The dominance of students from the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics at the two-day MICT SETA National Skills Challenge Hackathon KZN Regionals demonstrates the Durban University of Technology (DUT) innovation excellence. This achievement highlights that DUT is not only producing skilled graduates but also nurturing bold innovators and future entrepreneurs.

DUT students swept the podium, claiming all top three positions. The MICT SETA National Skills Challenge Hackathon KZN Regionals, hosted at the MKRI offices in Durban, took place from Sunday, 22 March, to Monday, 23 March 2026.

All three winning teams emerged from the faculty’s specialist labs, underscoring DUT’s innovation capabilities. The first-place team walked away with an impressive R100,000 prize, while the second and third place teams each secured R50,000.

The victorious first-place team, DUT Informatics, made up of Lindokuhle Mnguni, Queen Hadebe, and Sanelisekile Nqabeni, will now advance to the National Competition in Johannesburg, representing DUT at the national level.

Second place was awarded to Team Demo, consisting of Siqiniseko Ntombela, Andile Ntshangase, Bukeka Nxumalo, Mesuli Gama, and Mbuso Khoza. Third place went to Clever Programming, represented by Gomotso Mohapi, Ntokozo Ngcobo, and Lwazi Ncongwana.

Sharing his excitement, Siqiniseko Ntombela from Team Demo said, “We are very happy and proud of our achievement. Winning at MICT SETA was an incredible experience for me and my team, and it has motivated us to keep working hard and continuously improve our skills.”

Team Demo’s project focused on a tourism safety app designed to enhance the travel experience. The app enables users to identify potentially dangerous areas and suggests safer routes, empowering tourists to explore new destinations with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Faculty Technician and Engagement representative, Mrs Ugeshni Moodley, together with the Executive Dean, Professor Oludayo Olugbara, extended their heartfelt congratulations to all the winning teams.

Mrs Moodley highlighted that this outstanding achievement demonstrates the success of the Faculty’s Engineering Practice Innovation Project (EPIP) model, implemented across its specialist laboratories. She also expressed great anticipation for the national stage, where DUT’s innovators will once again rise to the challenge.

Pictured: Faculty of Accounting and Informatics students at the MICT SETA National Skills Challenge Hackathon KZN Regionals.

Vukani Langa