Ctrl + Alt + Degree: Class of 2026 Starts Their First Tech Jobs

There’s something powerful about that first swipe into the office, especially when it marks the beginning of a tech career. On Monday 2 February, with laptops open, a whole lot of ambition, and big dreams loaded, 32 graduates from tertiary institutions around the country stepped into the fast-paced world of technology, swapping lecture notes for real-world systems and theory for hands-on experience.

They are BET Software’s 2026 new intake of graduates for the company’s annual Graduate Programme. It’s the start of a career in an industry that’s constantly evolving. And the energy was unmistakable.

“I didn’t know much about software engineering when I started my Bachelor of Computer and Applied Science degree, but I was very interested in the field. A few friends advised me to go for it, because I liked coding and I was a computer nerd, so that’s why I chose this field,” said graduate, Andile Nzama (21), from Varsity College, Westville campus.

He hopes to make a positive dent in the industry during the year long programme. 

“Within tech, AI is taking over, so I’m glad I am in this field. I hope to create an algorithm for BET Software that picks up on how users place their bets and what teams they bet on to give them a reason to place more bets,” he explained.

The programme blends technical learning with essential life skills, like communication, teamwork and adaptability. In an industry where change is constant, graduates are encouraged to stay curious, think creatively and keep evolving.

Graduate Awande Tshabalala (20) from Eduvos, uMhlanga campus, was sponsored by BET Software throughout her studies – easing the financial burden on her single father. She says there’s no better place to be than in the tech industry.

“The industry is booming. Everybody thinks it’s only about coding, but there is something for everyone in tech. If you want to be in the creative space – you can be a UI/UX designer. If you love numbers, you can do data analytics. If you like graphics, you can be a graphic designer. It’s a broad field that has something for everyone,” she said.

Asandiswa Jokozela, a senior business analyst at BET Software and mentor on the programme advised the graduates to make good use of every opportunity.

“Keep up with the latest trends. Study. Empower yourself. So that by the time this programme is done, you know you have gained all you can. So tomorrow you don’t look back and wish you had used your time better yesterday,” she said.

Photo captions:

• Andiswa Fakude & Rishkaar Sunnyall are ready to learn, ready to contribute and ready to make their mark in the tech industry.
• Michael Collins, BET Software general manager says BET Software’s Graduate Programme is built for go-getters.
• BET Software Durban graduates are encouraged to collaborate, communicate and think creatively while being guided by mentors who’ve walked the same path before.