Tourism students from all 21 public and private higher education institutions offering Tourism Management, Hospitality and Computer science were invited to the event at Hazyview and Kruger National Park, organised by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with Future Leaders Challenge (FLC).
The G20 Hackathon provided a platform for the youth to develop AI solutions that will enhance the tourism experience, promote sustainability and ensure that the economic benefits of tourism trickles down to communities in South Africa.
Innovators, policymakers, and young leaders had to co-create solutions for some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Honours students Hishaam Langson and Lilitha Tyali competed under the leadership of Tourism’s Professor Hugh Bartis and Helly Sibuyi.
Hishaam’s team was placed as runners-up, securing a third place overall in the Hackathon.
“I am deeply passionate about South Africa and its tourism potential. My goal is to become a thought leader and innovator in the sector, developing solutions that empower rural communities, reduce unemployment, and position South Africa as a global leader in sustainable, tech-driven tourism,” Hishaam said.
Lilitha’s dream job is to become an academic, combining lecturing and research to shape the next generation of tourism professionals and produce impactful, policy-influencing research. The G20 Tourism Hackathon reinforced this vision by showing how academic knowledge can drive practical, real-world solutions. It also highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and government, she said.
Key highlights
Representing Nelson Mandela University and South Africa on a global stage was a career highlight for Hishaam. With his team among the runners-up, they had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present UbuntuVerse, a cultural metaverse concept, to over 30 tourism ministers at the G20 gathering. This showcased how immersive technology can drive inclusive tourism and uplift rural communities, he said.
A standout moment for Lilitha was developing Roots to Realities, a project focused on preserving rural culture while generating income for local communities. Mentorship from industry experts during the Hackathon offered valuable feedback that deepened their understanding of problem-solving and impact. “Although my team didn’t win, receiving an award affirmed the value of our work. Networking opportunities, such as the Gala Dinner, added to the enriching experience”, she said.
The experience
Beyond the competition, the experience of engaging with like-minded peers, innovators, and policymakers from across the country was invaluable. “It enhanced my creativity, leadership, and teamwork, and affirmed that his ideas resonate globally,” said Hishaam.
“This journey reaffirmed my belief in the creativity, resilience, and potential of young South Africans to drive change — not just in tourism, but across the broader economy. It also strengthened my resolve to continue mentoring others, advancing research, and championing inclusive, future-focused tourism initiatives”, he said.
For Lilitha, the Hackathon was more than a competition, it was an intensive, AI-driven innovation challenge that gave students a platform to address real issues like rural exclusion, heritage preservation, and sustainable tourism.
“It boosted my confidence, tested my skills under pressure, and confirmed that my academic journey is preparing me to make a meaningful impact beyond the classroom”, she said.
Why Mandela University?
Hishaam chose Nelson Mandela University for its strong reputation in fostering critical thinkers and leaders who tackle real-world challenges. Studying Tourism Management here aligned perfectly with his commitment to promoting economic growth, cultural preservation, and sustainability through tourism.
The University’s strong reputation in tourism and hospitality, its emphasis on community engagement, and its practical, research-based learning approach, influenced Lilitha’s choice. “My qualification equips me to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s tourism sector by blending theory with real-world application.”