By Kgothatso Monono

A dynamic team of students from the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT) at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has developed EduConnect, a pioneering peer-to-peer tutoring prototype designed to make academic support more accessible and affordable for university students across South Africa.

The project, created for the EDHE-ABSA Innovation Challenge 2025, demonstrates the students’ creativity, technical expertise and determination to address one of higher education’s most pressing challenges currently - the high student dropout rate caused by academic struggles and limited access to affordable tutoring.

“South African universities continue to face a serious challenge, with an estimated 50 to 60 percent of first-year students dropping out due to academic difficulties,” explained Mokgaetji Johanna Ramanna, the team’s Tech Lead. “Private tutoring often costs more than R200 per hour, making it inaccessible to many, especially students in rural areas with limited connectivity.”

EduConnect seeks to bridge this gap by linking students with verified peer tutors who have excelled in their respective subjects. The platform promotes affordable learning and peer empowerment, allowing students to receive quality tutoring at low cost while enabling tutors to reinforce their knowledge and earn income.

The  dynamic team of FoICT students hard at work developing the pioneer App, EduConnect

The EduConnect team includes:

With 75% of the team being female and all members from rural backgrounds, the project reflects TUT’s dedication to inclusivity and innovation while nurturing South Africa’s next generation of tech leaders.

“Our goal was to create a model that empowers students to support each other while tackling affordability barriers in higher education,” said Ramanna. “EduConnect isn’t just an app idea – it is a vision for collaborative learning.”

EduConnect’s selection for the EDHE-ABSA Innovation Challenge underscores the entrepreneurial spirit and social innovation driving TUT students. With continued development and support, the team hopes their prototype will one day play a key role in improving student success and retention across South Africa.

Business Strategist Sipho Mampuru added, “The peer-to-peer approach provides a win-win solution: affordable academic assistance for learners and an opportunity for tutors to gain valuable experience and income.”

For more information, contact Mokgaetji Johanna Ramanna at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +27 665 228 591.

by Gerrit Bester

Dr Schalk van Staden, lecturer in the Department of Visual Communication, Faculty of Arts and Design, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), was conferred with a Doctor of Art and Design degree at TUT’s Spring graduation ceremony on 16 October. His doctoral research expands design knowledge by examining everyday design through a human-centred perspective, aligning with his commitment to user-centred design.

by Gerrit Bester

Dr Aubrey Ramatla, lecturer in the Department of Fashion Design and Technology, Faculty of Arts and Design, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), has attained a new pinnacle in his career with the conferment of a Doctor of Art and Design degree at TUT’s Spring graduation ceremony on 16 October. His doctoral research constitutes a pioneering contribution to South African scholarship by evaluating a tactile labelling tool in apparel retail and proposing a framework for inclusive retail practices that benefit visually impaired consumers.

by Reatlegile Ratlagane

In a first for the Tshwane University of Technology’s Ga-Rankuwa Campus, it celebrated its inaugural Arbor Day in collaboration with the City of Tshwane on 10 October 2025. The event, themed “My Tree, My Oxygen. Plant Yours Today!”, highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship and encouraged participants to take personal responsibility for a greener future.