e-Kasi Care goes to China: SA students’ AI solution for rural healthcare

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huawei tech4good china rural healthcare ai e-kasi care
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South African students are making waves on the global stage with e-Kasi Care, a ground-breaking AI-powered healthcare project.

They are proving that innovation isn’t just about shiny gadgets and tech jargon. Oh no; it’s about solving real problems.

Tech4Good global finalists: e-Kasi Care

The students secured a spot in the Huawei Tech4Good global finals, thanks to their groundbreaking project, e-Kasi Care.

Meet the brilliant minds behind e-Kasi Care:

huawei tech4good china rural healthcare ai e-kasi care
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Their mission? Fixing a broken healthcare system using virtual medical consultations.

And honestly, it’s about time.

The problem: Rural healthcare crisis

If you’ve ever lived in a rural area, you know how bad access to healthcare can be. Clinics are scarce, hospitals are far, and medical professionals are spread thin.

For many, seeing a doctor means travelling long distances, sometimes for hours, just to spend a few rushed minutes in a consultation.

It’s not just inconvenient; it’s dangerous. Delays in medical attention can turn minor illnesses into life-threatening conditions.

The solution: e-Kasi Care

Enter e-Kasi Care, a real-time virtual consultation system designed to bridge the healthcare gap.

Using AI-powered thermal cameras and heart rate monitors, the system records patient data and relays it to doctors who can diagnose illnesses remotely.

And here’s the kicker: it boasts an accuracy rate of 94%.

That’s not just impressive… That’s life-saving!

From South Africa to the world

The students behind e-Kasi Care competed in the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional finals in China, beating out teams from 15 countries.

Now, they’re gearing up for the global finals in April.

Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi called the project a “groundbreaking initiative,” emphasising that young innovators hold the key to South Africa’s future.

Huawei South Africa’s Deputy CEO, Charles Cheng, also praised the students, saying they’ve set a new benchmark for future participants.

e-Kasi Care in China

During the competition, the team travelled to Shenzhen, China, to experience the country’s thriving tech ecosystem firsthand.

They engaged in interactive sessions with Huawei executives, explored its renowned research facilities, and had a front-row seat to what innovation really looks like.

For some, like University of Cape Town student Fanelesibonge Mbuyazi, it was an “incredible blend of cultural and technological exposure.”

What’s next for e-Kasi Care?

The global finals will bring together the best teams from across the world for a high-stakes showdown in China this April.

For the e-Kasi Care team (and for South Africa’s reputation), this goes being just being a mere competition. It’s a chance to showcase South African ingenuity on a world stage.

As Huawei’s Cheng puts it: “The future belongs to bold thinkers and problem-solvers.”

And South Africa’s young innovators? They’re proving they belong right at the forefront!

Tech meets social impact

The Tech4Good initiative is part of Huawei’s Seeds for the Future program, which has been running in South Africa for nearly a decade.

It aims to equip tech-savvy students with the skills and mentorship needed to become industry leaders.

Team leader Thirushan Pather, a computer engineering student at the University of Pretoria, described the program as an “eye-opening experience”.

He said participating in the competition strengthened his technical and leadership skills.

And, judging by their success, he’s not exaggerating.

ALSO READ: Tech trends 2025: This year’s boldest innovations revealed

Follow the e-Kasi Care team’s journey here:

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Cheryl Kahla Founder and Editor
Cheryl Kahla explores the intersections of tech and society. She covers emerging tech trends, AI, science, and gaming. Outside of writing, Cheryl indulges in martial arts and debating the merits of AI with her cat, Gotham. He is indifferent to the subject.

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