The third iteration of the “Hackathons for South Africa: Digital Solutions for Real World Challenges” competition saw Cape Town-based team Basket scoop the top prize for its digital solution.
The hackathons are an initiative of tech incubator Silicon Cape and the US Mission to South Africa. The third instalment of the hack event aimed to discover digital solutions to accelerate inclusive economic growth for local businesses in the township economy.
Past hackathon events have focused on finding innovations to help curb the scourge of gender-based violence.
According to a statement, Basket is an agritech and retail tech software solution that digitises the supply chain between local farmers, wholesalers, spaza shops and street vendors.
As the winning team, Basket walked away with the R25 000 grand prize, says the statement. In addition to the cash prize, team Basket won a Silicon Cape membership valued at R1 600.
Team leader Esihle Vellem comments: “We help street vendors and spaza shops buy fresh produce from small-scale farmers and wholesalers by providing them with an online application and an instant delivery service.
“With this model, we address issues such as running out of stock and having to close down the stand, or buy from fellow vendors at a higher price, lack of quality control and the absence of an online stock management system to track orders. Plus, they benefit from pre-negotiated discounts, produce that is delivered with a quality assurance guarantee, and the ability to make bi-weekly purchases with safe delivery assurance.”
As an ecosystem enabler for tech-enabled start-ups, Silicon Cape will help the team connect with accelerators, mentors and other relevant community members such as developers, angel investors and venture capitalists to help them take their solution to market. The team also took home $2 000 in Amazon Web Services credits.
Scooping second place and a R15 000 prize was Soft Glitch for their Commiploy concept.
Commiploy is a platform that enables communities to purchase local products, access services and apply for various odd jobs.
According to team leader Shaqeel Less, the platform is geared towards businesses, customers and unemployed youth. “Our vision is to build up and sustain local businesses and provide opportunities for local communities to grow with them.”
Emily Shaffer, acting public affairs officer at the US Consulate General in Cape Town, states: “We were blown away by the innovative ideas presented. These digital solutions to real-world challenges will make a tangible difference to the many vital businesses that make up South Africa’s township economies.
“COVID-19 has had an unprecedented effect on businesses, and solutions like those offered by young innovators demonstrate that through partnership and innovation, economic resilience is achievable. We look forward to following the journeys of these bright minds.”
Silicon Cape director Zimkhita Buwa adds: “We believe that tech can help change the world we live in and are delighted to have witnessed so many innovative solutions that address the challenges faced by local businesses and communities. We hope that all the teams continue to hone their solutions for the good of South Africa’s vital township economy.”
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