Meet Kamohelo Motloung, a positive-minded Manager of the South African Computer Olympiads

Kamohelo Motloung serves as an Education Officer and the Manager of the South African Computer Olympiads.

Growing up in Kutlwanong Odendaalsrus, an informal settlement plagued by gangsterism and criminal activities, Kamohelo managed to rise above the negative influences.

Throughout his high school years, he consistently showcased his academic brilliance, particularly in mathematics and science. Despite his mischievous nature, Kamohelo always understood and respected boundaries.

After completing his secondary education, he enrolled at Central University of Technology where he pursued studies in software development, PGCE, project management, and operational management.

Despite his constant ambition and visionary mindset, he faced financial constraints that unfortunately hindered him from pursuing other opportunities.

“Not that I regret where I am now, but it could have happened sooner and a lot better,” he said.

In 2021, Kamohelo worked as a lab assistant and an IT tutor at Central University of Technology.

Shortly after his last graduation, he got married to a beautiful woman, Anna Motloung. They moved to Hamanskraal, where Kamohelo landed a job. From there, they moved to Johannesburg, a place where he got his breakthrough.

Throughout the years, he changed positions as he climbed up the ladder, and life got interesting. He worked as a net developer, Java developer and a web developer. he also worked as a computer science HOD, IEB CAT moderator, and sub-examiner. He is a computer science expert.

Kamohelo is currently an IT instructor for international online course, and spearhead following courses:

• Coding Fundamentals; Computer Science Discoveries 1 and 2; Visual Art 1 and 2; Business Keyboarding
• Digital Art Imaging 1 and 2; Procedural Programming (JavaScript and Python); Digital Information Technology; Foundations of Programming (Python); Artificial Intelligence in the World
• Cybersecurity Essentials; Computer and Network Security Fundamentals

Kasi Voice News (KVN) was intrigued by his accomplishments and the way he managed to achieve them despite his humble beginnings. The following is the exchange of questions and answers between KVN and Kamohelo.

Q: What is your job title, and what work do you do?

A: Education Officer (South African Computer Olympiads Manager)

Q: Tell us more about the work that you do and why you chose this field.

A: I am in the IT field, promoting and discovering ICT talent in youngsters, working closely with the department of education and higher institutions to develop computational thinking questions, programming in different languages, and representing the country internationally.

Q: What are the specific skills required to do your work successfully?

A: IT management skills, programming, networking, and stakeholder management skills.

Q: Tell us about your achievements.

A: Selected as part of an international committee on research and application.

Q: What motivates you to want to succeed in life?

A: My family (wife and kids)

Q: What advice would you give to people like you, particularly young people who would like to follow your career path?

A: Don’t limit your abilities; don’t look for money, but rather strive for survival. Use your skills to achieve what you need in life, and what you want will come as a bonus. Education is not a key to success, but it’s a key to opening your mind to opportunities.

Q: What’s next for you in your work? What are you looking forward to?

A: I am looking forward to a time when I will have sponsors around, grow my team, expand, and have more people benefiting from what I do.

Q: Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in, and what you are committed to in your work and life?

A: My high school teachers didn’t influence me directly, but they believed me, which made me push myself and make sure I didn’t disappoint. My family background is the best mentor and influencer, and I couldn’t see myself living under those conditions or allowing anyone closer to me to experience them as well.

‘’The world out there needs skills that our youth have, but few opportunities are presented to them,” said Kamohelo.