“VUT’s Data Allies won the 2025 DIRISA Datathon MATLAB Challenge 1 in Cape Town with an innovative loan-portfolio optimisation solution, showcasing data skills”
09 December 2025 | Story by: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture by: Supplied
3 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) “Data Allies” team carved out a remarkable presence at the DIRISA Student Datathon Challenge 2025, held from 29 November to 3 December at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town. Representing the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences, the team immersed themselves in complex national data challenges hosted by the Data Intensive Research Initiative of South Africa (DIRISA), a national programme under the National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System that strengthens research data skills, advances data stewardship and builds South Africa’s capacity in data driven science.
The team comprised Mr Tshenolo Mokgoatjane (Information Technology, Advanced Diploma; Geekulcha Student Society; Web and Development Officer), Miss Nothando Maake (Information Technology, third year; Chairperson of the VUT Computer Sciences Club), Mr Usher Dube (Information Technology, third year; Tech Collective) and Mr Mojalefa Mokgadi (Information Technology, second year). As team leader, Mr Tshenolo drew on his experience as a seasoned competitor to guide the group with steady precision, creating an environment where each member was challenged, supported and encouraged to grow.
Their standout achievement came with their triumph in the DIRISA SDC MATLAB Challenge 1. This challenge required the design of a loan portfolio optimisation model capable of maximising expected profit within a tightly defined one-million-rand capital limit. Through the disciplined use of credit risk modelling and a sharp financial optimisation strategy, the team produced a solution that balanced profit with responsible lending. Their work rose above strong national competition and secured them first place.
For Mr Mojalefa Mokgadi, the Datathon became a moment of personal transformation. He entered the competition doubting whether he was ready for such a platform, yet the experience reshaped his confidence and affirmed the value of stepping into opportunities with courage. He shared that participating in such events fuels his academic journey and inspires him to remain active in similar competitions.
Mr Usher Dube described the Datathon as a stage on which he could demonstrate his skills while carrying the name of VUT with pride. He reflected on long nights of preparation and expressed deep gratitude to the organisers, his teammates and the wider data science community that continues to advance the discipline.
Miss Nothando Maake reflected on how unexpected it felt to be selected for the final team, and how the experience strengthened her belief in her capabilities. She spoke warmly of the team’s unity and excellence throughout the event and paid tribute to their mentor, Mr Musa Rikhotso, an Information Technology lecturer at VUT, whose guidance anchored them during moments of doubt. Team leader Mr Tshenolo added that the Datathon exceeded his expectations and showed how a team that values one another’s strengths and vulnerabilities can remain competitive through intense and varied challenges.
Congratulations to the Data Allies team on this outstanding achievement. Thank you for lifting the Vaal University of Technology flag with such conviction and pride. Your dedication, your long nights, your unity and your boldness have illuminated the talent within the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences and affirmed VUT’s growing place in the national data science landscape.