Change the world

15/10/2024

Reasons to be Proud - #R2bP: Reino Erasmus, co-founder of Ampersand and PhD student in Mandela University's Centre for Community Technologies, is the winner of the Science, Technology and Innovation category in the Forty under 40 South Africa Awards.

 

The awards were announced recently at a gala dinner at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Centre in Johannesburg.

Reino, who holds a  Master’s Degree in Visual Arts from Stellenbosch University said he is happy about being selected as the category winner.

“I feel quite chuffed to have won the "Science, Technology and Innovation" category of the Forty Under 40 South Africa awards. This follows my selection as one of the Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans in the "Technology and Innovation" category earlier this year.

“There was no guarantee that I would be selected as one of the Forty Under 40 South Africa award winners. There were a total of 138 nominees invited across 40 different categories. Some categories did not meet the award criteria and had no winners, so it was quite nerve-wracking to wait for the announcement,” the 34-year-old said.

Reino’s career is marked by his innovative approach to technology and design. He has pioneered several successful ventures, including Ampersand, Amsterdam, and The Soapbox.

He said awards are always important for companies, as it makes them  pause and reflect on the work that they do.

“This award is particularly important for Ampersand as a small technology design agency in Gqeberha - as it recognises our work and elevates our profile as a company. These awards are often the gateways to more exciting collaboration and partnerships in the business community.”   

The awards are aimed at recognising and awarding 40 young leaders under the age of 40 for their outstanding impact across industries, such as technology, finance, agriculture, green energy, and creative sectors, driving growth in South Africa's economy.

One of Reino’s notable contributions is the eReady ICT Readiness Assessment Tool, developed as part of his research at Mandela University. 

This tool assesses a school’s readiness for ICT integration, aiming to bridge the digital divide and foster equitable educational opportunities across South Africa.

“My PhD research project, under the supervision of Professor Darelle van Greunen at the Centre for Community Technologies (CCT), relates to the "eReady ICT Readiness Assessment Tool", which has been commissioned by the Departments of Basic Education, and Science and Technology in association with the Technology Innovation Agency.

“The tool assesses a school's ICT readiness based on a series of questions related to the school's Policies and Procedures, Infrastructure and Technology, as well as the school’s ICT Culture. Based on these responses, the tool delivers a report with short- and long-term strategies to improve the schools’ overall ICT levels.

This is a critical measure and provides valuable insights into the planning and implementation of any ICT-related strategy for South African schools. My research on the project focuses specifically on the design aspects of ICTs to ensure that they are relevant and meaningful to those who use them.”

Reino said he is motivated by the dynamics and challenges of the rapidly changing field of technology, as solutions of today, might not fit the challenges of tomorrow.

“Further, as an entrepreneur, I am also motivated by the growth and development of my business and other exciting ventures that I undertake, as it is extremely satisfying to realise a concept into a product.”

The Forty Under 40 South Africa Awards was sponsored by the Department of Women, Youth & Persons with Disabilities and National Youth Development Agency.

Contact information
Ms Lyndall Sa Joe-Derrocks
Publications Practitioner
Tel: 27 41 504 2159
lyndall.sajoe@mandela.ac.za