Shaqeel Less & Makhi Mangxola on Uthutho and Winning Red Bull Basement South Africa 2026
Join Shaqeel Less & Makhi Mangxola as they take us through their exciting journey with Uthutho and reveal what it took to become Red Bull Basement South Africa 2026 National Champions. In this inspiring conversation, they share how their idea—using AI to organize public transport information and improve daily mobility—was born from a desire to solve real-world problems. From the early brainstorming sessions to building a functional MVP, Shaq and Makhi discuss the challenges, breakthroughs, and the countless hours of innovation that brought their project to life. Drawing inspiration from global tech hubs like Silicon Valley, they highlight the mindset, creativity, and determination required to stand out in a competitive landscape of young innovators.
The journey didn’t stop at national recognition. Shaq and Makhi now head to the World Final in San Francisco, where they will pitch their MVP to a distinguished panel of global judges, venture capitalists, and industry leaders. The stakes are high, with competitors vying for $100,000 in equity-free funding, $25,000 in Microsoft Azure credits, and ongoing mentorship from Red Bull Ventures to help scale their idea. In this video, they also reflect on the excitement of representing South Africa on the world stage, the learning experiences that came with preparing for the finals, and the vision they have for the future of Uthutho.
This is more than a story about winning an award—it’s about creativity, resilience, and the impact that young innovators can make when they combine technology, bold ideas, and a passion for solving everyday problems. Watch, get inspired, and see how Shaqeel Less and Makhi Mangxola are turning ambition into tangible solutions that could shape the future of public transport in South Africa and beyond.
Watch Uthutho Interview below
