Thapelo Vundla is a Computer Engineering student at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) with a foundational background in Arduino systems. Driven by a passion for creating impactful, accessible solutions, he serves as the hardware development lead for GreenGuard, a project that secured 2nd place at a regional MICT hackathon.

While Thapelo represents the project on stage, GreenGuard is a collaborative triumph built alongside a talented, multidisciplinary team: Vhutali Tsanwani (Master’s in Computer Science candidate at UWC specializing in Machine Learning and Informatics), Ntando Ndawonde (Advanced Diploma in Computer Engineering student at CPUT), Tidimatso Malatji (BSc Mathematics and Statistical Science student at UWC focusing on Data Science), and Kabelo Mkhwebane (B.Tech in Computer Engineering student at CPUT specializing in Cybersecurity and Data Engineering). Together, they focus on transforming raw, edge-computed environment metrics into low-cost, community-first tools that empower small-scale farmers and safeguard local food security.