Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Maties duo create app that fellow students can dine out on
A STELLENBOSCH University pair are trying to help students save money with a new app.
Arnold Hattingh and Jené Venter recently created DJOL, an Afrikaans slang word for having a blast of a time.
The app will help students discover restaurants which have specials on their food, beverages and deals of the day.
The idea came when the duo went to a restaurant in Cape Town and, to their surprise, the diner had numerous specials which they did not know about.
Hattingh said he wanted to make his first year at university exciting. and in the process help his friends save money.
“Student life can be an epic adventure, but budgets are tight. So hopefully DJOL can help students drink more wine and eat a lot more pizza.
“The less you pay the more other fun stuff you can do with your friends. Not everyone can afford to eat out, but some of the specials are so good that more students can enjoy going out to a restaurant,” he said.
DJOL is only available to Stellenbosch University students. However, the former Hoërskool DF Malan pupils are hoping to expand this app to universities across South Africa.
Hattingh said students at UCT can expect to use the app when they return to university in the fourth term.
“Long Street and Kloof Street, we’re coming for you,” he said.
Venter said she was a sucker for good bargaining.
“DJOL also brings people together. My friends and I eat out way more now as we can see all the specials in one place. And of course I also really enjoy the app since it helps me save money, which is always a big plus,”she said.
The app is completely free and can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play Store.
Venter said the app is well designed and easy to use.
“Arnold did a fantastic job with the graphics and design of the app. The app also stands out because of its purpose, which is to help people save.
“We also have an amazing group of friends and family that supports us. They played a major role in the development and publication of the app,” she said.
A friend of the pair, Gabi dos Santos, said DJOL was a vital app which every student needs.
“Not only have I been saving money, but I have also discovered new restaurants and deals that I would not have seen otherwise. This app not only satisfies the needs of budget-friendly dining but also reflects the atmosphere in Stellenbosch,” she said.