Two University of the Western Cape (UWC) alumni and innovators are taking their homegrown tech invention to the world stage after their public transport solution, Uthutho, won the 2026 Red Bull Basement South Africa national title.
Innovation Lab
Software developers Shaqeel Less and Makhi Mangxola, both alumni of the UWC Future Innovation Lab in 2023 and 2025 respectively, are set to jet off to Silicon Valley in the US in June, where they will showcase the app alongside other top young innovators from around the world. The Red Bull Basement 2026 World Final is scheduled to take place in San Francisco and Silicon Valley from 1 to 3 June.
Developed late last year, Uthutho was born out of a need to make the country’s public transport system easier and more reliable to use. Inspired by the frustrations around unclear taxi routes, uncertain fares and lack of real-time travel information, the duo ,drawing on the experiences of public transport commuters, set out to create a digital platform that helps commuters better navigate public transport, especially when travelling unfamiliar routes.
Using AI tools such as GPS and cloud technology, the transport app offers live journey updates and community-verified transport information to reduce waiting times and improve the safety of public transport. School transport operators can also use the platform by signing up and listing their routes, vehicles and pricing. This allows parents to browse available school transport options and apply directly to join operators’ transport systems.
“We wanted to build something that could make commuting more predictable and accessible, especially for young people and those travelling unfamiliar routes,” said Less, who is currently a software developer at the University of Cape Town (UCT). “Being announced as the winning team in SA was both emotional and unforgettable for the pair, who described the moment as a “surreal mix of excitement, disbelief and pride.”
“It felt like a turning point where something we’ve been building with intention and persistence was finally recognised on a national stage. It represents validation of a problem we’ve experienced firsthand as public transport commuters in South Africa,” said Mangxola, who works as a software developer for the Shoprite Group.
Problem solving
Acknowledging the role that the Future Innovation Lab played in their journey, the pair said the environment exposed them to “practical, problem-solving approaches to technology” and pushed them to think beyond theory and focus on real-world impact. They believe that the next stage of the competition will offer significant value.
Winning in the final competition would not only secure international mentorship for the duo and give them access to AI tools, but they would also stand a chance to secure funding that could help refine and expand Uthutho beyond SA. They said it is an opportunity to represent South Africa and highlight the importance of solutions built for emerging markets.
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