The QuirkStars would like to congratulate one of their own, Rafiq Phillips, on leaving the 9th Annual ICT Achievers Awards Ceremony with the Top Youth Innovator Award for 2007. This prestigious award was in recognition of Rafiq’s contribution to ICT in Africa; and more specifically was for Rafiq’s part in developing and marketing the site, iDRIVE.co.za. 

The iDRIVE site is a portal to the driver education and training industry in South Africa. A mobile platform that was started in 2005, it is a driving instructor search engine that hosts only certified, reputable driving schools and can be accessed by anyone using an Internet-enabled cell phone, MXit or a computer.
Users are able to search for a driving school, and contact them either via the telephone, or and sms or email. The innovation of which Rafiq is particular proud is the automated communication platform, used in conjunction with MXit. The first of its kind, it ensures the ultimate convenience for users wishing to source a driving school or book some lessons.   

The awards are a partnership between ForgeAhead and the Department of Communications and are aimed at recognising those organisations and individuals that make a contribution to African communications and recognise the challenges that the industry faces. The focus is on social investment and the awards’ criteria include evidence of entrepreneurship, innovation or having touched the lives of a community that is less fortunate.

Once again, congratulations Rafiq!

For those who weren’t there to experience all the drama and excitement first hand, Rafiq’s continual micro-blogging on Twitter allowed many supporters and friends to follow the evening preceding and get a feel for the unfolding events. To relive it, check out, http://twitter.com/rafiq or http://twitter.com/ircmaidon.