Imagine running your home like a democratic government, with a constitution, a department of justice, and even departments of finance and safety and security.

Isaac Tau, a 40-year-old father from Secunda with a sharp business mind and an innovative spirit, came up with this concept and is now developing an app that lets people see family life and parenting in a completely different light.

For years, Tau observed the inner workings and dynamics of the family he grew up in. Although his father was present in his formative years, his mother ruled the roost single-handedly later on.

“My mother had a strong hand in the house, but when she died, there was no structure defining who was responsible for what,” said Tau.

This experience led him to develop the idea that every home can become an institution for learning, ultimately helping family members grow into responsible citizens who make meaningful contributions to society.

Tau has named his brainchild Civilized University. This digital application lets users build their own mini-civilisation based on their family.

It will offer a constitution template and guidelines for applying a justice system within the household. Once the rules have been established, each family member signs a pledge to uphold the constitution.

“I aim to equip families with the knowledge and guidance to deal with everyday issues, such as a child acting out, a broken plate and much more, without anger or violence,” he explained.

With this idea, Tau joined the Build with Gemini XPRIZE, an international AI competition.

“Civilized University was still being developed, but I began receiving opportunities to present it to people and institutions in Cape Town. I spent roughly two weeks there,” he said.

Civilized University was presented to institutions and individuals who could engage with what Tau was developing, including the 4th Industrial Revolution Incubator (4IRI).

The institution offered Tau a contract that would provide an office and equipment to develop Civilised University into a user-friendly app.

To promote Civilised University and another smaller project, Split Seconds, Tau is now preparing to cycle to Cape Town. He cycles daily to get in shape for the long road ahead.

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Tau acknowledges his support system: “I would not have been able to pursue these ideas and projects without the support of my family and my partner, Portia Mokoena.

“Their support has been an important part of this journey, and I want the story to recognise that this has not been a journey I’ve undertaken alone.”

Split Seconds is a community project idea that came to Tau in a light-bulb moment.

“There are people in Secunda who have unused bicycles and people who want to cycle but do not have a bicycle. The idea is to bridge this gap by offering a platform where people can rent bicycles.

“The user pays the bicycle owner directly to rent the bicycle for a set number of laps around the duck pond area. I envision a kiosk where the bicycles can be dropped off and collected,” Tau explained.

He will set off on 2 November and is inviting others to join him on the road. For more information, contact Tau on 081 377 3338.