Delight Chetter and Kabelo Makhetha, CUT students and co-founders of DeTech.  The student innovators won the Telkom 10X Hackathon with their groundbreaking Fire Alert System.

Innovation, resilience, and community impact defined the journey of two Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) students, Delight Chetter, a second-year Information Technology student, and Kabelo Makhetha, a fourth-year Advanced Diploma in Studio Art student.

On 7 September 2025, Delight and Kabelo competed in the Free State leg of the Telkom 10X Hackathon at the Botshabelo Digital Hub, where they claimed first place with their innovative startup, DeTech. Their winning project, the Fire-Link Lite Solution, is a dual fire alert system that combines a mobile app with a standalone heat-sensing device, designed specifically to protect both connected and offline households in fire-prone township areas.

Their victory earned them a spot in the national finals held in Johannesburg, where they faced off against top teams from across South Africa. Building on their success, the duo also competed in the Geekulcha Annual Hackathon, earning third place and further recognition for their impactful solution.

DeTech’s Fire-Link Lite is a life-saving fire alert system designed for vulnerable communities. It includes a mobile app that instantly connects users to emergency services and a smart heat-sensing device that works even offline. Key features include early heat detection, GPS-enabled alerts, device-to-device connectivity, and a scalable community alarm system, making it an affordable and effective solution for informal settlements.

The idea for FireLink didn’t come instantly; it was born through trial, error, and a moment of reflection. At first, Delight and Kabelo pursued a different concept for the Telkom 10X Hackathon. But after receiving feedback that their idea didn’t align with the theme of enhancing customer service, they hit a wall. Discouraged but determined, they stepped back to reassess, that’s when they came across a news article about shack fires claiming lives in township communities. The story struck a nerve and the rest was history.

Kabelo opened up about his own experiences with shack fires, memories that were painful and personal. His stories resonated deeply, and suddenly, the purpose became clear. That moment of empathy and urgency sparked the birth of FireLink: a solution rooted not just in innovation, but in lived experience and a genuine desire to protect vulnerable communities.

“The motivation really stemmed from a blend of personal experience and the pressing need we saw in the community,” Delight explained. “Kabelo’s firsthand stories about the impact of wildfires in his village were incredibly compelling. They highlighted how vulnerable certain communities are, and it gave us a sense of purpose.”

Delight Chetter, a second-year Information Technology student, and Kabelo Makhetha, a fourth-year Advanced Diploma in Studio Art student, claimed first place at the Telkom 10X Hackathon held at the Botshabelo Digital Hub, winning a R15,000 prize cheque.

For Delight and Kabelo, their education at CUT became more than just lectures and assignments; it became the foundation for real change. By applying what they learned in software development, programming, networking, and design, they managed to build a fire alert system that could save lives in vulnerable communities. Their story shows the true power of learning when it’s applied with purpose- it can move beyond the classroom, solve real problems, and make a lasting impact. It’s a reminder that when students are empowered to use their knowledge in meaningful ways, they don’t just grow, they help others thrive, too.

“Our goal is to create technology that empowers communities with safety, resilience, and life-saving capabilities,” added Kabelo.

 

 

 

 

Uploaded: 17 October 2025