Zimpapers Logo

Zimbabwe’s Geek Sensations

Swagga T
“The fact that we are teens and the perception that we can’t develop anything that can help the nation and world at large still remains a hurdle to youth innovation,” said one teenager from Highfield.
When young US computer genius Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook together with his college mates in 2004, it caused a stir in the world and, today, Mark is worth US$19 billion. His story has inspired millions of youngsters across the world.

In Zimbabwe, a duo from Chitungwiza is set to go down the annals of history as they leave a mark on the world with the software that they have created. But instead of targeting the social scene, these two are after the business world.

Vitalis Nyandoro and Tonderai Kapfunde, both aged 19, say their software is focusing on business development.

“We thought it vital to assist in the business development area. Two months ago when we were looking for a plumber we could not find contacts for one easily. This then led to us thinking of a project that can help everyone like a contact list. On our software we have put categories such as job search, e-banking, classifieds, companies and adverts among others so as to simplify the way how business is handled,” explained Vitalis.

The duo said was inspired by Peter Timson who created the first DOS operating system.

“The software is designed for the unique needs of our people and Zimbabweans should brace for it. We were much inspired by Timson of DOS fame. It started with insight – that we live in a world of constant information and need new ways to simplify how we find the stories that are important to us, at a glance,” said Tonderai.

Although, the duo is interested in tech and some believe that it has nerdy connotation, Vitalis said that it is the industry of the moment and the gateway into the future. And who knows maybe like Zuckerberg they too could soon be billionaires.

“We want to be businessmen and we appreciate the challenges ahead of us. We both could not pursue an education beyond A- Levels due to financial limitations,” Tonderai revealed. But the lack of higher education qualifications did not stop Zuckerberg from succeeding. In fact, Zuckerberg dropped out of college without getting his degree to set up Facebook. Tonderai is thankful that he went to a high school which is academically focused but welcomes mavericks like him.

But, as the duo admitted several times, the experience of being sometimes the only one interested in tech in their community and teenville especially while others are chasing the latest trendy fashion, it can be quite frustrating.

“We grew up playing together in the neighbourhood and wish we had more friends that accept and understand technology because we are now living in the robo-world,” they said. The software is under test and will be launched soon, but the ride has not been a smooth one for the teens. Rather, the opposite is true. Vitalis says that it has not been easy to convince grown-ups that two teens can be serious business people.

“Soon after we developed the software some companies whose identities we must keep confidential approached us about advertising and other issues which greatly boosted our confidence and hopes. But the major challenge is that some of the key important people whose support we need have not been open to our product.

“We have been knocking on every door from Government ministries to stakeholders for support. The problem is they think as teenagers we are mad but given the opportunity, we can develop Zimbabwe’s business interaction,” said Vitalis.

The young lads are excited at the prospect of being among the youngest software creators the world over and more specifically in Zimbabwe, which they believe makes them unique and crusaders as well. “We feel like fighters going against social conventions, which excites us,” they enthused.

The young tech gurus encouraged other teenagers to pursue their dreams.
“Not everyone is academically gifted. We should use our talents to get what we want and remember Rome was not built in a day so chase your dream and start to make a living out of it,” said Vitalis.