Innovation Takes Centre Stage at the 4th Annual Limpopo Varsity Hackathon

By: Nosipho Mnyandu

Hackers at the LVH coding on their laptops in order to tackle issues faced in Mzansi

The 4th Annual Limpopo Varsity Hackathon (LVH), held in the VL Hall at the

University of Limpopo (UL), brought together some of the brightest young innovators

from across the province under the theme “Hack4Mzansi.” The three-day event,

which ran from 10–12 October 2025, showcased creativity, collaboration, and

cutting-edge solutions driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things

(IoT).

The hackathon was hosted by the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in

partnership with the University of Venda (UNIVEN), UL, and mLab, with generous

sponsorship from MTN, Motse Innovation Centre, First National Bank (FNB), BCX,

AWS Academy, and Nelekat.

The event opened at the R40 Hall with welcoming remarks from Prof Thipe Modipa,

Head of the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at UL. Prof Modipa

extended gratitude to all sponsors, mentors, judges, and participants, emphasizing

that the hackathon’s goal was not competition but collaboration. “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—health,

psychology, and beyond,” he said.

Dr Vekani Baloyi, Chief Executive Organiser and Lecturer at UL, echoed these

sentiments, urging students to use their voices and ideas to make a difference. “Not

everyone will win, but everyone will gain something valuable - knowledge,” he said.

Representing TUT, Senyeki Marebane, Academic Manager for the Department of

Computer Science at TUT’s eMalahleni Campus, encouraged students to see the

event as a networking platform. “Mingle with sponsors—they are your future

employers,” he advised.

Maesela Lebelo, TUT Lecturer and Vice Chief Organiser alongside Dr Vekani Baloyi, UL Lecturer and Chief Executive Organiser of the hackathon

By the end of the day, participants had been divided into their respective teams,

marking the start of the intense hacking sessions.

The second day was devoted to project development and mentorship. Participants

worked tirelessly on prototypes and presentations, with a mock session held at

midday to help refine their delivery.

Motse Innovation Centre founder Felistas Monama delivered an insightful session on

presentation skills, stressing the importance of confidence, professionalism, and

emotional intelligence. “Do not let anything shake you, even if your mouth is

trembling. You have the right to own space and time—the moment is about you,” she

said. Students were provided with meals and refreshments throughout the day to

keep their energy levels high.

The final day, held at the R40 Hall, began with opening remarks from Ndabezinhle

Soganile, Lecturer and Head of the Department of Computer Science and

Information Systems at UL, who commended participants for their hard work and

innovation.

After intense final presentations, the winners were announced:

Third Place: Byte Bandits – developed a smart traffic light system that displays a

countdown for pedestrians.

Second Place: Ctrl, Alt & Defeat – designed a pesticide detection prototype to

assess plant health.

First Place: Master Hackers – emerged as overall winners with their innovative

borehole dashboard sensor system.

Master Hackers on stage with stakeholders after being announced the 4th Annual LVH winners

Concluding the ceremony was Dr Khuliso Sigama, Faculty of ICT Academic

Manager at TUT Polokwane Campus. In closing remarks, he thanked each and

everyone who participated in making the hackathon possible and congratulated

students while commending the organisers for the success of the hackathon.

    Attendees at the 4th Annual LVH hosted at the University of Limpopo

Speakers and stakeholders were rewarded for their participation in the hackathon