If you’ve come here via the tech4africa site or newsletter and you’re wondering what the big fuss is about. This site is currently undergoing redevelopment and a redesign. You can preview it here.

Until we meet at Tech4Africa I’d like to wish all other finalist the best of luck.

The Tech4Africa 2011 Innovation Award finalists are:

The Artist Project: ARTIST (Adaptive Real-Time Internet Streaming Technology) is a project focused on introducing an appropriate technology for low infrastructure regions (developing countries) to broadcast minimum-delay live video streams over the Internet with improved perceived picture quality than is currently possible with ‘off the shelf’ solutions.

iDRIVE.co.za: Helping to reduce the high number of road deaths in South Africa,iDRIVE.co.za is a digital platform which connects learner drivers with accredited and verified driving instructors.

Project Masiluleke: Project Masiluleke employs mobile phones and other technologies as high impact, low cost tools, in the fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa.

PayU Computing: PAYU aims to increase the availability of computing devices and Internet to the masses in East Africa by providing affordable access to these services.

Sentigol [Tendersure]: TenderSure is a web based tendering tool, designed to combat corruption and high costs often associated with the tender process, whilst offering free and fair competition.

Powertime: Powertime offers prepaid electricity users in South Africa the convenience of buying electricity on their mobile, whilst providing useful information on their energy usage and smart ways to contribute to more efficient use.

MISS: MISS (Mobile Information System Services) is an online (mobile and web) based public transport integrated communication system. It aims to provide a simple answer to the question: how do I get from A to B using public transport?

Evalunet: EvaluNet, an education software developer, creates simple educational software products that solve real problems that South African teachers and children face daily.

Snapbill: SnapBill is an automated billing system that allows you to easily sell your services online.

Whive: Whive, Social Media Platform, aims to enhance access of information to Africans including millions of mobile phone subscribers across Africa by using SMS technology to provide content in their local languages on their mobile phones.

TxtAlert: TxtAlert is a mobile techology platform designed to improve adherence to Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART). The system alerts ART patients about their next visits to the clinic. It also allows a patient to send a “please call me” message, free of charge, when they want to re-schedule their next clinic appointment.

See you at Tech4Africa 2011.

Kind Regards,

@rafiq

• Leave a comment...

Before you can start practising driving skills, you need to study for and pass your learner’s licence test. Only 40% of people pass their learner’s licence – however, with the right preparation you will pass the learner’s licence test first time.

1. – Prepare

Start with understanding what the test is all about. Then, make a study plan that allows you to learn all concepts in advance of the actual test. If you have already been exposed to the rules of the road, focus on improving your relatively weaker areas. Taking a practice test will help you know where you are weak vs. strong and would therefore be an important first step.

2. – Practise

Figure out the best way you learn. All of us have different preferences for learning, however, scientifically most of us recall and learn more if we practise questions and answers. Actually, you may recall as much as 50% more if you practise questions & mock tests versus if you just cram, so get get your hands dirty and start practising.

3. – Get Real

Don’t just use your online resource or sit inside with a book – sit inside a car and orient yourself to the car controls and the road, signs and environment around you. If you are catching a ride with others, practise recalling the rules, signs and road markings while you go along so you have something real to refer back to when you take the test.

There are many online resources for the learner’s licence test, including free eBooks and practise tools that tell you how you are progressing. African Licence is one of best resources – they are both cheaper and more user friendly than the books that are available – use them!

Once you have successfully studied your learner’s license, return to iDrive.co.za to find qualified driving school instructors that can help you pass your driver’s license test.

• Leave a comment...

Brian Coutts

As 2010 comes to a close we at iDRIVE.co.za are happy to announce that, with the addition of Brian Coutts of BJ’s Driving School, there are  now over 100 driving schools throughout Gauteng and the Western Cape to choose from.

Finding Driving Schools in South Africa only takes a few clicks, an SMS or email. We’d also like to take this opportunity to wish you a safe trip to your destination and back this festive season.

We at iDRIVE.co.za will continue to provide you with the best driving schools into 2011 and beyond.

• Leave a comment...