A group of young innovators from Sedibeng is earning recognition for using technology to tackle local service delivery challenges, after emerging victorious at the Gauteng e-Government Youth Tech Expo Hackathon.
Team Bear’s achievement was celebrated on Monday, 2 November, when Emfuleni Executive Mayor Cllr Hassan Mosola Mako hosted a congratulatory luncheon in their honour at the Barrage Skills Development Centre. The team impressed judges with an innovative digital solution designed to improve waste collection and clearance across Emfuleni while encouraging recycling and creating potential employment opportunities for local communities.
As part of the recognition, the learners received stationery and dignity packs during the luncheon, acknowledging their hard work and contribution towards finding practical solutions to challenges affecting their municipality. Addressing the gathering, Mayor Mako highlighted the importance of investing in young people and creating opportunities that allow them to develop their skills and pursue meaningful initiatives.
“It is very important for us to support learners and get them far away from the streets. We will continue to support such programmes because they are beneficial for our communities,” he said. The mayor also encouraged young people to participate in the upcoming Local Government Elections on 4 November, reminding them of the importance of exercising their democratic right to vote. Special voting is currently underway.
The celebration also highlighted the work of the Barrage Skills Development Centre, established by Sarah Mangai in 2024. The centre brings together young people from Wards 6, 7, 8 and 25 and has provided programmes benefiting 132 community members to date.
Team Bear’s achievement demonstrates how young people can use digital innovation and creative thinking to address everyday community challenges while exploring opportunities for economic development.
Their success also highlights the importance of youth development initiatives that equip learners with practical skills and encourage them to become active contributors to their communities.
Emfuleni Local Municipality congratulated the team, describing their achievement as an example of how technology and youth innovation can contribute towards addressing service delivery challenges.
