By Boitumelo Mahlabela and Pride Mhlongo
The University of Limpopo recently buzzed with creativity and collaboration as it hosted the 4th Annual Limpopo Varsity Hackathon, a three-day innovation challenge that united brilliant minds from UL, the University of Venda (UNIVEN), and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). The event, held in partnership with Motse Innovation Centre, MTN, BCX, and FNB, turned the VL Dining Hall into a hub of coding, teamwork, and ideas that could redefine community problem-solving.
From day one, the spirit of innovation was unmistakable. Students 30 from each university and 10 from MLab, totalling 100 participants formed mixed teams to tackle real-world challenges using technology. The goal was clear: bridge the gap between theory and practice while fostering collaboration beyond institutional boundaries.
Motse Foundation, MTN , and the Judges of the competition posing for a photoshoot after receiving their token of appreciation. Photo by: Naledi Lekalakala
Philster Monama from the Motse Foundation kicked off day two with an inspiring talk on presentation skills and attitude, reminding students that “success is not easy, but you can do it if you want to unleash that possible energy in you.”
Students echoed the enthusiasm throughout the event. “We all have different ideas, but working together helps us find one solution that makes a real difference,” said Nthabeni Ronewa, a Computer Science student from TUT. UL’s Tebogo Sebopelo added, “It’s not just about coding; it’s about learning from others and building networks.”
Dr. Vekani Baloyi, Chief Organiser and Lecturer in the School of Computer Sciences at UL, shared that the hackathon exceeded expectation and described it as a milestone for student innovation. “The Hackathon achieved what we envisioned, bridging theory and practice through industry-guided problem solving. Students were overjoyed by the experience and have even suggested hosting a UL-exclusive hackathon. It’s encouraging to see them turn classroom learning into real-world solutions,” he said.
Participants tackled issues ranging from food security and smart agriculture to traffic management and digital health, presenting prototypes powered by AI, sensors, and automation.
For many, the experience was transformative. “We came in with different ideas, but by the end, we learned to merge them into one strong concept,” said Nthabeni Ronewa, a Computer Science student from TUT. UL’s Tebogo Sebopelo added, “It taught us teamwork and exposed us to new programming skills we’d never used before.”
Another participant, Malcolm Maluleke, noted, “We learned how to approach problems beyond coding by first understanding the community impact.”
Dr Rita Raseleka, Director of Research and Innovation at TUT, praised the spirit of innovation among the students. “We are not here by mistake. Research-based inventions are the most successful, especially in our context as South Africans,” she said. TUT also announced a R10 000 voucher for the winning team upon securing intellectual property rights, along with mentorship through its Technology Entrepreneurship Programme.
Among the many teams, standout presentations came from Zero Latency, HackNoVa, Sinister Seven, Energence, HackMinds, and One PC, each showcasing inventive solutions to real-world problems.
4th Annual Limpopo Varsity Hackathon 3rd place position the Byte Bandits posing for a photoshoot with the judges. Photo by: Naledi Lekalakala
After a series of thrilling demonstrations and deliberations, the judges announced the top three teams. In third place, the Byte Bandits impressed with their innovation. “Honestly speaking, I can’t believe it. I’m so glad because my team and I fought a lot, but I’m just glad we made it through,” said Akonaho Ramudzuli, a UNIVEN Computer Science and Mathematics student. His teammate Matome Tjale from TUT added, “I’m just glad I met my team it was a great experience.
4th annual Limpopo Varsity Hackathon 2nd place; Ctrl alt and Defeat, posing for a photoshoot. Photo by: Naledi Lekalakala
In second place, Ctrl Alt and Defeat captivated judges with their AI-driven crop disease detector. “All groups gave incredible presentations,” said Malcolm Maluleke, a UL Computer Science student. “Before we figure out how to implement solutions digitally, we first brainstorm together to understand the problem, that’s what made our idea stand out.”
The overall winners, the Master Hackers, were awarded training by the Motse Foundation Group and an exclusive tour of Standard Bank Baobab to launch and celebrate their innovation.
“I’m so proud of myself,” said one representative. “I had two tests and an assignment due, but I still came because this opportunity was worth it. What made us win was clearly defining the problem and offering the most practical solution.”
The 4th Limpopo Varsity Hackathon was more than a competition; it was a celebration of innovation, teamwork, and the bright future of tech in Limpopo.
