Participating pupils are required to submit smart business ideas that seek and provide solutions to problems, wants and needs in their communities, and to generate ideas for commercially viable products or services.

Participating pupils are required to submit smart business ideas that seek and provide solutions to problems, wants and needs in their communities, and to generate ideas for commercially viable products or services.

Shonisani Muleya, the brainy funnyman affectionately known as DJ Shabba, will continue his crucial role as Smart Young Mindz celebrity ambassador.

DJ Shabba will lead a special roadshow to 10 schools involving hundreds of pupils in grades 8, 9 and 10.

Senior Gauteng Education Department official Don Harripesad says the challenge is an ideal opportunity for the province's pupils.

Harripesad says the fact that the challenge is aligned to the curriculum "provides an integrated approach to using knowledge, skills and values for problem solving in the subject of technology".

Blue IQ chief executive Nomhle Canca says this about Smart Young Mindz: "One of the Gauteng government's objectives, which is driven by Blue IQ, is to ensure that the province has a good supply of appropriate human capital - as in highly qualified and skilled people. This means that the focus of the Smart Young Mindz challenge and competition is on the youth."

Sowetan, through the Aggrey Klaaste Nation Building Foundation, supports the Smart Young Mindz's objective.

The main aim is to help demystify mathematics, physical science, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation. - Victor Mecoamere