Durban Programmer Wins R100 000 For Developing Top Mxit Pc Client Application

MEDIA RELEASE 2009

03 JULY

Durban programmer wins R100 000 for developing top MXit PC client application Competition kicks off future part-open-source applications for MXit MXit, the South African mobile social network and instant messaging giant, today announced the winner of the MXit PC client competition at an awards dinner in Stellenbosch. C Stranex, a Durban-based developer and MXit user, won R100 000 in the competition, which ran from April to June and garnered over 110 global application entries. The winning PC client for MXit was developed in Python and is called Blendit. “Even though the competition deadline was tight, Stranex managed to submit a finished product that was stable, functional and extremely well designed. The application - that runs on both Windows and Linux - is lightweight and not too flashy or intrusive and fits the MXit culture perfectly. Blendit carries all of the regular instant messaging features, as well as MXit specific elements like group messaging, clickable links and file sending,” says Pieter Nel, MXit Chief Technology Officer. “The rationale for the launch of the PC client competition is to demonstrate that innovation comes from the very core of our community. Our philosophy has always been to have MXit users drive our innovation; and the incredible talent demonstrated in this competition proves that we are on the right track by inviting global programmers to participate in our partly open source community. We’re very pleased with the quality of entries received and believe that our first, second and third place winners are more than worthy of their awards,” said Herman Heunis, CEO and founder of MXit. Second place winners M Bowes, T Sjoberg and R Baxter submitted a combined entry called MXitC written in the C++ language. It is a customisable client that allows the user to change the appearance in any way they like – menus, windows and skinz can all be tailored to the MXit users’ preference. Third place winner R Skeens, submitted a Java based application with some very good ideas. Although the application was impressive in its own right, it missed a few vital features and was just pipped at the post by the MXitC submission. The top five applications will be available for download as of 06 July 2009 in the MXit Developer Zone (http://devzone.mxit.com). The Developer Zone was created in response to budding developers and MXit users creating applications for the mobile social network and instant messenger. “The MXit Development portal provides an interface where users can log issues directly with the developers of each application, and in this way we build a community of developers and users who continuously innovate and improve on their software. MXit’s Managing Director Directors

HH Heunis JM Freeman AA Roux

MXit Lifestyle (Pty) Ltd Riesling House, Brandwacht Office Park, Trumali Road, Stellenbosch 7600 RSA PO Box 12302, Die Boord, Stellenbosch 7613 RSA T: +27 21 888 7000 F: +27 21 883 8123 www.mxit.com

goal is to continue to support external developers who want to develop applications for the MXit platform and we encourage all keen software developers to get involved and use the MXit Devzone”, says Nel. .../2

-2In order for a developer to submit their application they will have to register on the development landing page on the MXit website (http://devzone.mxit.com). Says Heunis “This underpins our continual strategy to inspire the evolution of technology. The idea is to connect with users by encouraging creativity and we look forward to building a strong relationship with developers.” “Given the strong MXit user base and the versatility of the MXit platform, the right to develop is a ‘no brainer.’ We’re excited to see how our open approach will push new boundaries of instant messaging development and are eager for all enthusiasts to share their creations with the MXit community,” concludes Heunis. MXit is a free instant messaging application for mobile phones. It allows members to chat to other MXit users anywhere in the world by means of instant messages to and from mobile phones using GPRS or 3G - instead of using standard SMS technology which is expensive. The search for a PC client was the logical next step in MXit’s evolution. All of the MXit open source projects are available for download http://devzone.mxit.com. Users are encouraged to participate by downloading these applications, testing them, providing feedback to the developers.

EndsAbout MXit MXit is a global mobile instant messaging and social network that allows users to chat to one another on their mobile phones or pc anywhere in the world. It also allows users to send text and multimedia messages to and from mobile phones and PCs using GPRS or 3G instead of using standard SMS technology, which is expensive. MXit delights its users by continuously unveiling social networking, entertainment, communication and lifestyle features that benefit and enrich their lives. This commitment towards innovation is the cornerstone of its success. MXit is a new generation company that boasts close to 14 million global registered users. It attracts more than 18 000 new users per day. It is in constant evolution to match the needs of its users and is set on becoming one of the biggest instant messaging mobile networks in the world and the preferred mobile social network for communicating with young people in Africa, South East Asia, South America and the rest of the world.

Managing Director Directors

HH Heunis JM Freeman AA Roux

MXit Lifestyle (Pty) Ltd Riesling House, Brandwacht Office Park, Trumali Road, Stellenbosch 7600 RSA PO Box 12302, Die Boord, Stellenbosch 7613 RSA T: +27 21 888 7000 F: +27 21 883 8123 www.mxit.com

MXit first introduced mobile instant messaging to South Africa in May 2005. To download MXit: Open your mobile browser, type in www.mxit.com/wap and simply follow the prompts. Issued by:

FD Beachhead

Sandra Sampayo Jean Dennis

Managing Director Directors

079 167 6863 or 021 487 9000 [email protected] 083 500 5302 or 021 487 9000 [email protected]

HH Heunis JM Freeman AA Roux

MXit Lifestyle (Pty) Ltd Riesling House, Brandwacht Office Park, Trumali Road, Stellenbosch 7600 RSA PO Box 12302, Die Boord, Stellenbosch 7613 RSA T: +27 21 888 7000 F: +27 21 883 8123 www.mxit.com