JOHANNESBURG – 4 December 2025:
South Africa’s brightest young innovators took centre stage at the Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC), where students from across the country presented groundbreaking technological solutions designed to shape a more resilient and sustainable Africa. The event, hosted by Telkom, showcased the winners of the prestigious 2025 Industry Solutions Challenge, highlighting exceptional talent rising from local universities and colleges.
This year’s challenge aligned with the theme “Africa’s Ascent: Enabling Sustainability Through Tech and AI,” attracting over 235 students from 84 institutions. Over two months, participants were trained in ideation, business modelling, prototyping and pitching, preparing them to tackle real-world challenges in fields such as AI, IoT, sustainability, user experience, and telecommunications.
Top Honours: Innovator of the Year
Olwethu Mabena from Eduvos walked away with the coveted Innovator of the Year Award for her AI-driven, real-time banking fraud detection system—recognised for its strong industry potential.
Judges Distinction Award
Masibonge Shabalala from the University of Johannesburg earned this award for her deeply researched and highly innovative solution addressing Telkom’s infrastructure challenges.
Category Winners
Amdocs-Sponsored Topics
- AI-Powered Career Navigation:
Reitumetse Valentine & Andile Nkosi, North West University - Optimising Capital Expenditure in Telecom:
Simphiwe Khumalo, Durban University - Real-Time Fraud Management System:
Siphumelele Suprise Ndlovu & Jabulile Shongwe, University of South Africa
Telkom-Sponsored Topics
- Next-Gen Secure Autonomous Mobile Networks:
Lilian Mueke Mutia, Vuyani Chipunza & Sisipho Dlakiya, Nelson Mandela University - Enhancing Telecommunications Customer Experience:
Aaron Masuba, University of Pretoria
Huawei-Sponsored Topic
- AI Value Proposition for Businesses:
Ntuthuko Mdunge, University of the Western Cape
Msawenkosi Magwaza, Durban University of Technology
Cisco-Sponsored Topics
- AI Network Security Threat Detection:
Olwethu Mabena, Eduvos - Unified Multi-Vendor Network Dashboard:
Thatayaone Nkwe, Khanyisa Faith Mokgolobotho & Rosemary Erawemen, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Openserve-Sponsored Topic
- EV Charging Infrastructure Mapping:
Bhekezakho Nxumalo, Sifiso Mawila, Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Moeketsi Calvin Molakeng, Tshwane University of Technology
Fundile Sindy Nyaweni, Nelson Mandela University
A Win for Africa’s Digital Future
Telkom’s Group Executive for Innovation & Transformation, Dr. Mmaki Jantjies, praised the students’ achievements, stating that the calibre of solutions demonstrates Africa’s capacity to lead in digital innovation. She emphasised Telkom’s commitment to nurturing future leaders who will strengthen the continent’s digital economy.
Winners received an all-expenses-paid trip to SATNAC, professional mentorship, and valuable industry exposure.
SATNAC continues to stand as a launchpad for young innovators, bridging the gap between academic research and real-world technological impact across Africa.
Pictiure Mr. Sello Mmakau (left), Telkom Group Chief Digital Officer, congratulates Olwethu Mabena (right), an Eduvos student, on her SATNAC Innovator of the Year Award.
