Silicon Cape reveals the winner of its latest hackathon
Silicon Cape and the US Mission to South Africa has revealed Team Basket as the winner of its latest hackathon. The hackathon took place virtually on 19 and 20 June and was aimed at discovering digital solutions to accelerate inclusive economic growth for local businesses in the township economy.
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Team Basket was awarded R25,000 and a Silicon Cape membership valued at R1,600. The team will be connected with accelerators, mentors, and other relevant community members such as developers, angel investors and venture capitalists to help them take their solution to market. Team Basket also took home $2000 (R29,000) in Amazon Web Services credits.
Esihle Vellem, team leader of Team Basket, outlined the winning idea: “We help street vendors and spaza shops buy fresh produce from small-scale farmers and wholesalers by providing them with an online application and an instant delivery service."
"With this model, we address issues such as running out of stock and having to close down the stand or buy from fellow vendors at a higher price, lack of quality control and the absence of an online stock management system to track orders. Plus, they benefit from pre-negotiated discounts, produce that is delivered with a quality assurance guarantee, and the ability to make bi-weekly purchases with safe delivery assurance," said Vellem.
Commiploy concept
Scooping second place and the R15,000 prize was Soft Glitch for their Commiploy concept, a gig opportunity platform that enables communities to purchase local products, access services, and apply for various odd jobs.
Team leader, Shaqeel Less, explained that the platform is geared towards businesses, customers, and unemployed youth. “Our vision is to build up and sustain local businesses and provide opportunities for local communities to grow with them.”
Acting public affairs officer at the US Consulate General in Cape Town, Emily Shaffer, said: "These digital solutions to real-world challenges will make a tangible difference to the many vital businesses that make up South Africa’s township economies. Covid-19 has had an unprecedented effect on businesses, and solutions like those offered this weekend by young innovators demonstrate that through partnership and innovation, economic resilience is achievable. We look forward to following the journeys of these bright minds."
