TUT Students Gear Up for G20 People-Centred AI & Sustainable Tourism Hackathon!

On 27 June 2025, the G20 Tourism Hackathon, an initiative by the National Department of Tourism, launched at the University of the Western Cape, where bright minds met to shape the future of tourism through Artificial Intelligence, sustainability, and digital transformation. The event aimed at fostering youth innovation in the tourism sector.

There were two students who represented Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) with pride:

Xolani Sindane – Department of Tourism Management Mr Ahlumile Rebe – Department of Hospitality Management

In May 2025, these young innovators represented TUT at the Middle East Africa Future Leaders Challenge, alongside the other 2 students (Masindi Mamafha and Gontse Marole), where they showed outstanding academic excellence, passion for sustainable tourism, and a commitment to exploring AI-driven solutions that benefit people, places, and the planet.

In September 2025, Xolani and Ahlumile will head to Mpumalanga for the high-energy, problem-solving sprint that is the G20 People-Centred AI and Sustainable Tourism Hackathon. They are already collaborating with peers from across other institutions nationally to tackle real tourism challenges, co-create smart solutions, whilst showcasing the power of youth innovation.

According to Ahlumile …. "As a proud TUT student, I am honoured to represent my institution in the movement that gathers bright minds striving to re-imagine a better South Africa"…. Xolani reflected… "The G20 Hackathon gave me a lot of my firsts…. What an unforgettable experience, I remain grateful"….

TUT's participation reflects its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, digital innovation, and the Sustainable Development Goals, while reinforcing Africa's role in shaping tourism's future.

Wishing both Ahlumile and Xolani an exciting journey ahead.

Go make waves, fly the TUT flag high, and show the world what South African brilliance looks like! 🌍✨