Cape Town citizens are rallying developers in a hack-a-thon to create an app that can be used to improve safety and security.
The call comes after the attack this week of 16-year old Franziska Blochliger in the Tokai forest, which has left people cautious of using open spaces around the city.
The community-led group, calling itself Hambasafe, believes there is a need for a solution for people wanting to enjoy the outdoors safely by helping people easily connect and plan for any ‘on the fly’ or pre-arranged activity.
It is proposing a 48-hour hack-a-thon in order to create this app in the quickest time possible.
The group is looking for Android developers, iOS developers, SQL developers, .Net developers, mobile UI designers, testers and analysts to volunteer their skills and knowledge in order to build the app.
It’s also reaching out other sponsors such as appropriate location owners who could volunteer their venue for the hack-a-thon as well as catering sponsors.
Initiators Sham Moodliar, CEO of Datonomy, and Elizabeth Senger, comment: “The key is that this is a social initiative. People care and this way they can work together to actually make a difference for the future. This is at the heart of the shift towards connected value creation.
“This is Silicon Cape after all, with some of the best skills and talented people. So right now there is an immediate need to address the social ills of not being able to enjoy outside freedoms. We are calling on Capetonians to please get involved and contribute your skills and knowledge to this initiative.”
Anyone keen to participate in the initiative in any way should email hambasafe@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hambasafe/