Director: CEEIIC, Prof Vhonani Netshandama Senior Manager: UCfERI, Ms. Shumani
Nembudani
The University of Venda’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubation and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Pretoria recently joined forces to host the Limpopo CyberSecureTech Hackathon, challenging students to come up with innovative solutions to real-world cybersecurity problems. The hackathon was in collaboration with Women in Tech SA and the Centre for Emerging Reserachers. Among the participants were students from the University of Venda, University of Limpopo, Vhembe TVET College, and Tshwane University of Technology. These young minds were grouped into teams comprising six members to work collaboratively to develop their groundbreaking ideas and solutions. The total number of teams was eighteen, with an intake of over 55% females. With the celebration of women’s month, this is taking us in the right direction, with more women taking up spaces in tech initiatives. The event not only served as a platform for these students to showcase their talents and make connections with industry experts, but also highlighted the importance of cyber security in our ever-evolving digital landscape.
During the three-day challenge, the bright minds worked tirelessly to develop cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions within a tight 36-hour timeframe. Leveraging their coding and tech skills, they devised innovative approaches to tackle real-world cyber threats, all while under the guidance of industry experts including Women In Tech. Students were required to address four key challenges: creating an interactive platform to enhance cybersecurity awareness in local communities, developing a web or mobile app to boost digital literacy and encourage safe internet practices, designing a tool to detect and prevent phishing attacks, and crafting customized cybersecurity solutions for small businesses.
Dr Jackie Phahlamohloka opened the hacking with an Introduction to the Cybersecurity Hackathon, Building of Cyber Security Capabilities for South Africa (New Innovations & Opportunities).
This was to provide participants with a background and insight into the theme of the weekend. Participants were afforded tailored masterclasses such as Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities and Threats, Design Thinking and Business Model Canvas, and Pricing and taking products or Service to market amongst other masterclasses. These were crucial to assist participants in curating a strong case for their pitches, of which Ms Tsholofelo Nkosi furnished them with a masterclass of the Art of Pitching.
According to Ms. Shumani Nembudani, Senior Manager at the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubation, the CyberSecureTech Hackathon was a chance for students to sharpen their skills, collaborate, and learn from industry experts. “We aimed to encourage innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are vital in today’s digital age. This incredible event provided an opportunity for these students to showcase their talents and develop connections, all while competing for incredible awards and incubation support,” said Ms Nembudani. She further added that the essence of the hackathon was to develop advanced cybersecurity skills, protect digital assets, and foster continuous learning. Students had the unique opportunity to network with industry professionals, collaborate with their peers, and boost their employability and entrepreneurial potential. “It didn’t matter if you were a seasoned cybersecurity expert or a beginner – this event was about honing your skills and exploring new possibilities in the cybersecurity industry,” Ms Nembudani said.
Prof Vhonani Netshandama, Director: Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Innovation, and Commercialisation at the University of Venda, offered a message of support for the event saying “We are excited to be part of this initiative. This hackathon is not just a competition but also an opportunity for young minds to develop skills and solve real-world cybersecurity challenges. We believe that events like these are critical for developing future leaders in the tech industry, and we are proud to support such initiatives.” Prof Netshandama also took the opportunity to highlight the University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubation, which plays a key role in facilitating and coordinating events like these.
“The Centre provides a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to develop their ideas and make them a reality. We believe that inclusive innovation is the way forward, and we are com-mitted to ensuring that the University of Venda becomes an anchor institution for neighbouring institutions like Vhembe TVET College and other centres for learning at the district, provincial, na-tional, and international level,” highlighted Prof Netshandama.
One of the participants, Mr Mathews Nethavhani, a National Certificate: Vocational (NCV) Level 3 IT and Robotics student from Vhembe TVET College, Makwarela Campus expressed his enthusi-asm about the Hackathon. He mentioned that he has always been intrigued by cybersecurity and was thrilled to have this opportunity to learn more and solve real-world problems. “We have put in sleepless nights with my team in pursuit of excellence,” he said. Ms Thandolwethu Nyalunga, a second year Bachelor of Commerce Business Information Systems (BIS) student at the University of Venda echoed Mathew’s sentiments. She continued to mention that being part of this gathering gave her the chance to collaborate with other students and gain valuable insights from industry professionals. “I was thrilled to explore the possibilities and the potential impact of our solutions.”
The Hackathon was designed to address pressing cybersecurity challenges in today’s digital world. Each theme focused on a distinct area, reflecting current global trends and urgent cybersecurity such as developing an interactive platform or adaptation to raise cybersecurity awareness in local communities, creating a mobile app or web-based solution to improve digital literacy and promote safe internet practices, and developing a tool, such as a browser extension, that helps users detect and prevent phishing attacks. On Day 3, the energy in the room was intense, as 18 teams show-cased their innovative solutions to the esteemed panel of judges, comprising industry experts. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as each group presented their unique approach to tackling the diverse cybersecurity challenges posed to them and outlined in the themes. Presen-tations were diverse and creative, reflecting the range of expertise and perspectives that the par-ticipants brought to the table. All the challenges initially presented to the groups were addressed respectively.
Towards the end of the University of Venda and CSIR Cybersecurity Hackathon, Mr Muimeleli Mu-tangwa, the Executive Director of Centre for Emerging Researchers at the University of Johannes-burg Business School, recognised five outstanding groups with a R10 000 cash prize each. This seed funding award serves as a testament to their exceptional performance and dedication in the field of cybersecurity, among the 18 groups that participated in the event. Mr Mutangwa conclud-ed by mentioning that the 36 hours of the hackathon allowed students to not only showcase their innovative ideas but also to grasp and learn a lot about cybersecurity. “Their exceptional work in addressing critical cybersecurity issues was recognised and rewarded with well-deserved prizes. The event served as a catalyst for collaboration, learning, and the development of groundbreaking cybersecurity solutions, leaving a lasting impression on all participants,” noted Mr Mutangwa.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Cell: 082 868 2218 or 082 868 1811
