23/08/2026
On 13 February, Mbasane - Women in Information Technology in partnership with the DUT Faculty of Accounting and Informatics proudly launched Technovation Girls - Mbasane KZN Chapter.
Twenty brilliant girls from Sastri College, Lamontville High School, and AJ Mwelase Senior Secondary School formed four teams and spent months designing real solutions to real community challenges. Guided by dedicated DUT mentors and coaches, they developed four impactful mobile apps, a testament to what young minds can achieve when given the right support.
On 6 June, we received incredible news that .Dreamers from advanced to the Junior SemiFinals, competing against teams from over 100 countries worldwide.
Their app tackles a global challenge; access to sanitary towels by connecting NPOs with schools in need. Achieving this in our first year of the programme is truly remarkable.
Six months later, we celebrated all our participants and honoured our semifinalists at DUT on Friday 14th Aug, joined by proud parents and Professor Moyane graced us with her presence. It was a beautiful moment of recognition for the girls’ hard work, creativity, and resilience. Our MC Zama Khumalo did what she does best, connecting with the students and bringing her vibrant energy.
This journey would not have been possible without our partners; Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI), MERSETA, MICTSETA Lab Resources at DUT, Africa Inspired Lab and Deprived Youth Services Centre powered by .
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors: Mr Ebrahim Patel, for facilitating support from StandardBank and Minara Chamber of Commerce.
We are also grateful for support from Print Centre - Umhlanga, and the supporters of my late husband’s annual Walk/Run Run4Zizi Walk4Zizi, who donated books to empower these young girls.
I hold close the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
This programme is proof of what we can achieve when we walk this journey
together.
and Informatics Dagmawit Getahun
