A distinguished technology designer and visionary entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience in creative marketing, communication and digital technology has been recognised with a Forty Under 40 SA award.
Reino Erasmus, the co-founder of Ampersand and a PhD candidate at Nelson Mandela University’s Centre for Community Technologies, won in the science, technology and innovation category.
The awards were announced at a gala dinner at the Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The awards, sponsored by the department of women, youth and persons with disabilities, and the National Youth Development Agency, are aimed at recognising and awarding 40 leaders under the age of 40 for their outstanding impact across industries including technology, finance, agriculture and green energy, and creative sectors driving SA’s economic growth.
Erasmus, 34, who holds a master’s degree in visual arts from Stellenbosch University, said he was happy to be named a category winner.
The award follows his selection as one of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans in the technology and innovation category earlier in 2024.
“There was no guarantee I would be selected as one of the Forty Under 40 SA award winners,” Erasmus said.
“There were a total 138 nominees invited across 40 different categories.
“Some categories did not meet the award criteria and had no winners, so it was quite nerve-racking waiting for the announcement.”
Erasmus’s career is marked by his innovative approach to technology and design.
He has pioneered several successful ventures, including Ampersand, a small technology design agency in Gqeberha.
He said awards were always important for companies as it made those involved pause and reflect on the work they did.
“This award is particularly important for Ampersand as it recognises our work and elevates our profile as a company.
“These awards are often the gateways to more exciting collaborations and partnerships in the business community.”
One of Erasmus’s notable contributions is the eReady ICT Readiness Assessment Tool, developed as part of his research at NMU.
This tool assesses a school’s readiness for ICT (information and communication technology) integration, aimed to bridge the digital divide and foster equitable educational opportunities across SA.
“My PhD research project, under the supervision of Prof Darelle van Greunen at the Centre for Community Technologies, relates to the eReady ICT Readiness Assessment Tool which has been commissioned by the departments of basic education, and science and technology in association with the Technology Innovation Agency,” he said.
“The tool assesses a school’s ICT readiness based on a series of questions related to the school’s policies and procedures, infrastructure and technology, as well as the school’s ICT culture.
“Based on these responses, the tool delivers a report with short- and long-term strategies to improve the school’s overall ICT levels.
“This is a critical measure and provides valuable insights into the planning and implementation of any ICT-related strategy for SA schools.
“My research on the project focuses specifically on the design aspects of ICTs to ensure they are relevant and meaningful to those who use them.”
Erasmus said he was motivated by the dynamics and challenges of the rapidly changing field of technology, as solutions of today might not fit the challenges of tomorrow.
“Further, as an entrepreneur, I am also motivated by the growth and development of my business and other exciting ventures that I undertake, as it is extremely satisfying to realise a concept into a product.”
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