Johannesburg Software Testing Meetup - 3 September '26

Description

Arrival: 5pm - 6pm.Venue: Siya Kolisi Auditorium Agenda 17:00 - 18:00: Networking, drinks and snacks 18:00: Welcome by MC, Mathew Zungu, Inspired Testing 18:15 - 18:45: Testing Talent vs Testing Theory Presented by Ntsako Makaringi | Software Test Manager at Telesure Investment Holdings (TIH) What the talk is all about Does passing a testing certification make someone a great tester? We will explore the ongoing debate between testing theory and testing talent. Drawing on real-world experience, the discussion examines why certifications and testing frameworks provide an important foundation, while qualities such as curiosity, critical thinking, communication, business understanding, and practical experience often distinguish exceptional testers from average ones. WIN cool merchandise! 18:50 - 19:20: Beyond Testing: The Courage to Evolve from Testers to Trusted Advisors Presented by Fikile Mekgoe | Award Wining Technology Leader, Head of Technology: Delivery & Testing, Author, and certified coach at Bidvest Bank What the talk is all about Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we build and test software, but the greatest transformation isn't happening in our tools, it's happening in us. As AI automates more technical tasks, the value of quality professionals will no longer be defined solely by the defects they find, but by the confidence they inspire, the business risks they help organisations navigate, the customers they protect, and the strategic decisions they influence. But this keynote is about more than AI. It is about leadership, influence, reinvention, and the future of our profession. As technology continues to evolve, so must we. Rather than asking, "Will AI replace testers?", this keynote explores a more important question: "Who do we need to become to remain indispensable in an AI-enabled world?" Join award-winning technology leader Fikile Mekgoe as she challenges the profession to move beyond execution, embrace lifelong learning, and evolve from testers into trusted advisors who lead change, inspire confidence, and shape the future of quality. The Big Idea The future of quality isn't about becoming better at testing software. It's about becoming better at leading change. PLAY TO WIN R2,000!Proudly sponsored by Browserstack 19h40-20:40: Beyond the Hype: The Real Impact of AI on Software Testing Who Should Attend Reserve your spot today!