By Mathipa Phishego
The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) joined forces to host the third annual Mpumalanga Artificial Intelligence Student Hackathon (MAISH) between 23 and 25 October at TUT’s eMalahleni Campus. The event showcased the best of student innovation, collaboration and problem-solving in artificial intelligence.
Officially opened by Molemane Minckey, on behalf of the Campus Rector, Prof Molefe Maleka, the hackathon set the stage for a weekend filled with creativity through coding and solution-driven presentations.
Prof Wayi-Mgwebi, Head of UMP’s School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, encouraged participants to give their best and highlighted the importance of sustained partnerships between TUT and UMP. She added that her institution was also interested in expanding the collaboration to TVET colleges to open more pathways for young people to enter the coding and AI space.
Dr Michael Moeti, TUT’s Assistant Dean of Teaching and Learning, urged teams to align their projects with TUT's Integrated Strategic Plan (ISP), noting that innovation in technology is vital to the University’s future.
Industry support played a major role, with contributions from SITA, Nedbank, Ndende Technologies and the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP). “We are honoured to be part of this joint initiative. Many of our employees are graduates of these institutions, hence we saw it fit to cooperate and sponsor this hackathon to build a pipeline of future professionals,” said Hope Mabitsela, SITA Mpumalanga Provincial Manager.
MAISH Chief Organiser, Senyeki Marebane, Academic Manager for Computer Science at TUT eMalahleni, explained that the 2025 hackathon focused on AI innovation, student development and industry partnerships focused on the themes of agriculture, tourism, waste management, pollution and education. Ten teams of ten students each were guided by industry mentors throughout the challenge.
Taking top honours was Team Agrisurfers with their intelligent platform AgriConnect, designed to help farmers manage crops and livestock efficiently, using AI to detect plant diseases, monitor livestock health and predict rainfall for better water management.
“We met as strangers but collaborated so well. It was a lovely experience and winning first place was really the cherry on top. Teamwork makes the dream work,” said Siyabonga Magagula, a member of the winning team.
The event concluded with a buzzing prize-giving ceremony celebrating the innovation and teamwork that continue to define MAISH as a cornerstone of AI-driven student excellence in Mpumalanga.
A very excited team Agrisufers, who emerged as winners of MAISH 2025
MAISH 2025 panel of judges engaging with as hackers as they presented their innovative ideas.
Receiving their prize - Team Agrisurfers who won with their intelligent platform AgriConnect,
MAISH teams hacking away and collaborating to put ideas into solutions.
MAISH 2025 participants - hackers, staff, supporters, donors and guests.