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They were tasked with using the Swift programming language to develop innovative apps which solve real-world problems.
Two students have put South Africa on the world stage after representing the country as leading app developers at Apple’s Swift Student Challenge.
In a world echoing with the clicks of keyboards and innovation, 13-year-old St John’s College student, Ben Anderson and third-year University of Pretoria student, Jason Mayo, were recently selected as Swift Student Challenge winners.
Competition
The duo’s participation, facilitated by iStore Education, was part of a global group of students tasked with using the Swift programming language from Apple to develop innovative applications that solve real-world problems.
Out of the thousands of students around the world, Ben and Jason were selected in the final group of 350 winners whose apps demonstrated excellence in innovation, creativity, social impact, or inclusivity.
Apps
Andersson’s app navigates the school day with scheduling periods, textbook management and school day prep.
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Mayo’s app, Study Guard (formerly Regret Guard), converts screen time for university students into study time by requiring them to answer AI-generated flashcards based on their study notes before accessing their social media feeds.
‘Late nights’
Anderson said he spent a lot of time on his app.
“Many late nights were spent working on my app, and there were moments I wasn’t sure if the app was going to work. When I finally submitted my project, I didn’t expect much.
“I knew thousands of incredibly talented students from all over the world would be applying, and I saw so many amazing ideas shared online that I felt lucky just to be a part of that community,” Anderson said.
‘Goals’
Mayo said his goal from the beginning was simply to learn, grow, and challenge himself by taking an app idea from start to finish.
“What makes this achievement even more meaningful is that the app I built addresses a challenge I face personally. In many ways, I created it for myself, which is why it’s so fulfilling to see that it resonates with others, too.
“This opportunity has been both humbling and inspiring, and I’m so grateful to have been part of something that celebrates and recognises young developers from around the world,” Mayo said.
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‘South Africans’ potential’
Michelle Lissoos, iStore Education Director, said the experience that this global competition offers its participants is immense.
“The preparation and the journey towards submission bring so much to our young developers from a skills and commitment perspective.
“Recognition from initiatives like this boosts confidence and highlights our potential as South Africans to achieve anything we set our minds to on the global stage,” said Lissoos
WWDC
Ben also had the unique opportunity of being selected to attend a special event for this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2025) at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California.
They have both received exam codes to gain international certification for Swift, a year’s license to the Swift developer programme, and a pair of AirPods Max.
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