Stellenbosch University
Welcome to Stellenbosch University
SU alumni make an impact during pandemic
Author: Asiphe Nombewu /Corporate Communication
Published: 11/06/2020

An application and system developed by a current student and four alumni from Stellenbosch University (SU) will help non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to deliver aid where it is needed most. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, the team of entrepreneurs were approached by Stellenbosch Unite, a collaborative aid action purposed to provide social support to vulnerable community members during the pandemic. The initiative brings together Stellenbosch Municipality, Stellenbosch University, Visit Stellenbosch (civil society), Ranyaka and SCAN (Stellenbosch Civil Advocacy Network representing the non-profit sector) and the Greater Stellenbosch Development Trust (administrators).

Wihan Bekker, a master's student in Civil Engineering, and alumni Dr Patrick Okonkwo, Riaan Truter and Jean Pierre du Plessis are the developers of the Stellenbosch Unite App. The app, which is only available to Stellenbosch Unite staff and volunteers, was developed to help sign up new beneficiaries digitally and to minimise the use of pen and paper.

The 25-year-old says data capturing is essential for the efficient operation of any community aid initiative. “We developed a database that handles logistics, inventory tracking and the capturing of beneficiaries for the Stellenbosch Unite Network.

 “After signing beneficiaries up on the app, we process the data and currently we have registered 9 000 families. We also use the system to track inventory from bulk donations, volunteers' donations and food bought with monetary donations," he adds.

He says the NGOs needed assistance in keeping track of the beneficiaries on their lists and identifying duplications. This led to the development of the user-friendly app for use by volunteers and local coordinators who are able to work on smartphones.

 “My team and I were quick to bring our skills to the cause to ensure the aid is delivered where it is needed most. This work is very important to us, and our partnership with Ranyaka proved to be invaluable, as it  meant we understood the local networks to ensure that the most vulnerable beneficiaries are assisted during this time, making the COVID-19 relief efforts efficient and effective," says Bekker, who is also the CEO at African Data Technologies .

“Dr Okonkwo completed both his master's and PhD in Engineering at SU and Du Plessis also did his undergraduate studies and his master's in Law at SU. We are entrepreneurs who are highly motivated by the social issues facing our country. The core function of our company is to capture and validate data and this is why we offered our services during this time.

 Bekker's dream is to grow African Data Technologies into becoming a leader in implementing data-driven solutions that have a measurable and transformative impact on social and environmental issues as they continue to grow the business.

Dr Leslie Van Rooi, Senior Director for Social Impact and Transformation at SU, says the University is proud to support the work that Stellenbosch Unite is doing in the larger Stellenbosch community. “We do so through financial contributions, volunteering and lobbying. It is fantastic to see how our town is rallying to support those directly and indirectly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic," he adds.

NGOs can get in touch with them by following the link: https://www.africandatatechnologies.com/

 

'