns, graduates, entrepreneurs and staff work as a diverse team by using state-of-the-art tools, modern processes and best practices to prototype and develop great software for the university, businesses and research-based projects.
The unit offers consulting, software development, training and research collaborative opportunities to the university as well as public and private based organisations or individuals. Showcasing the technical work of two sterling individuals is Academic lecturer, software developer, researcher and Director of the DUT AppFactory, Mr Cassim Vanker.
He gave insight into the exceptional work ethics which were showcased by Asanda Twala and Bandile Gazu, who formed part of the DUT AppFactory. He relayed that both Twala and Gazu have gained a wealth of technical and professional skills that have prepared them for future challenges.
Twala has strengthened her expertise in development, alongside significant improvements in organisational abilities and operational management, which complement her technical expertise.
He explained that the dynamic Gazu has further honed his leadership and mentorship capabilities, along with technical proficiencies in scalable solution design and integrations. His ability to manage client interactions and team dynamics has also matured, positioning him as a well-rounded professional ready to handle greater responsibilities.
“Twala has been a vital team member at the DUT AppFactory, showcasing solid development skills especially with web application projects. Beyond her technical expertise, she has been instrumental in helping us streamline and organise the operations of the unit, ensuring efficiency in our workflows. Her dedication, passion for her work, and ability to collaborate seamlessly with others have made her an invaluable asset to the team,” shared Vanker.
He indicated that Gazu, on the other hand, has distinguished himself as a quick learner with exceptional leadership and mentorship abilities. “He consistently takes initiative, requiring minimal supervision to deliver high-quality work. His role extended beyond technical contributions, as he also provided guidance to new interns, fostering their growth and ensuring that the team functioned cohesively. His leadership in projects like the Environmental Health system has demonstrated his capacity to manage responsibilities effectively and drive success,” he added.
The passionate and driven Twala, recognised for her software development skills, joined DUT’s AppFactory as an intern in July 2023, where she gained hands-on experience in real-world projects. “This internship has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey, preparing me for a successful career in tech. Being at the DUT AppFactory has been a game-changer for my career. It’s where I transitioned from academic knowledge to practical application, bridging the gap between theory and industry demands. I’ve enhanced my technical expertise and cultivated key skills like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Taking on responsibilities like mentoring new interns and contributing to live projects has boosted my confidence, showing me the impact of my work in the real world,” she said enthusiastically.
One of her most rewarding moments has been seeing her projects go live and receiving positive feedback from stakeholders. Another standout experience has been onboarding and mentoring new interns. “Watching them grow, gain confidence, and starting to contribute to the team has been incredibly fulfilling,” she added.
Twala’s commitment to software development is fuelled by her passion for innovation and problem-solving. “The fast-evolving nature of technology excites me, pushing me to stay curious and continuously learn. I’m driven by the opportunity to create solutions that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, whether through efficiency, connectivity, or empowerment,” she expressed.
Twala advised future interns to embrace challenges and take on responsibilities with confidence. “Every task, big or small, is an opportunity to grow. Stay open to learning and be proactive in seeking guidance when needed. Communication and teamwork are essential, so keep your team informed and involved. Above all, push yourself out of your comfort zone-growth happens when you take risks and learn from them,” she said.
Gazu, a software developer with a strong foundation in mobile and web development, has been focusing on building impactful applications at the DUT AppFactory. His experience at the DUT AppFactory has been pivotal in shaping his career, equipping him with skills in Agile practices, solution design, and end-to-end software development. Currently, he is expanding his technical expertise, focusing on delivering innovative and efficient software solutions.
As a DUT AppFactory intern, his experience has been a transformative chapter in his professional development. “The invaluable guidance and mentorship I received from Mr Vanker were instrumental in honing my skills and understanding of the industry. Working in an agile environment taught me critical skills such as collaborative problem-solving, adaptability, and effective client communication. These experiences strengthened my ability to design and implement scalable solutions, forming a foundation I apply to every project,” he shared.
Gazu shared one of his standout moments of his internship which was leading the development of the Environmental Health system, a comprehensive tool for managing health-related data.
“This project also allowed me to collaborate closely with the client, Ms Melishnee Ruthanam (PHD student and colleague at the university), who provided invaluable insights throughout the process. Her feedback highlighted the impact of our work and emphasised the value of effective client communication in achieving success,” he said.
Going forward, Gazu’s goal is to continue growing as a software developer, expanding his expertise into fields like cybersecurity and cloud computing.
His advice to future interns at the DUT Appfactory is to embrace every learning opportunity and remain open to challenges.
“Don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek feedback, and learn from your mistakes-they are stepping stones to success. Build a solid foundation in both technical skills and teamwork, and always remain curious and willing to grow. This mindset will set you apart and propel you forward in this dynamic field.
Vanker further elaborated on Twala’s and Gazu’s next academic roles, saying that Twala will be embarking on an exciting journey with Capitec Bank, where she will contribute her development expertise to one of South Africa’s largest and most innovative banks.
“Twala’s experience at the AppFactory, particularly in organising operational workflows and delivering robust applications, has given her a strong foundation to excel in a fast-paced and demanding corporate environment. Her passion for teamwork and problem-solving will be instrumental in her success at Capitec,” he said.
He further shared on Gazu’s next step, saying that he is earmarked to join the Amazon Graduate Programme, a highly competitive opportunity that attracts top talent from across the country.
“The real-world experience he gained at the DUT AppFactory in managing client projects and mastering advanced technical tools will undoubtedly help him thrive in this challenging programme,” he said.
Pictured: The talented duo, Asanda Twala and Bandile Gazu.
Waheeda Peters
