This month South Africa celebrates Youth Month and local “home of the geeks”, Geekulcha has named its Top Young Geeks of 2021.

These 15 youngsters are recognised by Geekulcha as playing a significant role in digital transformation. This year however, the Top 15 wasn’t only selected by the organisation but by the public as well.

“For the first time, we have also opened voting to the public and give the larger community a chance to select who they want to see as part of the Top 15 Young Geeks for 2021. This year’s edition Geek Culture went beyond the surface to recognise local talent that is making an impact beyond what we can see on the surface whether it’s in their schools, communities or organisations,” explained Tiyani Nghonyama, chief operating officer at Geekulcha.

This year’s judges who selected the Top 15 included:

• NOC Engineer at Sterkinekor – Mr Mokakatla Masekela
• Founder and CEO of CyberSec Clinique – Ms Doreen Mokoena
• Founder of Xitsonga.org – Mr Mukondleteri Dumela
• Chairperson of the NCDev Ecosystem – Mr Creston Campher
• Consulting Engineer – Mr Mike Barker
• Geekulcha’s Research and Project Coordinator – Ms Keabetswe Chauke
• Founder and CEO of Mapitsi Holdings – Ms Rahab Matebane

The Top 15 Geeks will receive a 12 month subscription to Brainstorm Magazine, and certificates of recognition.

There are also prizes for special selection in the categories of Best Female Star, Future GeekStars, Best Innovator and Ultimate GeekStar which will be announced at the Geekulcha Annual Hackathon in December.

Further to that winners will be encouraged to participate in innovation and learning programmes such as the MTN Business App Academy. Applications for that and entries for the MTN Business App of the Year are currently open by the way. Geekulcha will also assist youngsters who need help honing their projects, especially if those projects push innovation in the public sector.

The Top 15 Geeks follow below. For more information on each of the winners head to this link.