What began as a frustrating booking conflict at the University of the Western Cape’s High Performance Centre has evolved into a student-driven dynamic digital solution aimed at improving sports facility management at the university, thanks to the vision and determination of 20-year-old student-athlete Dateh Ambe.

BCom information

Ambe, a third-year BCom Information Systems student, has helped reshape how UWC Sport operates by developing a new digital platform to modernise sports administration, improve communication and create a more engaging experience for students and athletes. But the idea did not begin in a lecture hall or technology lab. It started in the gym.

As an athlete training through the University’s High Performance Centre, Ambe experienced the frustrations of multiple booking systems used simultaneously, which occasionally led to scheduling conflicts and inefficiencies. He also noticed challenges with the manual equipment sign-out process, where incorrect capturing and illegible handwriting created difficulties in tracking equipment. “I was training with the rugby players one day and there was a double booking. There were several booking systems being used at the time and then there was also the manual equipment process, where handwriting sometimes created confusion. That’s when I realised there was a problem that technology could solve,” said Ambe

Rather than simply complaining about the issue, he decided to create a solution. After discussing the challenges with staff at the High Performance Centre, he approached manager Brent Hess with the idea of building a more streamlined digital system tailored specifically to the Centre’s operational needs. The project quickly gained momentum.

Recognising his initiative and technical ability, the sports administration team later offered Ambe a work-study opportunity to assist with the broader digitalisation of the High Performance Centre and other sporting operations within the university.

Operational requirements

Hess said the Centre had spent years searching for a system that could effectively meet its operational requirements. “We were constantly searching for a system that was simple, easy to use and able to accommodate all the operational needs within High Performance,” he explained. “Over time, we used various free booking applications and even trialled a well-known paid platform, but none provided a complete solution for our needs. As a result, we ended up using multiple systems simultaneously, along with a manual pen-and-paper process for booking equipment in and out.”

According to Hess, he was initially sceptical that a student could create a fully functional system capable of handling the Centre’s complex operational requirements. “When Dateh mentioned that he could develop a system tailored specifically to our requirements, including team and individual athlete bookings, facility spaces, and equipment management, I honestly did not think it would be possible without a large IT company and significant funding. However, once he demonstrated the prototype, we were genuinely impressed by both the functionality and attention to detail within the system,” Hess added.

He added that the system has transformed the way the Centre manages its daily operations. “The system has significantly improved bookings at the Centre by streamlining operations, reducing scheduling conflicts, and centralising everything into one user-friendly platform. What has also stood out is the ability to communicate directly regarding glitches or recommendations, with updates and adaptations being implemented quickly and efficiently. We truly received more than we expected.”

Since then, Ambe has helped develop systems for facility bookings, administration processes, and communication platforms for UWC Sport. “This year, we met with Information and Communication Services (ICS) to discuss hosting, integration, and infrastructure for the systems we designed,” Ambe explained. “They told us that as long as we could manage and maintain the systems independently, they would provide us with a domain to host them.”

Centralised

Those discussions eventually led to the development of a dedicated UWC Sport website, a platform designed to centralise sports-related information and showcase the University’s sporting culture in a more modern and accessible way.
According to Ambe, the idea became more realistic after university stakeholders noticed how other entities, such as the Innovation Hub, had developed standalone platforms because of limited space on the main university website.

“We realised there was an opportunity to expand and create something specifically for sport,” he said. “We wanted students to see the quality of support available and have easier access to information.”

The website officially launched in May 2026 and offers far more than fixture updates and club announcements.

Students can access information about sports clubs, recreational programmes, campus leagues, volunteer opportunities and sports-related events, and about how those experiences can help students beyond university, especially with employment. The platform also features sports news, athlete stories, photographs and interactive visuals to create a vibrant online sports community at UWC.

For Ambe, the project has also become a practical example of how his academic studies intersect with real-world problem-solving. He said studying Information Systems has equipped him with both the technical and business skills needed to understand how technology can improve organisations and user experiences.

“One of the things I enjoy about Information Systems is that it combines business and technology,” he said. “You learn how systems can solve operational problems, improve efficiency and create better experiences for people. This project allowed me to apply what I learned in class to a real environment.”

Outside of academics and technology, Ambe is also making a name for himself on the athletics track. He is the provincial u.23 long jump champion, an achievement he said has taught him discipline, consistency and resilience. “Being an athlete teaches you commitment,” he said. “You learn how to manage pressure, setbacks and time. That mindset definitely helped me with this project.”

Behind his success, Ambe has praised his parents for their constant support and encouragement throughout his journey. “My parents have always supported me in everything I do. They pushed me to believe in myself and encouraged me to work hard, whether it was in sport, academics or technology. I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” he said.

ALSO READ: UWC alumni takes their homegrown tech invention to the global stage