Soweto: Seati Moloi of Soweto in Johannesburg is a software developer who is disrupting the tech industry by putting proudly South African wearable devices in the global market.
According to South African Government News Agency, Moloi, a computer science professional, was part of the group categorized under affirmative action due to the historical dominance of his profession by white people under the apartheid government. After beginning his career at a South African banking institution as a software developer, he ventured into entrepreneurship and founded Khoi Tech, where he now serves as CEO.
Khoi Tech, based in Soweto, specializes in designing and manufacturing wearable technology devices that enhance health monitoring and performance management. These include smartwatches and wireless earphones. The company provides solutions for employee wellness, doctor-to-patient remote monitoring, and fatigue management, as well as data analytics for sports teams. These innovations offer actionable data for proactive interventions, particularly in healthcare, transport, mining, and elder care settings.
Moloi launched his business during the COVID-19 pandemic after running several tech-related ventures with friends, creating the Khoi Afriwatch1 smartwatch, which delivers real-time health data. The company received a R500,000 grant from Telkom's FutureMakers programme in 2022, allowing the smartwatch to achieve 94% accuracy in health metrics.
Furthermore, Khoi Tech has partnered with Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital to remotely monitor 30 lung cancer patients using the smartwatch. Moloi believes this initiative helps the hospital improve service delivery due to limited patient accommodation. There are plans to expand the program to 150 patients and eventually to 1,000.
Telkom has been a significant partner, providing funding, mentorship, training, market access, and procurement opportunities. Telkom distributes Khoi Tech products across more than 300 stores nationwide and offers marketing support. In May, Khoi Tech will launch its first walk-in store in Centurion, Gauteng, in partnership with Telkom.
Khoi Tech products are available at Makro stores and various chain stores across Soweto. While the company contracts an international manufacturer to produce its devices, the intellectual property remains local and is fully owned by Khoi Tech, anchoring innovation and brand equity in South Africa.
In November 2024, Khoi Tech unveiled the Khoi Afripods1 True Wireless Earphones, featuring African aesthetics. All products are certified by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to ensure safety. Moloi is committed to challenging global consumer electronics brands by highlighting African innovation.
Since its inception, Khoi Tech has expanded from four software developers to 20 employees and is a member of Proudly South African, a platform providing access to new markets.
For more information, visit www.khoi.africa or email [email protected]. Telkom's Future-Makers Programme details can be found at www.group.telkom.co.za/about-us/business-units.html.
This story first appeared in Vuk'uzenzele.
