Ms Rejoice Chitengu was recently recognised among the Top 15 Young Geeks of 2025, a competition that aims to challenge and persuade local techies to reach greater heights, master their craft and play role in creating mass impact that uplifts or enterprises mankind, giving recognition to young top talent in South Africa. She was also recently awarded the Tech Student of the Year at the second annual Wired4Women Awards, an award she achieved due to her strong academic performance, her leadership capabilities, community initiatives, and extracurricular involvement, particularly in the adoption and application of technology beyond her studies. “Being recognized as one of Africa’s Top 15 Young Geeks and Top Tech Student, is an incredible honour but more than that, it comes with immense responsibility. These titles are not just awards; they represent a commitment to continued academic excellence, driving change through tech, and helping others grow in this space,” she states.
Chitengu’s journey at SPU began in 2021 when she enrolled for a Bachelor of Science in Data Science, graduating cum laude in 2023. She went on to complete her BSc Honours in Data Science in 2024, earning the Best Performing Student award. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s in e-Science, a joint programme between SPU and the University of the Witwatersrand, with her research set to commence at SPU in 2026.
Reflecting on what inspired her journey into digital technology, Ms Chitengu recalls always being curious about how technology and data work, how to improve them, and how they can drive real-world impact through critical thinking. “I wanted a career that’s dynamic, mentally stimulating, and never boring, something that challenges me while making a difference. Technology offered innovation, constant learning, and real-world problem-solving. Data science in particular combines analytical thinking with creativity and transforms data into insights that drive decisions and improve lives. What excites me most is being in a space where I’m always growing, solving meaningful problems, and contributing to something bigger than myself.”
Like any professional journey, hers has included challenges. She recalls her honours research on forecasting civil unrest in South Africa using social media data, which was a sensitive topic requiring careful handling. “One major obstacle was applying my data science skills to a social science problem, which was new to me,” she explains. She overcame this by dedicating time to understanding the social science context and consulting with experts to gain deeper insight “The main lessons I took from this was the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge and that there is always something new to learn when working across different fields,” she adds.
Another challenge was managing her time effectively, balancing academic demands with other responsibilities. She addressed this by setting clear priorities and following a structured schedule.
As one of South Africa’s promising young tech talents, Ms Chitengu highlighted opportunities and challenges facing aspiring digital innovators, particularly with the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. “Those without access to resources and training risk being left behind, deepening the digital divide. At the same time, those with access might become too dependent on AI, limiting their real learning and creativity. But AI also brings huge opportunities, helping young people access information faster, learn new skills, and build local solutions to real problems. I plan to help shape the future of tech by sharing what I know so no one gets left behind.”
She also emphasises the importance of awareness around technology’s benefits and risks: “More people need to understand both sides. Most of all, I want to give back by guiding the next generation, just like others have done for me.”
Ms Chitengu’s remarkable journey from undergraduate to master’s candidate reflects her commitment to using technology for positive change. Her story is one of curiosity, resilience, and a passion for solving real-world problems while uplifting others. As she continues to grow and contribute, she remains dedicated to empowering the next generation of digital innovators and ensuring technology’s opportunities are shared widely and fairly. Her vision of a future where no one is left behind stands as a testament to the kind of graduates SPU strives to produce: those who solve real-life challenges and leave a lasting impact.
