During my time as CIO and head of development at a company I owned a share in, Mshtarii Software Development, one of my focuses was to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world industry demands. This became especially clear when we began working with graduates from universities like Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) in partnership with their respective Co-operative Education programs.

While these students, both in software development and graphic design, showed great potential and had the foundational knowledge, they were often ill-equipped for the immediate demands of the job market. It was this skills gap that inspired the creation of Mshtarii Development Academy.

Through the academy, we provided internships that gave these students hands-on experience with the latest development protocols and best practices. The aim was to ensure they understood not only how to write code or design graphics but also how to work efficiently in real-world environments where deadlines, collaboration, and evolving technology play significant roles.

Taken a few years ago, the accompanying photos showcase some of the talented interns who passed through our program. Exhibiting at the DUT World of Work Career Fair was one of the ways we sought to promote these efforts, showing how essential it is for companies to invest in training graduates and preparing them for the realities of the professional landscape.

While I’m no longer hands-on with Mshtarii, I reflect fondly on the impact we had in shaping the next generation of developers and designers. I continue to apply the same principles of innovation and mentorship in my work.