Third-year BSocSci student Tumo Masire has launched Rona Tracker SA, a website that tracks the spread and health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa in real-time.

Masire, who is also a freelance developer, started Rona Tracker in SA, when the severity of the plague and its impact began to sink in for many South Africans.

"I was inspired to start it last month (7^th of April) as I was unable to find an appealing version online aimed primarily at South Africa [particularly regarding] provincial information," said Masire. "I finally have a version I am happy with. The main goal was to leverage my design and thinking skills garnered through UCT to create an appealing site, that would give current and historical data.

"It was certainly a long and challenging process that involved a lot of research, planning on pen and paper with my Lamy, and learning of new tools and technologies – nothing compared to a third-year Politics essay, however!" he added. "It is an attempt to help provide a source of reliable and up-to-date information. Essentially, it follows Dr Zweli Mkhize's Twitter account, and attempts to update the information automatically using government and news sites.

Masire plans to zero-rate Rona Tracker SA, to ensure broad access to the critical information.