Meet the champions. The incredible CAPACITI team who coded, collaborated, and conquered the 2nd Annual AfriHack Connect Hackathon to take home First Place.
CAPACITI’s victory at the 2nd Annual AfriHack Connect Hackathon over top institutions like the University of Johannesburg, CPUT, and WeThinkCode is a celebration of what can happen when young South Africans are given access to quality digital skills training and mentorship.
Hosted by Empiras Global Academy in partnership with Telkom, the three-day hackathon was held at UVU Africa’s Woodstock innovation hub in Cape Town.
Through CAPACITI’s holistic approach of combining technical learning with personal development and exposure to real industry challenges, young people from all walks of life are proving that they have what it takes to compete and lead on national stages.
Head of Partnerships at CAPACITI, Chesarae Pillay, reflected proudly on the team’s achievement, saying, “Our candidates come from diverse backgrounds, many overcoming significant obstacles, and yet they proved they can outshine even the most established universities. Their win is a signal that inclusive talent pathways are critical for building South Africa’s digital future”.
Behind the winning solution praised by judges for its clarity, scalability, and strong social impact is a team of determined individuals with compelling stories of resilience and courage.
The CAPACITI team was in the zone at the 2nd Annual AfriHack Connect Hackathon, collaborating and coding their way straight to the top.
Meet the winning team
Over three intense days, participants collaborated, coded, and problem-solved under pressure, all with a shared goal of using technology to drive real social impact. In this demanding environment, the transformative power of CAPACITI’s training model truly stood out. Guided by teamwork, resilience, and a hunger to learn, CAPACITI’s young talent turned their skills into success by showcasing how structured learning and mentorship can unlock world-class innovation.
Lifa Mbangata joined CAPACITI in July 2025 and describes his experience as “a truly transformative journey.” The digital skills training programme that he was part of challenged him to think critically, collaborate effectively, and push past self-doubt. Reflecting on winning, he says: “It wasn’t just about coding late into the night, it was about transforming bold ideas into impactful solutions. Winning AfriHack is a symbol of resilience, collaboration, and what’s possible when people unite around a shared goal.”
Angelique Hilario faced financial challenges that once made pursuing higher education seem impossible. Yet she refused to let her circumstances define her. Through CAPACITI, she discovered a passion for artificial intelligence, and she also gained confidence and technical capability. “AfriHack pushed me in ways I hadn’t been pushed before,” she shares. “Winning felt like a confirmation that I’m on the right path. This is just the beginning.”
Yolanda Sinegugu Ngqunge also had to overcome financial barriers and self-doubt. CAPACITI, she says, gave her a platform to grow and believe in her place in the tech industry. “Winning AfriHack proves that with teamwork, hard work, and creativity, we can achieve great things. It motivates me to keep pushing further and to contribute meaningfully to solving real-world problems.”
Zakariyyaa Davids chose a different path from many of his peers, focusing on building a meaningful career in tech. With CAPACITI, he found mentorship, structure, and belonging. “AfriHack was my first hackathon, and winning gave me a deep sense of pride. It made me feel unstoppable and reminded me of what’s possible when we believe in ourselves.”
Mogamat Niyaaz Anthony struggled to secure employment after his studies due to a lack of practical experience; a challenge he overcame through CAPACITI’s hands-on training in data analytics and AI. AfriHack became a turning point. “Winning reignited my confidence and validated the hard work and long hours we put in. It reminded me that dedication pays off,” he reflects.
Zahier Claronino faced both financial struggles and imposter syndrome but credits CAPACITI for helping him gain confidence, technical mastery, and professional readiness. “The programme pushed me to grow, as a developer and as a person that’s ready to tackle real-world challenges. Our win proved that persistence and hard work can break barriers.”
Connect with CAPACITI’s tech talent today
CAPACITI’s training model continues to demonstrate that when young people are equipped with the right skills, structure, and support, they can compete and win on national stages. It’s a powerful reminder to our partners and investors that when we invest in young people and open doors for them to succeed, we strengthen communities, industries, and the nation’s digital economy.
If you believe in South Africa’s youth, connect with CAPACITI and be part of the winning team.
