DUT student Lulwazi Jali wins R75,000 at Green Youth Indaba for Taxi Fynder

Lulwazi Jali A Durban University of Technology student entrepreneur has earned national recognition after securing second place and R75 000 in prize money at the Green Innovators Pitch Competition

Image: supplied

A Durban University of Technology (DUT) student entrepreneur has earned national recognition after securing second place and R75 000 in prize money at the Green Innovators Pitch Competition, held during the 11th Annual Green Youth Indaba in Sun City in the North West.

Lulwazi Jali, a third-year Information and Communications Technology in Business Analysis student and founder of Taxi Fynder, impressed judges with a pitch that linked public transport innovation to sustainability and social impact.

Taxi Fynder introduces e-hailing efficiencies to the taxi industry with the aim of improving access, safety and convenience for commuters while also reducing unnecessary taxi movements, fuel consumption and emissions. Jali said one of the strongest elements of his presentation was “the clear link between sustainability and practical impact”.

“I was able to demonstrate how reducing unnecessary taxi movements could lower fuel consumption and emissions while simultaneously improving the daily commuting experience for millions of South Africans,” he said.

“The solution addressed both environmental and social challenges in a way that was easy to understand. Most importantly, we had proof of concept.”

Lulwazi Jali Taxi Fynder: A sustainable transport solution by DUT student

Image: supplied

Jali said the competition was a valuable learning experience and reinforced the importance of measurable impact. “One of the biggest lessons I learnt in the competition was that innovation comes in many forms,” he said, adding that he was inspired by the “creativity, passion and determination” of fellow participants.

He also stressed the importance of evidence in entrepreneurship. “Proof of concept is critical because nothing matters more than the numbers,” he said.

For Jali, the award is both recognition and motivation. “This award is a tremendous encouragement and confirmation that the vision behind Taxi Fynder has value,” he said.

“The funding provides an important opportunity to accelerate development, validate key assumptions and move closer to bringing the solution to market.”

He said the prize money will be invested into software development, market research and stakeholder engagement within the taxi industry. The goal, he added, is to grow Taxi Fynder’s customer base by onboarding more taxi associations in KwaZulu-Natal before expanding to neighbouring provinces.

“The long-term vision is to establish Taxi Fynder as a trusted digital platform that improves commuter access to transport while supporting a more sustainable and efficient taxi industry,” he said.

Jali is one of DUT’s student entrepreneurs under the university’s innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Centre manager Nontokozo Ngcobo praised his achievement, saying he had transformed an idea with potential into a “credible and growing business” through hard work, mentorship and a willingness to adapt.

His success marks a second consecutive year of recognition for DUT entrepreneurs at the Green Youth Indaba.

IOL

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