KRUGER NATIONAL PARK: A cutting-edge solution presented by three University of Eswatini students has won the top prize for innovation to beat contestants from 13 other universities from South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi at the recent Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) Industry Solutions Challenge.
The three, Samkelo Msibi, Thembinkosi Mkhonta and Phephile Sigudla walked away with the overall prize with their Intelligent Network Fault and Operations Management solution.
“We are incredibly inspired by the ingenuity and passion displayed by this year’s SATNAC Industry Solutions Challenge winners,” said Dr Maletsabisa Molapo, Telkom’s Executive for Research and Innovation.
She added, “it’s more than a competition; it’s a glimpse into the future of technology. These brilliant students have demonstrated the power of innovation to solve real-world problems and create a more connected, sustainable, and AI-driven world.”
The three submitted a solution under the topic: Integrated, Vendor-Agnostic Network Fault Management Systems in the category sponsored by Telkom Consumer and Small Business
Dr Maletsabisa Molapo, Telkom’s Executive for Research and Innovation
They were required to propose cutting-edge solutions, across five key categories: Energy and Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Customer Experience and User Experience, and Networking Technologies. This allows students to translate academic knowledge and research into practical, industry-ready innovations.
Under the theme “The AI-driven hyperconnected future; Co-creating shared value,” the competition attracted more than 300 students from 13 academic institutions, including from Malawi, Lesotho and Eswatini. The students received training on ideation, conceptualisation, business modelling and analysis, prototyping, and pitching over a three-month period.
Winners impressed judges with their ingenuity, technical prowess, and commitment to shaping a brighter future.
A second UNESWA team also won in the category Topic: Real-Time Fraud Detection in Telecom Sales. These were Bandile Malaza, Tshidiso Hlophe and Wandile Hlatshwako. They were sponsored by Amdocs.
The SATNAC series seeks to identify the next generation of tech pioneers and invites postgraduate and undergraduate students who are passionate about innovation to address real-world problems.
The showdown at the Kruger National Park early in October brought together the SATNAC 2024 Industry Solutions Challenge winners in the different categories. Here, under the Topic: Proactive and Hyper-Personalised Customer Support the winning team was
- Keightly Mabasa, IIE Varsity College
- Blessing Adefila, IIE Varsity College
- Rebotile Molala, IIE Varsity College
Sponsored by AmdocsÂ
In the category Topic: Real-Time Fraud Detection in Telecom Sales, winners were
- Bandile Malaza, University of Eswatini
- Tshidiso Hlophe, University of Eswatini
- Wandile Hlatshwako, University of Eswatini
Sponsored by AmdocsÂ
In the category Topic: AI Recommendation Models for Energy Efficiency In Equipment Buildings
- Frederick Steyn, North West University
- Karabo Makau, North West University
Sponsored by Openserve
Under the Topic: Balancing AI Adoption with Data Privacy in Industry, the winner was
- Andile Mngomezulu, University of Witwatersrand
Sponsored by Huawei
Under Topic: Disrupting Industries with AI-Driven Hyperconnectivity, the winner was
- Swelihle Sibiya, Wits University
Sponsored by the Wits Innovation Centre, facilitated by the Telkom Research & Development Lab at Wits
The students received a prize package, including all-expenses-paid attendance at the 2024 SATNAC conference at the Kruger National Park. The prize package also includes an opportunity to compete for the coveted SATNAC Telkom Innovator Award, a customised skills development experience package, and high-end devices.
The overall winner, a team from Eswatini University, walked away with the SATNAC Innovator Award for their CANOT (Centralized Automated Network Operations Tool).
The team walked away with the overall prize that in addition to the devices, they also received a R10 000 cash prize.
“Receiving the Innovators Award is not just a recognition of our efforts; it underscores the potential impact of innovative solutions in addressing the challenges faced by network operations management. This accolade reaffirms our commitment to harnessing technology for positive change and demonstrates the importance of collaboration and teamwork,” Msibi commented afterwards.
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of me and my talented teammates, Thembinkosi Mkhonta and Phephile Sigudla, as well as the support we received from our partners and sponsors.”
“Our project, competing against over 305 applicants from the SADC region, we were honoured to have our solution recognized as the Best Innovative Solution. The award was presented by esteemed industry leaders, highlighting the significance of our achievement in the context of a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Msibi who graduated with a BSc in computer engineering shortly before the awards, believes this achievement will be a catalyst for further growth in his career. “I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in exploring furthering my studies, gaining more practical experience in the tech industry. The support from sponsors, including SATNAC, Telkom, Huawei, Amdocs, Openserve and other industry leaders as well as the University Of Eswatini has been invaluable in this journey, reinforcing the significance of nurturing innovation and collaboration within our sector,” he said.
The SATNAC Industry Solutions Challenge continues to be a launchpad for the next generation of tech leaders, fostering innovation and driving progress across critical industries.
jm/today/29.10.2024
