Co-hosted by UMP and the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), the MAISH activation marks the beginning of the province's leading digital innovation competition, which will take place from 23 to 25th October 2025.
Professor Ntombovuyo Wayi-Mgwebi, Head of the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (SCMS) at UMP, described the hackathon as "a launchpad for innovation and opportunity", emphasising that it is "more than just a competition; it is a movement".
She explained that MAISH empowers students to be part of global change. "It is about building capacity, creating a culture of innovation, and preparing young people for entrepreneurial futures."
Professor Wayi-Mgwebi also highlighted the hackathon's inclusive and multidisciplinary nature.
"This is a multidisciplinary platform. It provides solutions to social and economic challenges that require collaboration across fields – education, agriculture, or business. Your ideas and perspectives matter."
The MAISH activation is laying the groundwork for the main competition, scheduled for later in October this year.
Mr Mashitishi Phurutsi, a lecturer in the Faculty of ICT at TUT, explained that the hackathon seeks to identify top talent and encourage research with real-world impact.
"This hackathon is a celebration of knowledge and practice. It honours the legacy of Nelson Mandela by empowering young people with future-facing skills, creativity, empathy and critical thinking, anchored in artificial intelligence."
He added that the initiative aims to move beyond theoretical learning to practical application in collaboration with industry partners. "This is not just an academic exercise. The goal is to incubate digital solutions that respond to real African problems. These innovations must be ready to be commissioned by our industry partners."
During an interactive workshop on Artificial Intellegence (AI) project conceptualisation, Dr Olalekan Ogunleye – programme leader and lecturer in the SCMS at UMP – introduced the Hackathon Initiative, an innovation programme that blends AI technology, collaborative learning, and local problem-solving. He urged students to reflect on the societal role of artificial intelligence.
"AI is no longer science fiction; it is reality. It is a tool to enhance our thinking, not to replace it," he said. "The question is: how do we use it responsibly to improve lives? Your job is not just to code. Your job is to care. You must solve real problems with real impact, respect data privacy, and uphold ethical standards while doing so."
UMP and TUT students were excited about the launch and are looking forward to the final competition.
He encouraged students to explore platforms such as Kaggle and Dirisa for relevant datasets, and to work with technologies including machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. "Use these tools to ask meaningful questions. Don't just solve problems – solve the right problems. Think about education, health, energy, safety. What do our communities need?"
Dr Ogunleye also stressed the importance of collaboration. "This is not a solo journey. Working in isolation does not pay off. Learn from each other, build together, and stay humble." Participants also received a practical session on how to enter the 2025 MAISH competition, with organisers urging students from all disciplines to register and take part.
"We are building a movement of thinkers, doers, and changemakers," said Mr Phurutsi. "If you believe in technology with a purpose, then MAISH is for you." The 2025 Mpumalanga Artificial Intelligence Student Hackathon will provide students with hands-on training, mentorship, and the opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of academic and industry experts.
Winning teams will have the chance to develop and potentially scale their solutions with support from partner institutions – marking a significant step in digital transformation, student empowerment and community-driven innovation.
Students from all fields of study are encouraged to register and be part of this initiative that brings together knowledge, creativity and purpose.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.