By Nosipho Mnyandu and Kgothatso Monono
"It always seems impossible until it is done." These powerful words by Nelson Mandela echoed through the halls of the University of Limpopo鈥檚 Turfloop Campus on 24 July 2025, as the 4th annual Limpopo Varsity Hackathon (LVH) was officially launched, igniting a renewed spirit of innovation and problem-solving among ICT students preparing for the main event from 11 鈥� 13 October 2025.
The launch, hosted in partnership with Tshwane University of Technology (大象视频), University of Venda (UNIVEN), University of Limpopo (UL) and mLab, served not only as a celebration of student talent but also as a strategic alignment with South Africa鈥檚 digital transformation goals.
Mashitishi Phurutsi, Chairperson of the University Hackathon Series (UHS), highlighted the broader national significance of initiatives like LVH.
鈥淗ackathons are powerful tools that spread knowledge, support innovation, and develop future-ready graduates. They help us create digital solutions that solve real-world problems while reducing poverty and inequality,鈥� he said.
This year鈥檚 theme, Hack4Mzansi, calls on students to develop tech-driven solutions to some of South Africa鈥檚 most pressing challenges - including load-shedding, food insecurity, youth unemployment, and community safety.
Professor Thipe Modipa, Head of Department for the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at UL, explained the theme鈥檚 deep relevance:
鈥淭his year鈥檚 hackathon is focused on building smart, practical solutions that address issues directly affecting our communities. By using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), we aim to empower people and make technology work for social good,鈥� he said.
He encouraged participants - affectionately dubbed 鈥渉补肠办别谤蝉鈥� - to rise to the occasion by leveraging their skills, creativity and collaboration to help shape a better, more innovative South Africa.
Far more than just a coding competition, LVH is a platform for real impact. It brings together students, academics, industry experts and sponsors to co-create solutions that matter, creating a culture of socially conscious innovation, technical excellence and meaningful collaboration.
With the 2025 edition now officially underway, the countdown to October begins, where the brightest minds in ICT will gather to #Hack4Mzansi and help reimagine the future of tech in South Africa.
Participants of the 4th annual Limpopo Varsity Hackathon (LVH)