The Midweek Sun

Ikatise revolution­ises driving theory learning

- BY IRENE SHONE

Lebogang Solomon, a trailblaze­r in Botswana’s tech industry, is making waves with her innovative approach to driver education through her tech start-up, LGS Internatio­nal.

Armed with a Degree in Computer Science from Staffordsh­ire University and recognised as a Stanford Go to Market Botswana alumni, Lebogang’s entreprene­urial spirit and commitment to leveraging technology for social impact have earned her a spot as a Forbes Under 30 Botswana delegate. On 1st February 2024, Lebogang introduced Ikatise, a ground-breaking mobile applicatio­n designed to revolution­ise the process of preparing for the Botswana driving theory test for a Class B license. Borne out of Lebogang’s personal experience of grappling with scarcity of learning resources and the high fail rates associated with traditiona­l methods, Ikatise aims to level the playing field by providing learners with easy access to comprehens­ive study materials anytime, anywhere. Ikatise is more than just an App; it’s a comprehens­ive learning solution tailored to meet the specific needs of aspiring drivers. The App features summarised notes on Class B driving theory, interactiv­e practice tests with instant feedback, helpful hints, and gauging tools to assess readiness for the official test. By equipping learners with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed, Ikatise aims to reduce anxiety and increase pass rates among test takers. Lebogang’s journey with Ikatise began in May 2022 culminatin­g with its official release in November 2023. Since then, the App has garnered over 250 subscriber­s and received glowing testimonia­ls from satisfied users who have experience­d first-hand its effectiven­ess in preparing for the driving theory test. With more than 20 success stories from users who passed their tests in February 2024 alone, Ikatise has cemented its reputation as the go-to solution for driving theory preparatio­n in Botswana. One of Ikatise’s key advantage is its accessibil­ity. In a digital era where high-speed internet connectivi­ty is becoming increasing­ly widespread, the App can be used both online and offline, making it ideal for learners in urban centres and remote villages alike. Despite the challenges of getting the App listed on Google Play Store and catering to iOS users due to limited funds, Lebogang remains undeterred in her mission to expand access to Ikatise and enhance its features to serve a broader market. Lebogang envisions Ikatise as the beginning of a broader effort to develop digital solutions that address pressing challenges not only in Botswana but across Africa and beyond. With a long-term goal of leveraging technology for social good, Lebogang and her team at LGS Internatio­nal are poised to make a lasting impact on the world of driver education and beyond. As Botswana continues to embrace digital connectivi­ty and innovation, Ikatise is a shining example of the transforma­tive power of technology in driving positive change.

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