First Digital Academy scholars graduate

The first group of 30 interns involved in The Digital Academy’s rapid internship programme have graduated. Following a busy three-month period, interns presented the final versions of their projects to a technical panel.

A number of winners were picked based on 10 metrics. Technical presentation days were held once a week, and scores were collated across these metrics.

TorpedoKid, Bubblewave and 24/7 Goal Achiever were demoed.

Selected interns were given the opportunity to present their solutions to a Barclays executive committee.

On Friday 30 October, a graduation ceremony was held at The Digital Academy premises in Commissioner Street. All interns received a certificate of completion and a portfolio of evidence.

A number of awards were handed out. The winners were:

• Developer of the quarter – Lesiba Phokela;
• Most improved developer – Harry Mapengo;
• Team leader of the quarter – David Ndlovu;
• Best team challenge A (Gamification) – Torpedo Kid;
• Best team challenge B (Financial Wellness) – 24/7 Goal Achiever;
• Personality of the quarter – Thakgalo Phasha;
• The joker – Godfrey Mohapi;
• The workaholic – Vusi Ngwenya; and
• The silent assassin – Nceba Sobikwa.

The most improved member in each team was also awarded:

• The Hurricanes (Dave) – Hulisani Matodzi;
• Dynamic Fusion (Bonificious) – Jabulile Mahlangu;
• DevBytes (Tshepo) – Brian Pooe;
• Techno-Evolution (Marvine) – Nceba Sobikwa; and
• Devroids (Geoff) – Austin Lefatsa.

Of the 30 graduating junior software developers, 23 have already secured jobs. The next intake of interns began their programme on Monday 2 November.