Everyone loves a good hack. Some hacks are as simple as setting up call screening on your phone to avoid spam calls and others may become game-changing business solutions. Vodacom values innovative hacks, the creation and testing of big ideas to solve real world problems and that’s why, for the last eight years, we have hosted the annual Vodacom Hackathon.
You know when you have a good idea at work, it usually becomes your responsibility to see it through. Hack Fest is something like that – just better. Better access to resources, better training, and most importantly, better recognition and compensation.
All about the Vodacom Hackathon
The annual hackathon is our biggest innovation program that gives our employees a chance to collaborate and compete to come up with the most innovative solutions in Vodacom’s business, tech, finance, marketing and IT departments. From ideation to design, prototype and testing – our hackathon participants bring their ideas to life within 48 hours.
What happens at the Vodacom Hackthon
Hackathon is a lively and competitive program that our employees look forward to as it affords them a chance to grow and showcase their skills. The judging panel usually consists of Vodacom’s Executive Committee and they value effective, tangible solutions that solve current problems in the organisation. The top performing teams in the Africa final go on to compete in the Global Hackathon, and have the opportunity to demonstrate their innovations on a global stage against Vodafone and VOIS (Vodafone Intelligent Solutions).
Why we host a Hackathon
We believe our workforce is made up of brilliant minds and valuable voices, Hackathon creates a stimulating space for employees to share their ideas and get rewarded and compensated for their efforts. In the interest of going further together, Vodacom’s Hackathon is about equipping, upskilling and supporting employees with all they need to bring their big ideas to life. Be it access to technical software and training or a masterclass on delivering a persuasive pitch, our employees gain skills to use in their everyday work life.
Hackathon equals workplace upskilling
The Hackathon thrives on collaboration and growth. It’s about gathering people from different backgrounds to think and work as one to solve problems. Moreover, Vodacom not only sees it as an opportunity to source ideas but also as a time to invest in our talent. We offer top standard pre-event master classes to equip participants with fundamental learnings on how to be better innovators. Our staff gain invaluable transverse skills that improve their capabilities.
The hackathon is open to full time staff, contractors and subsidiaries. Plus the academy modules contribute towards annual target learning hours.
The next Vodacom Hackathon will swing back around January 2026. Follow us on LinkedIn to catch the innovation action.
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