The City of Ekurhuleni will adopt the top five mobile application solutions created by “hackers” into its ICT strategy.
This will ensure the city’s apps are improved and provide increased citizen engagement and efficiency when it comes to service delivery.
Speaking at the 48-hour hackathon challenge, held over the weekend at the council chambers in Alberton, Ekurhuleni’s divisional head for ICT, Lydia Ntlhophi, encouraged the hackers to utilise such platforms, as they will open entrepreneurial opportunities for young people.
“As a digitally connected city, Ekurhuleni will ensure that this hackathon challenge doesn’t go to vine, as the top five solutions will be improved to provide real life solutions for Ekurhuleni residents,” she said.
“With the world rapidly switching to a digital era, opportunities are out there for young people.
“It is only upon them to utilise such platforms to create solutions that can make a difference.”
Father and daughter team, Naledi and Pule Phafane, scooped the first prize of R100 000 for their Vula Robot invention.
The app, from the Open Robot team, eases traffic congestion by controlling, through mobile devices, how long traffic lights remain open.
In second place was Dul Track, who received R50 000 for developing a solution consisting of hardware and software to help reduce accident rates on the roads.
In third place was Blue Mars, who received R20 000 for their housing and human settlement application, to monitor housing allocation and minimise corruption.
Creators of the top five most innovative prototypes with market potential and socio-economic impact solutions will not only advance the municipality’s ICT strategy, but will also be linked to the Ekurhuleni BizSpark Incubation Centre.
Here they will receive software and business development training and support on how to improve their ideas into commercially viable products.
Also read: 5 tips for parents in the digital age
You can now pay your municipal account by smartphone
Promoting innovation in Ekurhuleni
Follow us:
To receive the latest news on your phone:
WhatsApp number: 0794306641 (add us to your contacts and send your name and surname on WhatsApp)
