One, two, three code
FAIRLAND – South Africa uses codes to solve major issues in Africa.
The constant clicking noises of computer keyboards filled the MTN offices in Fairland this weekend as 100 coders and developers came together for the annual TadHack SA with the theme Decoding Africa.
Teams or individuals had to come up with ideas between 14 and 16 October in order to solve real issues in Africa. BRM², a team of four, was busy developing a mobile application where people can download presentations if they go to a conference. “It is going good,” said Bongiwe Mabunda.
A team of seven students in blue shirts attracted a lot of attention with their 3D printer. The team, We think Code, explained that they are printing parts for maintenance robots. Two of the members, Jan Hoon and Arno Swanepoel explained that it was their idea to have robots or bots working for each other and helping each other when one is broken or can’t complete the job at hand. They set up the 3D printer and explained that they built the printer themselves.
MTN’s own team, Rafiki were hard at work. The team members explained that they want to enrich the customer experience at MTN. According to them, the program they have developed is a digital channel where people can get answers about issues experienced. It will also use twitter integration.
Another team made up of three members, Wei Chan, Devon Du and Syed Ahmed from one of TadHack’s sponsors, ZTE said that they are creating a health-monitoring system where data is collected on people’s health issues in Africa. “The idea is to collect data to hand over to the Department of Health so that they can see where money and resources are most needed,” said Ahmed.
One of the coders and winning girl coder of the weekend, Naledi Phafane attracted a lot of attention as she is only 13 years old. She is developing an application that can pinpoint your address. Her father, Pule Phafane explained that many people in rural areas struggle to open bank accounts or do any other admin as one needs to provide a residential address. This app will pinpoint where you live.
This day was proof that South Africa has what it takes to be among the best of software developers.
