By BAKANG MOKOTO
A learner from Gabonewe High School in Madikwe scooped a gold medal in his research and application in machine learning at an International Festival of Engineering Science and Technology (I-FEST2) held Monastir, Tunisia from 24-30 June 2022.
Tshatiwa, who was a computer enthusiast from his tender age, showed interest in software development. A Grade 11 learner’s passion for software resulted in him winning over 10 contests in the computer science field.
His biggest win before this was the Eskom bursary and this guaranteed him a bright future. The North West Premier, Bushy Maape congratulated Tshatiwa and said the province is proud of him.
“We are proud of Tshatiswa’s achievements and believe that he can conquer the world. We are delighted to see learners from rural communities, at this tender age, taking interest in the 4IR and making their presence felt in that space.
“He is now competing with the best in the world and we are indeed proud. We want to congratulate and wish him well at the International Festival of Engineering Science and Technology in Tunisia,” Maape said.
Tshatiwa won Eskom Expo for Young Scientists ISF 2019 – Highly Commended Award Certificate, Eskom Expo for Young Scientists Bojanala 2019 (Bronze Medal), Eskom Expo for Young Scientists ISF 2020 (Silver Medal), Geekulcha Top 15 Young Geeks 2020, and Youth ICT Council (North West 4IR Champion).
Meanwhile, North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela shared the same sentiments. Matsemela said her department is excited that one of their learners managed to get such a unique opportunity.
“It is such great news to hear of Tshatiwa’s gold medal win at an international level. On behalf of the team North West Education, I would like to express my sincere happiness for this young man, whose eagerness and enthusiasm for mobile phone machine learning put him on a global stage, competing with other whizz kids from developed countries.
“He serves as a great example to his peers in our public schools that curiosity for educational content not only does it does it sharpen the brain, it can be more fun and lead to greater exploits if one dares to challenge themselves beyond classroom learning, the world is their stage,” Matsemela said.
She further said these are the kind of trendsetters they want to see more in schools. Matsemela sent her gratitude to Tshatiwa, encouraging him to soar higher and continue to dance with international stars.
“We rejoice with you and well done to teachers, parents, and principal of Gabonewe High School for nurturing this talent,” she said.
In his exhibition, Tshatiwa said he used millions of images to test custom models and distillation for mobile app machines. One of the most inspiring things about Tshatiwa’s win is that his knowledge of machinery is self-taught.
“I feel good about my win because it gives me recognition on an international stage. Winning a gold medal at I-FEST2 was really great for me personally. It was an indication that my research project is not only amongst the best at home but among the best on an international stage.
“The competition was tough, with other countries presenting really smart and complex research. I also felt humbled by the experience, and was proud to represent my country,” said Tshatiwa.
The Guardian 