By Mathipa Phishego
South Africa’s next generation of tech innovators showcased their creativity and problem-solving power at the Telkom 10x Hackathon, hosted at the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) eMalahleni Campus. The 36-hour challenge, held in partnership with the Nkangala TVET College, Amdocs and Geekulcha, brought together student hackers and high school learners to develop solutions addressing real-world problems while inspiring future digital talent.
Centred on the theme “Solutions for Enhanced Customer Experience”, the hackathon encouraged participants to design user-focused, locally relevant innovations with measurable impact. Projects ranged from affordable e-learning platforms for rural areas to fintech tools easing transactions for township businesses, all reflecting the participants’ awareness of community challenges and their drive for social change.
The winning team, Technobytes from TUT, impressed judges with Gig Kasi, a digital marketplace app designed to combat unemployment by linking users with local service providers—from plumbers to tutors—while instantly notifying providers of nearby opportunities. Their innovative solution earned them R20 000 in prize money and automatic entry into the Telkom National Hackathon to compete in the Best Newcomer and Best Hackathon Solution categories. The runner-up team secured R15 000, while third-place winners received tech gadgets and access to Telkom’s innovation network.
“What I loved most is the collaboration. It was not just about coding, it was about learning, sharing and realising our potential,” said Matsobane Sethosa, a final-year Computer Science student and one of the winning team members.
The hackathon was more than a coding marathon. Students participated in mentorship sessions, workshops on entrepreneurship, design thinking and pitching, as well as gaining exposure to industry insights and business skills. The event was preceded by a “Business Breakfast” at Nkangala TVET College, where Telkom reaffirmed its commitment to supporting tech-driven SMEs and innovation opportunities.
During the opening ceremony, Senyeki Marebane, Academic Manager for Computer Science at TUT and Cyril Mazibuko, Acting Deputy Principal for Innovation and Development at Nkangala TVET College, welcomed the participants and thanked Telkom for hosting the event in eMalahleni.
In his keynote address, Dr Mkhonto Mkhonto, one of the judges and member of the Nkangala TVET College Council, highlighted the urgency of developing local talent: “Many of South Africa’s most qualified professionals are leaving for greener pastures abroad. If we fail to encourage young graduates to fill the gaps, industries will collapse, unemployment will rise and government will lose vital corporate tax revenue needed to sustain the economy.”
By fostering collaboration between universities, TVET colleges and industry, the hackathon demonstrated the power of partnerships in preparing young innovators for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Students left with more than just prizes - they gained confidence, networks and the determination to turn their solutions into real-world impact.
The winning team, Technobytes from TUT, impressed judges with Gig Kasi, a digital marketplace app designed to combat unemployment
Telkom 10x Business Breakfast held at Nkangala Tvet College in Mpumalanga, eMalahleni
Participants for the Telkom 10x hackathon at TUT eMalahleni Campus