25 year old Chulumanco Lonwabo Nomtyala is based in Bizana in the Eastern cape.
Lonwabo completed an honours degree in Human Settlement Development at the Nelson Mandela University. He has also completed Project Management Foundations and Master in Demand Professional Soft Skills through LinkedIn Learning. A proud YES Youth alumni, Lonwabo has completed his programme through the Microsoft Development Pathway.
With his background and qualification in Human Settlement Development, Lonwabo saw a strategic opportunity to help locals with housing subsidy applications. He used his acquired skill to design an app called Soft 4IR Apps, that is intended to help community members seamlessly apply for housing subsidies. The app will give the applicants all the information they need to apply, streamline the process for municipalities to receive applications, and provide them the opportunity to track their applications throughout the process.
Lonwabo is looking to partner with municipalities to use his solution to empower people to receive a better experience in their housing grants and subsidies application process. He also wants to educate people on the different grants and subsidies that are available to them, to ensure widespread access to all.
“The difference that the Digital Pathway made in my life is that it really sharpened my perspective on how people can make a living in the digital era. Looking into the future, Microsoft was really resourceful in teaching us skills that we will be needing. Project management and app development were key teachings to my progress, I was able to sharpen my mind and learn more about those skills. The overall experience was helpful even towards my personal development. Where I’m from, I cannot point to anyone and say ‘this person was able to build an app’ but, through this Digital Pathway, I can be the first person to say that from my community. I was able to build an app that will enrich the livelihoods of people and make their lives easier. I am very proud that it is a local solution,” says Lonwabo.
Microsoft is playing a great role in supporting Lonwabo in his journey. He is currently busy with his application to the Grass Roots Innovation Programme with the motivation backed by Microsoft.
He will receive accounting support to understand the necessity of setting up the back-end of the business from day one so that he is ready to do business when the time comes.
He will also benefit from the business support and mentoring from Microsoft that will help establish a solid foundation for his business. Lonwabo is being guided on the UX/UI experience of the app and how he can edit the content to ensure users have a better app experience. A corporate identity for his business is being developed in order to ensure he stands confidently before possible investors and Microsoft is proofing content and guiding on the correct use of information.
This app is set to bring better convenience and knowledge to many who will benefit from them most. YES believes that Lonwabo is a splendid example of the quality of young individuals who come out of the YES programmes. Our hope is that Lonwabo will reach for the stars with his talent, ideas and tremendous support given by Microsoft.