Mr Freddie Manyate’s journey of growth, purpose and giving back has come full-circle.
A determined and purpose driven student he completed a Diploma in Information and Communication Technology at SPU in 2021 and then progressed to the Advanced Diploma in ICT. He is now pursuing his Honours in Computer Science, Mr Manyate’s interest in the tech industry was sparked by an interest in how computers work and how different components work together.
During his time as an ICT student, Mr Manyate was very active in student development and digital innovation initiatives, where he led the Geekulcha Student Society (GKSS) as the chairperson, spearheading community outreach programmes that are aimed at introducing learners in the Northern Cape to robotics, coding, and computer literacy, which he continues to do.
He is currently employed as an Administrator: E-Learning and Curriculum Design in SPU’s Centre for Teaching, Learning and Programme Development, where he develops and maintains web applications and learning tools. Mr Manyate describes that working and completing his postgraduate studies in the University has refined his problem-solving skills and shaped his vision of developing secure, scalable solutions that address real societal needs, especially in education, public service delivery, and cybersecurity.
In recognition of his consistent commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and cross-continental collaboration within the African digital economy space, Mr Manyate was recently invited to participate in the prestigious Product Innovation Workshop at the Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) in Kigali, Rwanda, featuring a diverse array of nationalities from various professional backgrounds to explore global best practices for product development, design thinking, innovation processes, stakeholder mapping and opportunity framing.
The workshop was an intensive five-day programme led by Prof Peter Boatwright and Prof Ellen M. Ayoob from the Integrated Innovation Institute. Its primary aim was to nurture human-centered innovation among multi-disciplinary African talent, combining theory, stakeholder engagement, and design thinking to address real-world challenges sourced from companies operating within the Rwandan and broader continental ecosystem.
Mr Manyate expressed his profound gratitude to Dr Stanley Mukasa and the Faculty at CMU-Africa for this transformative learning experience possible. “I also express my sincere gratitude to SPU and the broader Geekulcha network for their continuous support in advancing innovation and excellence among South African youth.”
Mr Manyate aims to focus on impactful research, particularly in cybersecurity, and to contribute to national and continental knowledge production. He plans on becoming a lecturer, mentoring future technologists and contributing to the academic growth of our institutions. “Teaching, for me, is a powerful channel to share insights, cultivate innovation, and inspire the next generation of digital leaders,” he says.
His advice to students embarking on their SPU journey: “never wait for permission to lead, learn, or innovate. Use every tool, mentorship, and opportunity available to build something impactful. Engage with your community, embrace your academic journey, and remember that excellence is a daily decision, not just an outcome,” he proudly encourages.
