“VUT IT student Teboho Selepe won 1st place at the G20 Tourism Hackathon with Hologram Hub, using holograms & AR to boost rural tourism innovation.”
23 September 2025 | Story By: Qhawekazi Memani | Photo By: Peter Masela
3 minutes read time.
When passion meets innovation, extraordinary ideas are born. This was the case for Mr Teboho Selepe, a final-year Diploma in Information Technology (IT) student at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), who recently made waves at the Inaugural G20 Tourism Hackathon, where he secured first place in his category.
Hailing from Harrismith in the Free State, Mr Selepe is more than just a student. As the Chairperson of the Geekulcha Student Society at VUT, he has been a driving force in creating opportunities for others through technology. His winning innovation, the Hologram Hub, is a system designed to transform tourism experiences, particularly for rural communities.
Mr Selepe’s inspiration came from observing the challenges rural communities face in promoting their tourism offerings. “Many communities have rich cultural heritage and unique experiences to share, but they often struggle to attract visitors because of limited exposure,” he explained.
The Hologram Hub, combined with a mobile application, offers tourists an immersive way to preview destinations, cultures, and products through holograms and augmented reality (AR). More than that, it serves as an all-in-one platform where users can shop locally, book accommodation, explore attractions, and even access travel packages without switching between platforms. Hotels and lodges can also make use of the system to keep guests engaged by showcasing nearby activities and sites.
Mr Selepe attributes much of his Hackathon success to his education at VUT. “My studies gave me more than just technical skills; they taught me how to think critically and solve problems,” he said. Modules such as Software Development and Business Analysis helped him structure ideas into practical solutions, while VUT’s emphasis on teamwork and innovation prepared him for the collaborative environment of the competition.
Building the Hologram Hub was not without its hurdles. The most challenging part was creating and integrating 3D models into the Flutter-based application. “At one point, I felt like giving up,” Mr Selepe admitted. But after taking a short break, he returned with a clear mind and managed to crack the problem. “That moment taught me the importance of resilience and taking small breaks instead of giving up.”
Winning at the G20 Tourism Hackathon has been a defining moment for Mr Selepe. “On a personal level, it’s a huge confidence booster. Professionally, it’s a stepping stone that highlights my potential in tech innovation,” he shared. For him, the award is not just recognition of his skills but motivation to continue creating solutions that matter; solutions that uplift communities.
Mr Selepe envisions the Hologram Hub as a catalyst for economic growth in rural areas. By providing digital visibility to street vendors, artisans, and community guides, the platform connects them to both local and international tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences.
Through immersive storytelling and AR-based showcases, the solution opens doors to increased sales, higher bookings for lodges, and broader tourism engagement. Beyond tourism, it creates opportunities in tech support, logistics, and content creation, ensuring that communities gain sustainable growth.
“More than just technology, this is about empowerment,” Mr Selepe emphasised. “Our solution has the potential to fast-track the rural economy and put South Africa’s hidden gems on the global map.”