Kevin Johnston :: Introduction      

I love rock and roll, F1, and people.

Contact Information

Associate Prof. Kevin Johnston Associate Professor Convenor INF4000F, INF4026F, INF4025S, INF4012W Lecturer INF1002F/S, INF2011S, INF2004F, INF3003W, INF3012S, INF4018W, Section Head: Research

Email: Kevin.Johnston@uct.ac.za Phone: +27 (0)21 650 2266 Office: 3.38, Leslie Commerce Website: Click Here

General Information

Life Story

The second of four sons. Was born and raised in Umtata, Transkei. Father was a motorcar mechanic and mother a nursing sister. Matriculated at Umtata High School in 1969.

First job was as a Trainee Architectural Draughtsman in Johannesburg which lasted two years. Bought a red sports-car, and then decided to study at Rhodes University in Grahamstown.

In order to experience frustration, worked as a party worker for a political party for 3 months. Joined Woodridge College (just outside Port Elizabeth) as a Mathematics teacher, and later Hudson Park High School as a Mathematics & Science teacher.

Unable to obtain a permanent teaching post, started as a Trainee Programmer at Wilson-Rowntree in East London. 

One evening on the beachfront in East London met and fell in love with Bronwen, married in 1980.

Left South Africa to work as a Systems Analyst for De Beers at one of the largest diamond mines in Orapa, Botswana for three years. Directed and produced two plays while in Orapa, one had to create ones own entertainment.

Returned to South Africa, and joined Liberty Life in Johannesburg as a Senior Systems Analyst. Was made an attractive offer by Lifegro (Legal & General Volkskas) so joined them. Worked for Lifegro in several roles - Senior Systems Analyst, Project Manager, Systems Manager, and Production Manager.

Relocated to Somerset West in 1988 and joined BoE as DP Manager. Worked at BoE for 13 years, left as General Manager IT. Contracted for two months before before joining UCT in 2001 as Senior Lecturer. While at UCT have done consultancy work in South Africa and Lesotho.

Bronwen and I have two daughters, Nicolette and Moira.

Educational Background

Received a BSc degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Rhodes University in 1976, followed by a Higher Diploma in Education (HDE) in 1977. BSc (Hons) through Unisa in 1983. Completed a Masters degree in Information Systems through the IS Department at UCT in 1996.

Conferences

Have presented papers at conferences in South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Kenya, Germany, USA, Russia, Finland, UK, Mexico, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Malaysia and Australia.

Committees

Currently a member of UCT Senate and Director of the Bell Valley HIV/AIDs Initiative. Served as Chairman of Parel Vallei High School Governing Body from 1997-2002, Chairman of the Parel Vallei Children's Trust from 2003-2008, Chairman of the Helderberg Aids Centre from 2002-2004, trustee of Governing Body Foundation 2002, National Vice-President of the Computer Society of South Africa (CSSA) from 1995-1998, and Chairman of the Western Cape Chapter of the CSSA from 1994-1996. Was a founder member of the South African AIX User Group in 1992