The National Grand Finale brought together South Africa’s top emerging tech talent following an intense, multi-stage selection process. Guided by the theme “Build. Code. Prototype. Solve.”, the competition challenged participants to transform theoretical knowledge into fully functional solutions that respond to real-world challenges aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Proven excellence: consistency meets innovation
.jpg)
Reuniting after previous successes, Kateko Tivane, Namhla Lingela, Kamva Twala and Daniel Basiwe once again demonstrated why they are regarded as one of the University’s most promising student innovation teams, said Dr Bukelwa Ngoqo, Project Manager: Digital Ubuntu - Cybersecurity / AI Seminars and Senior Lecturer in Software Engineering (School of IT).
Their mandate was clear yet demanding: design and prototype a real-world, hardware-driven solution that moves beyond software-only concepts and addresses a pressing social need within a technology-enabled ecosystem.
A purpose-driven innovation: Elderly hypertension wearable device
The team developed an Elderly Hypertension Wearable Device, a real-time health monitoring system designed specifically to support elderly care. This solution focuses on continuous blood pressure monitoring, early risk detection and automated alerts to caregivers and healthcare professionals.
The wearable device integrates IoT-enabled sensors with intelligent analytics to track hypertension-related indicators in real time. By transmitting live data to a connected cloud platform, the system enables proactive healthcare intervention, reduces emergency response times and enhances independent living for elderly users.
This human-centred innovation directly addresses South Africa’s growing burden of chronic illness among ageing populations, aligning technology with compassion and social impact.
Inside the Innovation Lab: Building 4IR Solutions
The 2026 National Skills Challenge pushed students to operate at the cutting edge of modern engineering, requiring the seamless convergence of hardware, software, cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Participants were challenged to produce secure, scalable and functional prototypes that mirror industry-grade solutions, Dr Ngoqo said.
Team 5th Dimension confidently navigated one of the most advanced technology stacks ever introduced in the competition, successfully demonstrating how intelligent systems can be applied to healthcare and elderly support.
This achievement is a powerful endorsement of the quality of teaching, applied learning and innovation culture at Mandela University. By delivering a fully functional, real-world healthcare prototype, the team showcased industry-ready skills aligned with national digital transformation and health innovation priorities. They also banked total prize money of R150 000.
Kateko, Namhla, Kamva, and Daniel exemplify what it means to be future-ready graduates, capable of blending hardware engineering, software development, cloud intelligence, and social responsibility to address real human challenges Dr Ngoqo said.
Technology highlights
Hardware Backbone
-
Processing Power: Raspberry Pi and Arduino boards enabling complex IoT logic and real-time automation
-
Health & Environmental Sensors: Blood pressure monitoring components complemented by motion and temperature sensors
-
Data Acquisition: Reliable sensor integration for continuous, real-time physiological tracking
Software Core
-
Programming: Clean, efficient Python code driving system intelligence and device communication
-
Cloud & Analytics: Cloud-based platforms enabling live dashboards, data visualisation and alert systems
-
Security & Monitoring: SIEM tools supporting secure data handling and system integrity
More accolades
Team Gambit X won third place in regional leg
Another Mandela University team Team Gambit X won third place (with R50,000 in prize money) in the regional leg! The team impressed the judges with their digital solution designed to bridge the gap between candidates, employers, institutions and SETAs.
Intervarsity / Mandela in Me Outreach
The Digital Ubuntu: Cybersecurity / AI Seminars Team comprising 20 student participants, including some of the hackathon winners will participate in running mini workshops for 300 Matriculants of Ulwazi High School in Mdantsane, East London on 27 April.
Two Nelson Mandela students Mihle Vika and Babalwa Dingiswayo will join University of Fort Hare and Walter Sisulu University students as panellists for the local Intervarsity Dialogue panel on 28 April 2026. The other students will be participants.
Six Nelson Mandela students will also represent the University in the Pan-African Intervarsity Dialogue with the University of Ghana in July. They are Mivuyo Xinidlu, Luthando Lwana, Katlego Molotsi, Kutlwano Modise, Zizipho Dweba and Lisakhanya Sinyanza.