The University of Pretoria’s Department of Informatics in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) and Direct Transact are working together to bring a local talent pipeline into the fintech ecosystem.
The entities signed a memorandum of agreement that will see the Pretoria-based financial services provider support students financially, as well as offer its expertise.
According to a statement, a number of undergraduate students will get tuition support for their BCom Informatics and BIS (IT) degrees, and practical experience and mentorship,
In addition, the partnership provides the foundation for future collaboration on research and specialist field investigation.
Elmar Grobbelaar, executive head of finance, risk and compliance at Direct Transact, says: “A partnership with the University of Pretoria will ensure many talented young people get the opportunity to make a contribution to the quality and stability of South Africa’s financial grid.”
Direct Transact is an independent provider of software-as-a-service solutions for banks and businesses in SA. The company also enables financial services solutions for retail players, such as RCS and Shoprite.
Professor Hanlie Smuts, project leader and head of the Department of Informatics, comments on the partnership: “Industry and academic collaboration is a key enabler for ensuring our department produces industry-ready and industry-relevant graduates.”
As part of the agreement, Direct Transact will support students to showcase their projects at the annual final-year Capstone Project Day.
“The heartbeat of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology is innovation,” states professor Wynand JvdM Steyn, dean within the EBIT faculty.
“Technology provides for a digital transformation process that extends beyond tools and processes. It impacts individuals and organisations, resulting in the improved and sustainable well-being of both people and the planet.
“Our EBIT graduates are skilled for the future of work and it is not possible if our industry giants don’t offer their skillset and financial support to our students.”
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