Africazine:
South African youth are harnessing AI to tackle recycling challenges.
A team from Oosrand Commerce and Entrepreneurship School of Specialisation showcased their AI-powered Smart Bin at the national youth entrepreneurship competition in Johannesburg. This innovative project was selected among 20 learner businesses to compete in the 2026 Junior Achievement South Africa National Company of the Year Competition.
Innovative Recycling Solution from South Africa
The Econova team, consisting of Brenthan Windvogel, Odwa Tole, Arin Pretorius, and Caleb Spiers, developed a Smart Bin that identifies different types of recyclable waste. Users are rewarded for correctly disposing of their waste, promoting environmental responsibility. Their project aligns with the competition’s theme, Augmenting Innovation, which encourages the use of technology to address real-world issues.
JA South Africa’s executive director, Nelo Spies, highlighted the significance of the competition in showcasing how young people leverage technology to respond to community challenges. The event culminated in an awards ceremony on October 2, where three learner businesses shared R100 000 in prize money.
Recognition of Young Entrepreneurs
The overall winner, WalkWise from Mabande Comprehensive High School, received R50 000 for its AI-powered smart cane designed to assist visually impaired users. The first runner-up, Natural African Beauty Products from Minerva High School, earned R30 000 for its natural skincare line. Generational Co-Founders from Dlangezwe Secondary School secured R20 000 for their AI-enabled QR-code concept.
These awards not only recognize innovation but also encourage young entrepreneurs to develop their business skills. The competition provided a platform for learners to test their ideas against peers nationwide, gaining valuable experience in entrepreneurship.
Next Steps for the Winning Team
- WalkWise will represent South Africa at the JA Africa Company of the Year Competition in Cape Town from December 2 to December 4.
- Participants will continue to refine their business concepts and skills.
- Additional awards will be presented to recognize various entrepreneurial skills.
South Africa’s youth are leading the way in innovative recycling solutions.
