A Student at TUT emalahleni Campus Developed a Handy App Called the Hike App. Owen Lekala is studying Information Technology (Software Development) and developed the HIKE App to connect users with drivers.
A digital wallet system is used to manage payments. Users can request rides using the app on their smartphones, which is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
A Student at TUT emalahleni Campus Developed a Handy App Called the Hike App
Upon asking Owen why he developed the app, he replies, “I thought it was time to address a need. I wanted to develop an app that was cheaper for everyone and fair for drivers because I was tired of the high costs of rides and the fees drivers had to pay to other e-hailing companies. I did it to help people and drivers earn more money..”
He describes the challenges he faced while creating the app: “I began developing the app in 2021 by saving my NSFAS meal allowance, and I really got to work.
I learned a lot about computer programming and did extensive research. It took me about a year to develop HIKE, and I launched it in November 2021 after hard work and research. My first version was available on the Google Play Store, and I continued saving funds to have an iOS version available on Apple’s App Store as well.”
Owen Lekala,HIKE App designer and TUT Alum
“As a result of financial constraints, I sacrificed my personal expenses to fund the development of the app, which meant careful management and investment of my meal allowance. I also had to dedicate a considerable amount of time and effort to acquiring the necessary skills as a self-taught programmer, recalls Owen.
Owen is looking forward to growing in this field. I am definitely open to exploring new tech opportunities when it comes to creating other software. Through my experience with HIKE, I have gained valuable knowledge, and I am eager to apply that knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit to other endeavors that can address important problems and improve people’s lives.”
“You don’t have to have a perfect final product right away. Remember that progress is the goal, not perfection. Start small, break down your project into manageable steps, and focus on achieving one milestone at a time. As Owen explains, every small step is a victory that makes you closer to your goal.
My career was greatly influenced by the university. The educational programmes provided me with the foundational knowledge and skills I needed to succeed in software development. The university provided a number of resources that were crucial for learning and researching outside of the classroom, such as libraries and labs.
Furthermore, Financial Aid provided me with the initial funding needed to launch my entrepreneurial journey. Owen concludes, “I was able to grow my career in this supportive environment, ultimately leading to the development of HIKE.”.
The HIKE App Marketing Manager Tshepho Mgiba says: “We recently ran a month-long trial campaign in Hatfield, Braamfontein, Midrand, Pretoria CBD, and Campus Square.” Our goal in this campaign was to assist our target market with downloading apps. Our first segment of target market has responded positively to the HIKE App brand.”
“As we expand into the ride-hailing market, our goal is to create a strong presence and reputation. We aim to become the preferred choice of commuters and a platform for drivers to be profitable,” explains Tshepo.
For more information on the Tshwane University of Technology, please contact Phaphama Tshisikhawe, Corporate Affairs and Marketing.
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