Thato Brander


Thato Brander

 

Hi I'm Thato, I am from a beautiful small village called Dinokana in the North West. Studying my Masters in Sweden has been very impactful in my life as it has moved me closer to a bigger dream.

When I left for Sweden my intentions were clear, I wanted to be at the heart of technology and innovation. I had strong a sense that studying in Sweden would develop me as a person and also develop my skills but it was more.


Moving to Sweden has expanded my worldview, and most surprisingly also the people from my community in South Africa, it has become common that young people ask me how they can go study abroad and this is a good sign for the future. Since making the move I have also developed more technical skills which has placed me in a better position to contribute positively to society in a Digital World.


I am currently working with a Space-technology Startup Incubator that helps space companies develop applications, services and products for use in space and also adapted space technologies which were originally made for use in space but are used on earth. I also work with Umnandi to provide young South Africans with practical knowledge and motivation to pursue entrepreneurial projects that benefit their communities by teaching fundamental startup theories and concepts. I'm also a seed startup mentor through a collaboration with Itzinya which is an Entrepreneurship Development Organization investing in young entrepreneurs mainly in the developing world.


While moving to Sweden has been a great journey for me. I am now looking forward to new challenges as I start working on a new business venture.