Rethinking the taxi business: A UWC student's innovative tech solution
Lesedi Majoe, a 20-year-old financial accounting student at the University of the Western Cape, developed a tech startup called DriveCred to address financial discrepancies in South Africa's minibus taxi industry. Inspired by issues in his family's taxi business, Majoe created an AI-powered system using passenger-counting cameras to track cash flow transparently. The system allows taxi owners to verify revenue by comparing automated passenger counts with driver-reported cash submissions, reducing revenue loss and fraud. The platform includes a dashboard and a multilingual WhatsApp AI assistant to provide insights and improve financial management. By creating digital financial records, DriveCred aims to help taxi operators access formal financial services like loans and credit, bridging the gap between traditional cash-based operations and modern financial systems.
Finely Chikwira, 26, a co-founder and product manager at Mentormate, is leading the development of an AI platform designed to assist engineers in navigating complex technical and regulatory challenges. The platform offers context-aware guidance, enabling professionals to work with greater confidence and efficiency. Chikwira, a civil engineer with a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in the field. His work has garnered national attention, including a MEMSA Industry Award for innovative use of data and artificial intelligence, and the FAEO-UNESCO Emerging Young Engineer Award for advancing engineering through digital technologies and AI-driven solutions. Chikwira’s approach emphasizes practical innovation, ensuring that technological advancements remain rooted in real-world applications. He collaborates closely with industry experts to refine Mentormate’s capabilities, aiming to strengthen critical infrastructure through reliable, intelligent tools. Outside of engineering, he engages in diverse pursuits such as studying Scripture and playing cricket, activities that have influenced his values of discipline, integrity, and thoughtful leadership. His long-term goal is to leverage innovation not just for improved engineering outcomes, but also to empower individuals who shape the built environment. Meanwhile, Mothushi Thoka, 29, is reshaping journalism in the era of artificial intelligence. As an AI multimedia journalist at Lumière Labs, part of Media24’s AI Innovation Lab, Thoka focuses on transforming traditional reporting into immersive multimedia experiences. His efforts aim to enhance audience engagement and broaden the scope of storytelling within newsrooms. With a postgraduate diploma in library and information science, Thoka represents a new wave of journalists who integrate technology with media and public interest. One notable achievement includes contributing to South Africa’s first Afrikaans AI-driven podcast for Huisgenoot. Thoka’s career began with impactful reporting at News24, where his coverage mobilized support for vulnerable families and students. His dedication to community initiatives continues through the Holding Hands Foundation, an organization he founded to help over 300 learners from rural Limpopo gain access to university admissions and financial assistance since 2022. Additionally, he launched Travelcations, a program that opens up travel opportunities for individuals from underserved communities. Driven by a blend of curiosity and compassion, Thoka views innovation as a means to expand opportunities, elevate marginalized voices, and inspire new possibilities for others. Both Chikwira and Thoka exemplify how emerging technologies are being harnessed to address pressing societal needs. While Chikwira applies AI to engineering challenges, Thoka uses similar tools to revolutionize journalism and promote social equity. Their respective fields, engineering and media, are undergoing transformative changes, driven by a shared belief in the ethical and practical application of technology. These developments reflect broader trends in South Africa, where young professionals are leveraging innovation to tackle local and global issues. The work of these two individuals highlights the growing role of young professionals in shaping the future of their industries. Chikwira’s focus on practical AI solutions underscores the importance of aligning technological progress with real-world impact, while Thoka’s integration of AI into journalism illustrates the evolving nature of media in the digital age. Both men continue to explore how their expertise can contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth, demonstrating the potential of interdisciplinary approaches to drive meaningful change. Their achievements underscore a collective effort to ensure that technology serves humanity rather than replacing human agency. Whether through strengthening infrastructure or enhancing journalistic outreach, they are paving the way for a future where innovation is guided by purpose and responsibility. As they continue their respective journeys, their contributions will likely influence the trajectory of their fields for years to come.
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Mail & GuardianIndependentCenterFactual 30Objective 858/11/2026
YuLife South Africa, an Insurtech company focusing on employee benefits and wellbeing, has partnered as a bronze sponsor of the inaugural South African AI Awards. The awards recognize individuals and organizations using AI to address real-world challenges and promote responsible, inclusive innovation. YuLife emphasizes the importance of AI in improving workplace productivity and economic inclusivity, aligning with its mission to enhance human outcomes through technology. The partnership highlights the growing influence of AI across various sectors in South Africa and supports efforts to foster a collaborative technology ecosystem.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral overview of YuLife's sponsorship of the South African AI Awards without taking a clear ideological stance. It focuses on the company's commitment to leveraging AI for societal benefit and does not frame the issue in a distinctly left or right-leaning manner. The tone,措
Why factuality (30): This article discusses YuLife's sponsorship of the South African AI Awards, which is unrelated to the MEMSA Industry Award event described in the primary source. It contains no information about the mining awards, winners, or MEMSA's recognition of technological innovations in mining.
Why objectivity (85): The article presents information about YuLife's sponsorship in a neutral manner, discussing the company's motivations and the purpose of the awards without overt bias or subjective language.
Lesedi Majoe, a 20-year-old financial accounting student at the University of the Western Cape, developed a tech startup called DriveCred to address financial discrepancies in South Africa's minibus taxi industry. Inspired by issues in his family's taxi business, Majoe created an AI-powered system using passenger-counting cameras to track cash flow transparently. The system allows taxi owners to verify revenue by comparing automated passenger counts with driver-reported cash submissions, reducing revenue loss and fraud. The platform includes a dashboard and a multilingual WhatsApp AI assistant to provide insights and improve financial management. By creating digital financial records, DriveCred aims to help taxi operators access formal financial services like loans and credit, bridging the gap between traditional cash-based operations and modern financial systems.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a technological innovation addressing financial inefficiencies in the taxi industry. It presents the development of DriveCred objectively, highlighting its features, benefits, and potential impact without taking a political stance or showing bias toward any particular ideology
Why factuality (5): The article discusses a completely different event involving a UWC student's tech startup focused on the taxi industry. It does not mention the MEMSA Industry Award or any mining-related innovations. Therefore, it is not aligned with the primary source document.
Why objectivity (75): The tone is positive and highlights the innovative nature of the tech solution. The article presents the story in a constructive manner without overt bias, though it focuses solely on one individual's achievement.
Meta has launched a new AI model, which is part of the company's broader initiative to promote open-source artificial intelligence development. The announcement was accompanied by remarks from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who emphasized the importance of open-weight models in advancing AI research and innovation. The move aligns with growing industry trends toward collaborative AI development and increased transparency in machine learning technologies.
Bias read (Center): The article presents Meta's launch of an AI model and Zuckerberg's advocacy for open-weight models as factual developments within the technology sector. There is no overt ideological framing or emphasis on specific political agendas. The tone remains neutral, focusing on corporate actions and their'
Why factuality (0): This article is unrelated to the MEMSA Industry Award event and discusses Meta's launch of a new AI model. It does not mention any awards, companies, or innovations related to mining technology. Therefore, it cannot be assessed for factual accuracy regarding the primary source document.
Why objectivity (0): The article is not objective in relation to the event being evaluated. It discusses a completely different subject matter and does not provide any neutral or balanced coverage of the MEMSA Industry Award or related topics.
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