Tshimologong precinct
The Tshimologong Precinct is a university based tech incubator in Braamfontein. Tshimologong is a Setswana Word for new beginnings.[1] This tech hub was set up by the late Barry Dwolatzky in 2014, and then launched in 2016.[2] Dwolatzky was known and recognized for his leadership and idealism in software engineering and among his many achievements, he led the Joburg Center for Software Engineering (JCSE). [3] On this initiative, Dwolatzky was inspired by start-up urbanism.[4] The original vision of the precinct was to inspire talent, create employment and commercialise the research of Wits students.
Since its establishment, this hub or lab has indeed resulted in spatial changes in Braamfontein, [5] but it is debatable as to whether the Tshimologong Precinct itself has lead and catalyzed an “economic renaissance”,[6] or a “flat white” economy, as originally envisaged.[7] Instead, the “new beginnings” may be described as another example of “siliconization”, where big tech and the [Nouveau_riche| nouveau riche] collaborate to cannibalize the technocultures of an old regime.[8] The Tshimologong Precinct is also the location for IBM’s second research hub on the African Continent.[9]
The Tshimologong Precinct aspires to facilitate collaboration between academia, corporates, government and entrepreneurs.[10] For example, the Hack Jozi Challenge was a partnership between the City of Johannesburg and Wits University (through the Tshimologong Precinct), which is intended to create and develop digital solutions which could be used to solve common challenges.[11] Conceived as a bootcamp, the Hack Jozi challenge was promoted as a method for aspiring entrepreneurs to deliver innovative ideas annually.[12] Hack Jozi Winners would earn R1 000 000 and business mentorship from the Joburg Centre for Software Engineering, while other prize winners would earn hub mentorship opportunities.[13]
References
[edit]- ^ "Stories - Tshimologong - Jozi's new digital playground - Wits University".
- ^ "Stories - Tshimologong - Jozi's new digital playground - Wits University".
- ^ 10.18489/sacj.v35i1
- ^ https://doi.org/10.1177/0308518X17690153
- ^ "Braamfontein | Johannesburg Development Agency". 12 July 2018.
- ^ "The plan to make Johannesburg home to a digital revolution". 23 June 2015.
- ^ "Jozi's planning a digital revolution » SciBraai". 24 June 2015.
- ^ McElroy, Erin (2024). Silicon Valley imperialism: techno fantasies and frictions in postsocialist times. Durham: Duke University Press. ISBN 978-1-4780-3021-8.
- ^ "SA gets IBM's second research lab in Africa". 25 August 2016.
- ^ https://tshimologong.joburg/
- ^ "Meet the top 10 #Hack.Jozi Challenge finalists".
- ^ https://joburg.org.za/media_/Newsroom/Pages/2016%20&%202015%20Articles/MoWallet-wins-more-money-in-Hack-Jozi-Challenge.aspx
- ^ "Hack Jozi Challenge". Archived from the original on 29 February 2016.
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