Three students from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – shortlisted for their tech innovation to provide information to first-time air travellers in Africa – have won US$10,000.
The SITA Air Transport Community Foundation, based in the UK, in partnership with Wits University and the Tshimologong Precinct, has awarded a $10,000 prize to Wits University students Jules Ntumba, Tso Mello and Fiona Ndlovu.
The group, one of seven finalists, was shortlisted through a competition to address what information, tools or technology first-time air travellers in Africa need to make their journeys easy, successful and enjoyable.
The trio who made up “Team One Exceptional” were awarded the top cash prize for their winning idea, which was targeted first-time travellers aged 50 and above.
“Young people don’t usually have difficulties navigating around an airport, but an older, potentially illiterate traveller will experience challenges. It gets more difficult for them because they are not as tech-savvy as younger people,” said Mello.
“Our research showed that in Africa one out of three people above the age of 50 can’t read and we wanted to cater to them.”
Dr. Lerato Masisi, Lecturer at Wits and one of the judges, said that the teams were judged on originality, target audience, solutions, report, and presentations: “Due to the high caliber of ideas submitted for the competition, SITA decided to award two additional prizes for the runner-ups.
Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at SITA Air Transport Community Foundation, Amber Harrison, said: “SITA’s focus is on information technology and education in Africa.
“We created this innovation award to highlight the challenges and opportunities for a continent that is seeing a changing demographic, coupled with growth in technology and aviation. The quality of submissions were of a high standard and it is encouraging to witness the brimming innovation in South Africa.”
The winning students, who recently completed their Bachelor of Science degrees in Aeronautical Engineering in June, were ecstatic and said they will use their prize money on a start-up company.
– African News Agency (ANA)
