Latest news with #Timbuk2
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New AI startup pays South Africans to grow digital maps in townships
What if Pokémon Go could help tackle real-world problems in African communities? A South African startup is doing just that—mapping real businesses and transforming lives in townships across the country. AI startup Timbuk2 has created something special: a project that turns everyday township residents into data collectors who earn real money while putting their communities on the digital map. Instead of chasing virtual creatures like Pokémon Go, young people and local residents are hitting the streets to find and document the countless small businesses that keep township economies alive - from corner shops to hair salons to car washes. Using just their phones, these "data agents" capture photos, chat with owners, and share business details through Timbuk2's dashboard. Every successful submission puts cash in their pockets. It's like a treasure hunt with a serious purpose - finally documenting South Africa's massive informal economy so it can better support the millions who depend on it. Unknown spaza shops Data collectors recently walked the streets of Tlhabane, Rustenburg, and discovered that 79% of spaza shops were unknown—invisible to platforms like Google Maps and unlikely to be noticed by food distributors wanting to expand their networks. "These businesses are the backbone of township life, but officially, they barely exist on paper," explains Timbuk2's founder. "We're changing that by making mapping fun, social, and worthwhile for the people who know these communities best." The impact goes way beyond just creating a better map. This data helps everyone from government planners to business owners make smarter decisions that benefit local communities. Plus, it's creating legitimate earning opportunities for township youth while building a first-ever comprehensive picture of South Africa's grassroots economy. An interesting discovery during the data collection is that there are three water purification areas located in Tlhabane, which speaks to the community's need for clean water. Timbuk2's dashboard keeps users engaged with challenges, rewards, and friendly competition. But participants aren't just collecting dry data - they're sharing the real stories of local entrepreneurs and bringing township business culture to life. By 2026, Timbuk2 wants to expand this model across Africa. As their founder puts it: "We're not just drawing a map - we're empowering communities to showcase their economic strength and potential. This is ekasi telling its own story, in its own words."
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Yahoo
Burglar hit pensioner on head with gun in Sevenoaks linked to five other raids
A burglar beat a pensioner on the head with a gun in her garden before tying her up and ransacking her home in Sevenoaks. Around 50 items were stolen on June 21, 2024, from the home near Wildernesse Golf Club according to an "extensive investigation". Kent Police linked the suspect to five other burglaries in Kent since 2016, with a renewed appeal being issued on BBC Crimewatch yesterday (March 18). During the burglary at around 3.55pm, the suspect approached the victim in her garden and struck her head with the gun. The woman was then restrained whilst at least 50 items were stolen, including rings, pendants and watches from her home. (Image: Kent Police) Kent Police published several appeals following the burglary after officers identified CCTV images of a suspect on a bike. He was established to have also used the train network and had accessed stations including Staplehurst, Marden and Hildenborough. The man was wearing a face mask, cream coloured baseball cap and had trainers with distinctive red soles. He sometimes wore a high-visibility top when cycling. An extensive investigation remains ongoing, and the suspect is now also being formally linked to burglaries in Tonbridge, Maidstone, Marden and Ide Hill near Westerham since 2016. Detective Inspector Maxine Harris spoke about the investigation on Crimewatch Live to urge viewers to listen to an audio clip which includes demands made by the offender to his victim. The show also aired some of the latest images linked to the case, including that of a bag carried by the suspect - possibly a Timbuk2 brand. (Image: Kent Police) Enhanced photos were also published of the suspect's appearance and clothing, as well as his partially disguised face. Detective Inspector Maxine Harris said: 'We are continuing to make significant and extensive enquiries to track down the man responsible for this cowardly assault and burglary. 'It is possible he has strong connections to the Staplehurst area, although we are not discounting that he may live outside of Kent. He should not be approached.' DI Harris added: 'Our officers have been making further house-to-house enquiries throughout the Staplehurst area and we are now also urging residents to listen to the audio recording of the suspect's voice, which includes demands made to his terrified victim. 'If you think this voice sounds even vaguely familiar to someone you may know it is vital that you contact us.' Anyone with information can provide this through the online Public Portal. You can also call Kent Police on 01622 652006 quoting reference 46/102682/24. If you prefer to be anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, or by using the online form.
