Neo Rameetse, Senior Network Administrator at the University of Johannesburg. Picture: HCIE
South Africa’s digital future gained a powerful boost this Youth Month after young South African network engineer achieved Huawei’s highest-level ICT certification, strengthening his ability to train and mentor students for careers in networking, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure
Neo Rameetse, Senior Network Administrator at the University of Johannesburg and Huawei ICT Academy instructor, achieved the Huawei Certified ICT Expert (HCIE) credential — the company’s highest‑level ICT certification.
The milestone positions Rameetse not only as a leader in networking and cybersecurity but also as a mentor for students preparing to enter the fast‑changing digital economy.
Achievement
His achievement comes at a time when practical skills and industry‑recognised certifications are increasingly vital for young South Africans seeking to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace demands.
“Young people who want to build careers in the digital economy need more than an interest in technology. They need curiosity, discipline, practical exposure and the willingness to keep learning as technologies evolve,” said Peter Sun, Strategy & Business Development Assistant at Huawei South Africa.
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Journey
Rameetse’s journey began after joining UJ in 2023, following earlier work at Wits. He first completed Huawei’s HCIP Datacom certification before becoming an ICT Academy instructor.
Determined to push further, he pursued HCIE — a process that demanded long hours, discipline and sacrifice.
“The biggest challenge was balancing my work responsibilities with studying and lab practice after hours. It took energy, sleep and family time,” he said.
“To overcome this, I worked closely with my family, followed a strict study schedule and made full use of the practical lab opportunities available.”
Challenge
The certification, he added, reshaped his approach to problem‑solving and teaching.
“It challenged me to think more deeply about network architecture, automation and innovation. As an educator, I want students to understand why networks behave the way they do, not simply how to configure them.”
Looking ahead, Rameetse hopes to advance in automation and cybersecurity while inspiring future African technology professionals.
“Africa is not just a consumer of global technology anymore. We are one of the fastest‑growing frontiers for digital transformation,” he said.
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