The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) has officially launched a high-impact, 66-hour Hackathon aimed at solving a persistent challenge across South Africa’s SETA landscape: the detection and prevention of duplicate registrations, commonly referred to as double dipping. Running from 11 to 14 December 2025, the Hackathon brings together tech innovators, industry leaders, and SETA stakeholders in a collaborative drive to modernise identity management and streamline registration systems across all sectors.
At the heart of the Hackathon is an ambition to build an intelligent, unified solution capable of identifying duplicate learner, assessor, moderator, and training provider registrations across multiple SETAs. This initiative also seeks to pioneer a seamless digital identity management framework—one that enables real-time verification and frictionless onboarding, regardless of the SETA involved.
Strategic Partnerships to Drive Digital Transformation
To make the event a reality, W&RSETA partnered with several leading ICT corporates who are providing technical support, mentorship, and resources throughout the 66-hour challenge. Their involvement underscores the growing synergy between South Africa’s corporate technology ecosystem and the national skills development agenda.
A total of 13 Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) have been selected to participate, each bringing a unique approach to tackling the problem. Competitors will battle for top honours and cash prizes, including:
- R100,000 for the overall winner
- R50,000 for the runner-up
- R20,000 for third place
These incentives reflect W&RSETA’s commitment to nurturing innovation and empowering emerging enterprises within the ICT space.
Empowering SMMEs Through Innovation
Rebatho Madiba of Maribe, the Technical Execution Partner managing the programme, emphasised the importance of using innovation as a catalyst for growth. According to Madiba, the Hackathon is not only about finding technical solutions but also about elevating SMMEs as critical players in South Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
A Platform for Talent, Collaboration, and Impact
Beyond the competition, the Hackathon provides a unique opportunity for stakeholders to witness the depth of talent within South Africa’s technology sector. It serves as a platform for meaningful collaboration, potential investment, and long-term partnerships aimed at strengthening the country’s skills development systems.
W&RSETA’s investment in this initiative aligns with its broader mandate to support SMMEs, promote innovation, and enhance the efficiency of training and skills development processes. By spearheading this challenge, the authority is setting the stage for a more accurate, secure, and interconnected SETA environment—one where duplication can be eliminated and identity management can be executed with precision. W&RSETA CIO Baranabus Mosekwameng reiterated that the programme is designed to support and empower small tech businesses while addressing an operational challenge that affects learners and administrators across all SETAs. “This Hackathon becomes an innovative way to advance our empowerment initiatives while tackling a real problem within the SETA environment,” he said.
A Vision Toward a Unified SETA Digital Ecosystem
As the 66-hour challenge unfolds, expectations are high that participating teams will deliver scalable, future-ready solutions. The outcomes of this Hackathon have the potential to transform administrative processes across the country’s SETAs, ultimately improving service delivery and enhancing the learner experience.
This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant step toward a unified digital ecosystem—one that leverages technology to drive accountability, efficiency, and empowerment within the skills development sector.
Parting Words from the CEO of W&RSETA: “Welcome to the W&R SETA Hackathon 2025! This event represents our commitment to innovation and digital transformation in the wholesale and retail sector. Over the next 66 hours, you will have the opportunity to build solutions that address real challenges facing our SETA landscape. I encourage each team to push boundaries, collaborate boldly, and create meaningful impact. Your innovations will help shape the future of skills development in South Africa,” Tom Mkhwanazi.
