Three locals looking to change the world for good, in line with their ideas, have made it to the finals of the 2024 Ideas for Change Challenge.

Stellenbosch Network, in partnership with Ranyaka, SCAN, Stellenbosch University (SU) LaunchLab, and the SU Department of Science & Innovation’s Regional Innovation Support Programme (RISP), launched the challenge, which focuses on tackling pressing social issues affecting the Stellenbosch community.

The three finalists of the annual challenge are Tumelo Mokoena, Chiedza Vushe and Lyke van Wyk.

. SafeGuard Stellies by Tumelo Mokoena

As a SU engineering student, Mokoena is passionate about using his skills to tackle crime. Motivated by personal experience, he aims to engage the engineering faculty in developing drones as part of a community safety effort.

The whole system works by pressing the bracelet or app button, which sends an alert with GPS location to campus security and local authorities.

The app prompts users to provide details of the incident, though this is optional. SafeGuard Stellies aims to deploy drones equipped with cameras, providing real-time video feeds to assess the situation.

The drones track perpetrators and record evidence, aiding in criminal apprehension. According to Mokoena SafeGuard Stellies aims to improve safety and reduce crime by enabling swift, technology-enhanced responses to emergencies.

. ScamAlert by Chiedza Vushe

While searching for accommodation Vushe encountered multiple scammers on online platforms, nearly losing thousands in deposit money.

This highlighted the widespread issue of online fraud.

Her idea is to develop a platform that helps identify scammers, educates the public about scamming tactics, and exposes known fraudsters.

Users can report scams, share experiences and access a database of known scammers, including recycled photos and impersonated profiles. Artificial Intelligence (AI) would be used to analyse scam patterns and provide real-time assessments to help users avoid fraud.

Initially focused on accommodation scams, the platform could expand to cover other online crimes like stolen goods in buy-and-sell groups. Users could report stolen items, helping create a safer marketplace.

. Minibus Mat(i)e: Stellenbosch Public Transport, Done Easy! by Luke van Wyk

Accessing minibus taxis in Stellenbosch has been difficult as a result of their informal nature, lack of branding and limited route information. This led to an increase in private cars.

Van Wyk, an SU alumnus with a background in civil engineering, proposes route branding and a mobile app for route and fare information will improve minibus taxi accessibility without altering core operations. By using route numbers, static maps and new technologies, it aims to enhance useability.

Minibus taxis will be assigned route numbers displayed via inexpensive magnetic stickers, making it easier for commuters to identify the correct taxi.

Advanced features such as smart-fare collection and real-time tracking will be introduced, encouraging a shift from private cars to minibus taxis. The app will also integrate with other transport modes, such as buses and trains, providing commuters with accurate, real-time information.

  • Vote for the top idea by clicking here and the watch all the pitched simply watch this video.

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