Students from the University of the Free State Department of Computer Science and Informatics put their innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork skills to the test during the recent Beat the Banker Hackathon, where they spent 36 hours developing software solutions to real-world challenges facing South Africa's banking and financial-services sector.

Hosted by the Information Technology Student Association (ITSA) in partnership with Standard Bank and BBD Software, the two-day Beat the Banker Hackathon took place on 23 and 24 May 2026, bringing together undergraduate and postgraduate students in an environment designed to simulate industry expectations and encourage practical, creative problem-solving.

Participants were challenged to develop functioning software prototypes focused on four key areas: integrating South Africa's informal economy into the formal financial sector, optimising banking journeys and operational processes for the digital age, improving risk visibility and system resilience, and modernising banking experiences and processes.

"The hackathon was designed to give students the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to real-world industry challenges while developing both technical and professional skills in a high-pressure environment," says Sanah Mocwana, Senior Assistant Officer in the Department of Computer Science and Informatics.

"Through engagement with industry partners and mentors, students gained valuable insight into the technology sector while showcasing innovative solutions to challenges facing the banking and financial-services industry."

Building skills beyond the classroom

The hackathon aimed to strengthen both technical and professional competencies, including software development, data analysis, critical thinking, project management, teamwork, innovation, and presentation skills.

Students also had to work under pressure and communicate complex ideas effectively – skills that are becoming increasingly important in the technology and software-development industries.

During the event, participants engaged with industry professionals from Standard Bank and BBD Software, as well as master's students from the Department of Computer Science and Informatics, who served as mentors and judges. These interactions provided valuable networking opportunities and insight into possible career pathways in the technology sector.

Innovative solutions with real-world relevance

Among the standout innovations was KasiCred, the solution that earned first place for Takalani Mukhevho and Oliver Mpofu. The township-focused financial technology platform aims to improve access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises that may not have formal credit histories.

Instead of relying only on traditional credit records, KasiCred uses verified card transaction data from approved point-of-sale systems to assess a business' financial performance. By analysing real sales activity and transaction patterns, the platform generates an alternative credit score that could give lenders a more accurate view of a business' financial health and creditworthiness.

Lukhulo Vongo, Noziphiwo Mpikeleli, Francis Ndlovu, Mnqobi Madlala, and Oamogetswe Phiri impressed the judges with Money Matters, a financial-management platform that secured second place despite the team competing against senior undergraduate and postgraduate participants.

Money Matters brings together personal finance, business finance, and stokvel management in one application. The platform allows users to track salaries, monitor business income and expenses, identify and cancel forgotten subscriptions, and manage stokvel contributions from a central dashboard.

Third-place honours went to Luyanda Shezi, Ismael Dlamini, Edwin van Zyl, and Ofentse Ngcongca. The BBD Prize for the Most Professional GitHub Repository was awarded to Ultimate Ngobeni, Phemelo Mokwena, Ivy Mutodi, Darrell Nkosi, and Sindiswa Baloyi.

Resilience and determination

The event also highlighted the resilience and determination of UFS students.

Sizwe Nkuna continued in the competition after his teammates withdrew, leaving him to complete the project on his own. Despite the setback and the pressure of the 36-hour challenge, he persevered, completed his solution independently, and successfully presented it to the judges. His determination earned him a special additional prize from the judging panel.

For many students, the hackathon was their first experience of this kind of competition. It gave participants from diverse academic backgrounds the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world industry challenges while developing confidence, collaboration skills, and practical problem-solving experience.