VANDERBIJLPARK – Emfuleni Executive Mayor Hassan Mosola Mako hosted a congratulatory luncheon for Team Bear on Monday, November 2, after the team won the Gauteng e-Government Youth Tech Expo Hackathon in Sedibeng.

The luncheon was held at the Barrage Skills Development Centre, where stationery and dignity packs were handed to the learners.

According to Emfuleni Local Municipality, Team Bear’s digital solution is aimed at improving waste collection and clearance in the municipality while promoting recycling and creating job opportunities for community members.

Mako said the municipality would continue supporting programmes that benefit learners and communities.

“It is very important for us to support learners and get them far away from the streets, we will continue to support such programs because they are beneficial for our communities,” he said.

He also encouraged young people to exercise their democratic right and vote in the local government elections on November 4. Special voting is under way.

The Barrage Skills Development Centre was founded by Sarah Mangai in 2024 and comprises youth from Wards 6, 7, 8 and 25.

The municipality said 132 community members have benefited from its programmes to date.