Extended Reality

Founder, Mmuso Mafisa on representing South Africa for the Creative Business Cup global annual event in Copenhagen

By Busiswa Lutshaba

Mmuso Mafisa is the Founder of Veza Interactive, a cuttingedge Extended Reality (XR) company that is revolutionizing the way people and communities learn and engage with digital content. With an additional focus in providing immersive and interactive experiences, for both skills training and advertising, Mmuso, is the national winner of the Creative Business South Africa, who had the opportunity to represent South Africa in the global finale held in Copenhagen between the 4th & 5th of June 2023.

He embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery and learning as a participant. This exhilarating experience not only broadened his horizons but has also provided invaluable insights into the world of innovative entrepreneurship.

"One aspect that struck me profoundly was the immense impact of global platforms in empowering small startups to network, connect with potential investors, and forge practical and conducive collaborations" - says Mmuso.

“These platforms act as catalysts propelling early-stage ventures towards their goals by leveraging technology, capital, and knowledge. Coming from a tiny township in Randfontein, Mohlakeng, Johannesburg, South Africa being part of an initiative of this magnitude is the stuff that dreams are made of,” Mmuso continued.

Veza Interactive is a boutique Extended Reality (XR) company that was born from the harsh conditions placed in the Education landscape through Covid-19 adversities. The goal is to revolutionize how both primary-level and high-school students are taught in and out of classrooms by using different Game engines. This method and approach make education fun and exciting through immersive learning mobile applications and experiences.

The conviction and drive for this unique innovation was the realization that 80% of school learners in Grade 8 cannot read to comprehend. In addition, 10-year-olds in South Africa are faced with the same learning challenge.

Mmuso is extremely appreciative of HYBR Group Southern Africa team, as the SA national hosts for selecting him and Veza Interactive to represent South Africa at the global Creative Business Cup for the year 2023.

"In today's fast-paced business landscape, the significance of networking cannot be overstated" - Mmuso expresses.

Looking beyond the realm of global platforms, it is impossible to disregard the tremendous potential that Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) hold for both companies and educational institutions. These immersive technologies have the power to revolutionize how businesses operate and how students learn. This is why the HYBR Group felt strongly about granting the opportunity to Veza Interactive as this year's 2023 startup representative.

Growth opportunities offered by VR and AR innovation

For companies, VR and AR offer unparalleled opportunities to enhance productivity, efficiency, and customer experiences. By creating virtual environments that simulate real-world scenarios, businesses can optimize training programs, allowing employees to gain practical skills and knowledge in a safe and controlled setting. Moreover, these technologies enable remote collaboration transcending geographical boundaries and fostering seamless communication between teams dispersed across the globe.

In the EdTech space, XR has the potential to transform traditional classrooms into immersive and interactive learning environments. By augmenting educational content with virtual objects, simulations, and gamification elements, students can engage in experiential learning thus reinforcing comprehension and retention.

These technologies enable educators to break free from the confines of textbooks and empower students to explore subjects through captivating multisensory experiences. Transforming learning from a miserable chore into a breath-taking experience.

"My journey through the Creative Business Cup Copenhagen and as the SA representative has not only deepened my understanding of the pivotal role that global platforms play in empowering startups, but it has also opened my eyes to the transformative potential Veza Interactive has to empower learners all over the globe and not just in South Africa,” Mmuso says.

As an entrepreneur dedicated to innovation and growth, Mmuso aims to embrace these technological advancements and explore the myriad opportunities they offer to shape the future of businesses and education, focusing on the betterment of Africa and the globe at large.