South Africa’s Nedbank has named the winners of its 2026 N*ovation Data and Analytics Masters Challenge after several weeks of virtual competition and a final live event in Johannesburg.
The national challenge is designed to identify some of South Africa’s strongest data and analytics talent. This year’s finalists were tested on their ability to solve complex, real-world banking problems using data engineering, data science and machine learning skills.
In the data engineering category, Mogale Thobejane took first place, followed by Tshifhiwa Gift Moila in second and Tinashe Chinyati in third.
The data science and machine learning category was won by Edward Rycroft, with Alex Jacobs finishing second and Vusani Khosa taking third place.
Together, the contestants shared ZAR500,000, approximately US$30,000, in prize money.
Top performers from the challenge will also benefit from a fast-tracked recruitment process, as Nedbank continues to invest in future-ready data and analytics capabilities.
The challenge was held in collaboration with partners including OfferZen, Zindi, Otinga and Microsoft, helping connect high-performing talent with potential career opportunities in the data and banking sectors.