In a stunning display of talent and determination, two first-year computer science students from Stellenbosch University (SU) are gaining widespread recognition for their efforts to expose significant vulnerabilities in South Africa’s IT systems, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Veer Gosai (19) and Joel Cedras (18) have become household names after their investigation into fraud and weaknesses in the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) social grant payment system.
The duo first met in April 2024 during a university tutorial, where they bonded over shared passions for coding and IT projects developed during their high school years. Veer, a former Fourways High School student from Johannesburg, had already gained attention for his educational website, SA Papers, which provides past exam papers to South African learners. His platform saw over three million visitors in 2024, and now he is extending his work to countries like Rwanda and Zambia. Joel, a graduate of Protea Heights Academy in Brackenfell, has been honing his coding skills since primary school and currently works as a freelance web developer.
Their breakthrough moment came when they uncovered flaws in the SASSA’s Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant system, revealing serious fraud risks. The investigation was covered widely in the media, including by eNCA, SABC, and You Magazine. Their work caught the attention of Ms. Nokuzola Tolashe, Minister for Social Development, who commended the students for their contributions.
Veer and Joel have used JavaScript and Python in their investigations, and they credit their university studies for helping them refine their coding skills. Now, the two students are committed to improving South African IT infrastructure by uncovering vulnerabilities in both public and private sector systems. They are already working on new investigations, with a focus on exposing private company weaknesses.
The students’ work has been supported by Dr. Nathan Geffen, editor-in-chief of GroundUp, who helped guide their ethical reporting. Their investigations are not just about exposing flaws but also advocating for changes that protect the most vulnerable South Africans.
Despite their newfound celebrity status, Veer and Joel remain focused on their mission. ‘We’re just two first-year computer science students, and we’re determined to make a difference,’ they say.
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Picture: Stellenbosch University
