In January 2025, our Masters students in Management and Information Systems and Digital Development embarked on a field trip to Cape Town. Whilst there, they investigated how organisations of various types are developing digital solutions, and explored local landmarks and culture.

In the following blog, Stefhanie Chitra outlines some of the key takeaways from the experience. In another post, Tendai Getrude Kunje reflects on the positive effect of extracurricular activities over the course of the trip. 

 

By Stefhanie Chitra – MSc Digital Development Student 

Cape Town welcomed us with its bright sun, a stark contrast to Manchester. Not far from the airport, we saw the towering mountains surrounding the city. I was immediately drawn to the colourful houses and stunning beaches.

As the days passed, I became more aware of the economic disparity in the city. Stepping into Cape Town for our fieldwork felt like stepping into a living case study—a mix of deep-rooted inequalities and a rapidly evolving digital space.

But beyond the research, company visits, and discussions, what made this experience truly special was the people I shared it with. Every conversation, challenge, and laugh became part of a memory we will always carry with us.

 

 

Inclusion in the South African context: learning beyond theory

South Africa’s history of segregation isn’t just something we read about—it was visible in the city’s digital and economic landscape. One of the organisations we visited, RLabs, empowers marginalised communities through digital skills training. They weren’t just teaching tech skills; they were giving people opportunities to change their lives. Seeing their impact firsthand made me realise that inclusion isn’t just about access—it’s about opportunity, empowerment, and long-term change.

Mama Money, a fintech startup, showed us another side of inclusion—how something as simple as making remittances more affordable can improve the lives of migrant workers. But what stood out most was how these solutions had to be built on trust, understanding, and awareness of the challenges their users face every day.

 

The socio-technical puzzle: more than just data & information systems

One of the biggest takeaways from this trip was realising that data alone isn’t enough—it’s the people, strategies, and vision behind it that create real impact. At Amazon Web Services (AWS), we didn’t just learn about cloud solutions but also about Amazon’s work culture. Their principles of customer satisfaction and innovation showed that success isn’t just about technology—it’s about mindset. Seeing how these values influenced their decision-making was fascinating.

At  Cape Town City Council, we saw that digital governance isn’t just about having systems in place but also about how citizens engage with them and how policies shape real-world outcomes.

At Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ), our discussions on the green economy were particularly interesting. There is so much potential there, yet the lack of digital platforms left us wondering—how can technology make this better?

These conversations didn’t just add to our learning; they sparked new ideas and a shared sense of purpose.

 

Moments that defined this trip

This trip wasn’t just about learning—it was about the moments we created together. The group assignment, where we made a video reflection on each organisation, wasn’t just a task. We rushed between meetings, filming whenever we had time, figuring out the best way to capture our insights, and feeling proud when we saw the final result. For me, it was a chance to get to know my classmates better, especially in Digital Development, where everyone is incredibly creative and dedicated. This level of passion and effort isn’t always visible in the classroom, but during this project, it shone through.

And then, of course, there was Table Mountain. Hiking up wasn’t just about enjoying the views—it was about pushing through exhaustion, sharing laughs, and having deep conversations along the way.

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Cape Town gave us more than research insights, it gave us memories, friendships, and a new way of seeing the world. It showed us that digital transformation is about more than technology, that inclusion takes real effort, and that sometimes the best lessons happen in the moments in between.

As we return to Manchester, I know that every time I think about this trip, I won’t just remember the theories we discussed or the projects we studied. I’ll remember the people, the laughter, the challenges we faced together, and the feeling of being part of something bigger. And that, more than anything, is what made this fieldwork truly unforgettable.