14 May 2025 | Story: Tshepiso Kaibe | Photo: Supplied
3 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation and academic excellence, with two student teams earning top honours at the 2024 Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Technology Innovation International Competition. Officially known as the BRICS Future Skills and Tech Challenge, this prestigious event fosters technological collaboration, creativity and problem solving among BRICS and BRICS+ countries. Focused on high tech and emerging industries, the competition provides a platform for young innovators to showcase their expertise in areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence and advanced technological skills.
The final stage of this globally recognised competition took place in September 2024 in Kazan, Russia, at the State Autonomous Professional Educational Institution “International Skills Centre.” While many participants gathered in person, the South African delegation, including the VUT teams, participated remotely, proving that distance is no barrier to innovation and international impact.
Representing the Department of Computer Sciences in the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences, the VUT teams were made up of first, second and third year Information Technology (IT) Diploma students who rose to the occasion with exceptional projects. Each team, consisting of up to five members, was tasked with developing and submitting projects that addressed contemporary technological challenges, with the best ideas advancing to the final round for live presentations to an esteemed panel of BRICS judges.
Two outstanding teams from VUT reached the final stage of the competition. The first team submitted a project titled Agricultural Optimisation Using AI, which proposed innovative ways to enhance farming productivity through artificial intelligence. Their forward-thinking concept earned them an Excellence Award in the highly competitive Artificial Intelligence track. This winning team comprised Mr Sbusiso Solomon Mashika, Mr Khumo Mosidi, Mr Tshenolo Mokgoatjane, Mr Usher Sfiso Dube and Mr Atlegang Maubane, who collectively demonstrated ingenuity, technical skill and a commitment to addressing real world problems through technology.
The second team also performed exceptionally well with their project, Cyborg Certifier, which secured third place in the Future Technology track. The team included Ms Tinyiko Makhubele, Mr Phuti Manaka, Mr Thokozani Nkabinde and Mr Kgaogelo Mthimkhulu. Their project showcased advanced technical capabilities and a vision for future forward solutions, affirming the students’ ability to conceptualise and execute ideas relevant to the industries of tomorrow. Their achievement is a testament to the quality of education and mentorship provided by VUT.
Reflecting on the students’ achievements, Ms Immaculate Sibiya, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Lecturer in the Department of Computer Sciences, expressed her pride and admiration for the teams. She noted that this marks the second consecutive year VUT students have received accolades at the BRICS Future Skills and Tech Challenge, reinforcing the university’s growing reputation in the international technology innovation landscape. She emphasised the invaluable opportunity the competition offers students to test their skills, work under pressure and engage in global collaboration while tackling some of the world’s most pressing technological challenges.
The success of these students was made possible through the unwavering support and guidance of the academic staff, the Head of Department and the Dean of the Faculty. Their collective dedication to fostering a culture of academic excellence, research and practical innovation played a crucial role in preparing the students to excel on a global platform. This achievement brings pride to the VUT community and serves as a powerful source of inspiration for the next generation of tech leaders emerging from South Africa.
