Zimele Technologies, an IT consulting firm with deep UWC roots, has invested more than R3 million in upgrading computer laboratories on campus. For its leaders, it is a way of passing on the opportunities they were once given.

Thando Mjebeza, late CEO of Zimele Technologies. Image: Supplied

When Dilshad Ameer enrolled at UWC to study Information Systems, she did so on borrowed money, with no idea how she would pay for the rest of her degree. Then she learnt of an American donor who wanted to sponsor top achievers in Information Technology at UWC. She applied, and through hard work, earned a bursary that fully funded her undergraduate and postgraduate studies. That operating model was a huge inspiration for the work she does. Today, she is Chief Operating Officer of Zimele Technologies.

"Being able to return and contribute to the institution that played such an important role in my journey feels like coming full circle," she says.

Zimele has invested more than R3 million in upgrading computer laboratories in UWC's Faculty of Natural Sciences and Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. The aim is to give students a learning environment that prepares them for a technology-driven workplace.

"Access to the right technology is fundamental to developing future IT professionals," Ameer says.

The upgrade also supports postgraduate research, where she believes knowledge starts becoming real-world solutions. "We would love to see research coming out of UWC that not only contributes academically, but also creates technology and intellectual property that can make a difference in South Africa and beyond."

The company's ties to UWC run deep. Three of Zimele's four board members studied at UWC, as did many of its executives and managers. Over the past 20 years, Zimele estimates it has recruited and created opportunities for more than 200 UWC students and graduates.

One of the computer labs upgraded by Zimele Technologies at UWC. Image: Supplied

"We understand the quality of graduates that UWC produces, particularly in the technology and Information Systems space, because we have experienced it ourselves," Ameer says.

One of those board members was the late CEO, Thando Mjebeza, a proud alumnus and member of the UWC Council, who passed away earlier this year. For Ameer, the investment reflects what he stood for. "It was never simply about providing technology," she says. "It was about giving students access to the tools they need to learn, compete and build meaningful careers."

She hopes he will be remembered as "someone who never forgot where he came from and who remained committed to opening doors for others." At Zimele, that commitment continues, investing in young people, and creating opportunities that can change their lives, their families and their communities for the better.

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