- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has brought back its Sustainathon for 2023.
- This year the focus is on water sustainability and sanitation.
- Local entrants have until 31st August to make on online submission about how they would tackle those two issues in SA.
Last year Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) launched its inaugural Sustainathon event here in South Africa, with the focus being to get young people interested in finding solutions to tackle food security.
For 2023, the TCS Sustainathon has returned for its second edition, having partnered up with local organisations like Geekulcha, UbuhleBakhe Water, and SkillsLAB in the process. The theme for this year’s iteration is one that is critically important to the country – Sustainable Water and Sanitation Management.
As we have seen over the past 12 months, water security and sanitation have proved crucial, especially for those living in Gauteng, so this year’s theme is quite timely.
“This year’s theme of ‘Water and Sanitation for All’ aligns with Goal 6 of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, aimed at achieving universal, equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for everyone. TCS is a registered UN partner, and has collaborated with the organisation on numerous initiatives,” the company explained in a press release sent to Hypertext.
“We look forward to working with young people on their TCS Sustainathon ideas, and together coming up with sustainable, practical solutions, to help our country meet its water and sanitation needs. The challenge is a great way to drive positive change and create a lasting impact in South Africa,” added Colleen Makola, CEO and founder of uBuhleBakhe Water.
As this is a global initiative the 2023 Sustainathon will also be held in the UK, Europe, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, and India.
For local participants, the winning team will collect a cash prize of R30 000, while second place will win R20 000, and third place R10 000. On top of this, all finalists will receive R5 000.
TCS notes that the Sustainathon 2023 is open to anyone over 18 years old, with full details about the challenge and how to enter available here.
The Sustainathon takes place in three steps:
- “Step 1: Entrants can read through a set of challenge statements and select one.
- Step 2: Entrants have until 31 August to make an online submission of their solution proposal.
- Step 3: Ten finalists will be selected by 10 September. They will then have the chance to prepare their presentation for the grand finale event on 2 October.”
[Image – Provided]
