Thabo Matue, 30, believes that the field he works in — he’s a software engineer at Statistics South Africa — will in the future be almost fully run by artificial intelligence. This is a good thing in his opinion, as AI is already playing more and more of a crucial role, not only in data analysis but in healthcare, education and a number of other sectors, and the ethical implications of its use are gaining widespread attention, to ensure it is used responsibly. Nelson Mandela strongly motivated him to make a difference in this world, and he says that his proudest achievement, which was making it into Geekulcha’s Top 15 Young Geeks, taught him that selfless service to others will eventually lead to you getting rewarded by the universe. Consistent effort is an investment in yourself, and will lead to recognition and fulfilment; our acts of kindness and dedication someday create positive ripple effects. He’s studying towards an MA in computer science at the University of the Free State, and says that part of his daily work is to ensure that he stays up to date with the latest industry trends and technologies in his field, and train junior software engineers in their application.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Electronics, North West University
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computing, University of South Africa
Short Course in Data Science and Data Analysis, University of Cape Town.
Master of Science in Computer Science candidate, University of the Free State
In 2023 I was in the Top 15 Young Geeks Award by Geekulcha. I also received the Golden Key International Honour Society Award.
This taught me that when you selflessly and diligently provide service to others, the universe will reward you one day. There’s always someone out there who notices the good work that we do, so we must keep doing what we believe is right for the benefit of others. Consistently putting in effort and maintaining a positive attitude, even when the immediate rewards are not visible, eventually leads to recognition and fulfilment. Acts of kindness and dedication do not go unnoticed; they create a ripple effect that positively impacts those around us.
By staying committed to our values and focusing on helping others, we not only contribute to the wellbeing of our community but also grow personally and professionally. This journey of selfless service teaches us patience, resilience, and the importance of integrity. Ultimately, the satisfaction and rewards we receive from making a difference in the lives of others are immeasurable and long-lasting.
Yes, I have mentors who have positively influenced my journey by offering me guidance as well as sharing their knowledge and experiences with me. I have been able to use that as a foundation as well as guiding my decision-making process throughout my journey.