The 2023 edition of the TCS Sustainathon South Africa has been launched. The competition aims to inspire technological innovation among young people to create solutions to sustainability challenges. This year, prizes will be awarded to the best sustainable water and sanitation projects. Applications launched on 18 August 2023 will close on 31 August 2023, and the results will be announced on 2 October at the end of the grand final, which will pit ten teams against each other.
“Students and graduates over the age of 18 from any university in South Africa can register in teams of three to five people to take part in the TCS Sustainathon,” says the Indian company Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which is organising the competition. The IT services and consultancy company is supported by Geekulcha, UbuhleBakhe Water, SkillsLAB and the City of Tshwane.
“We look forward to working with young people on their TCS Sustainathon ideas and together finding sustainable and practical solutions to help our country meet its water and sanitation needs,” says Colleen Makola, CEO and founder of mineral water company uBuhleBakhe Water™. “The challenge is a great way to drive positive change and create lasting impact in South Africa,” she adds.
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The selected winning team will earn 30,000 Indian rupees (approximately $361), while the second and third place students will win 20,000 (nearly $240) and 10,000 rupees ($120) respectively. All the other seven finalist teams will receive 5,000 rupees ($60.25) each. “The programme also offers mentoring and access to businesses in South Africa, which we are convinced will encourage them to advocate for a more sustainable world,” explains Langa Dube, Country Manager of TCS South Africa.
Launched in 2022, the global TCS Sustainathon initiative is also being organised in the UK, Europe, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and India.
For more information on the call for projects, click here.
Inès Magoum