By Nosipho Mnyandu
Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things took centre stage at the 4th Annual Limpopo Varsity Hackathon (LVH), where top student innovators from across Limpopo competed to design solutions for real-world challenges. Held from 10 to 12 October 2025 at the University of Limpopo’s VL Hall, the event showcased the province’s growing talent in digital innovation under the theme “Hack4Mzansi.”
The hackathon, hosted by the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in partnership with the University of Venda (UNIVEN), University of Limpopo (UL) and mLab, was generously sponsored by MTN, Motse Innovation Centre, First National Bank (FNB), BCX, AWS Academy and Nelekat.
Opening the event, Prof Thipe Modipa, Head of the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at UL, highlighted collaboration as the core of innovation. “This hackathon is not about competing but finding ways to address real-world issues. As you collaborate, focus on building something applicable to all spheres such as health, psychology and beyond,” he said.
Chief Organiser and UL Lecturer, Dr Vekani Baloyi, urged participants to view the experience as a learning journey. “Not everyone will win, but everyone will gain something valuable – knowledge,” he said.
Maesela Lebelo, TUT Lecturer and Vice Chief Organiser alongside Dr Vekani Baloyi, UL Lecturer and Chief Executive Organiser of the hackathon
Representing TUT, Senyeki Marebane, Academic Manager for the Department of Computer Science at TUT’s eMalahleni Campus, encouraged students to use the hackathon as a bridge to professional opportunities. “Mingle and get to know the sponsors because they are your future employers,” he advised.
Over the three days, students worked in teams to design prototypes addressing challenges in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure and environmental monitoring. Mentorship and mock presentation sessions helped refine their projects and pitching skills.
Motse Innovation Centre founder, Felistas Monama, delivered a session on presentation mastery, reminding participants that confidence and emotional intelligence are key to success. “Do not let anything shake you, even if you are nervous. You have the right to own the space and time,” she said.
On the final day, UNIVEN’s Head of Computer Science and Information Systems, Ndabezinhle Soganile, commended the students for their creativity and perseverance before winners were announced:
- 1st Place: Master Hackers – for developing a borehole dashboard sensor system to monitor water levels.
- 2nd Place: Ctrl, Alt & Defeat – for creating a pesticide detection prototype to assess plant health.
- 3rd Place: Byte Bandits – for designing a smart traffic light system with pedestrian countdown functionality.
The excited group of Master Hackers on stage after being announced the 4th Annual LVH winners.
Closing the event, Dr Khuliso Sigama, Faculty of ICT Academic Manager at TUT’s Polokwane Campus, praised participants and organisers for their teamwork and excellence. “You have shown that innovation thrives where collaboration and passion meet,” he said.
The Limpopo Varsity Hackathon once again proved to be an engaging platform for empowering the youth to use technology in driving sustainable solutions for South Africa’s future.
Hackers at the LVH are hard at work, coding on their laptops to tackle issues faced in Mzansi.
Speakers and stakeholders were also recognised for their participation in the hackathon.