Finding solutions through science and technology
Finding solutions through science and technology
Hip2B2 3M Innovation Challenge and their facilitators
Puleng Maphisa
The Hip2B2 3M Innovation Challenge invited six learners from different Quintile Three schools to the Vaal University of Technology (VUT). Each learner had to come up with a display board presenting a problem that needed to be solved by a 3D printing method.
The scholars needed to identify the problem around their schools, community or home and design a solution. They were grouped into three teams.
The first team, comprising Joseph Mdluli (Grade 10) and Trevor Simelane (Grade 9) from Mandlesive Secondary School in Mpumalanga designed the Fire Rescue Robot which aims to assist the fire department reduce the number of fire disasters that take place in the country, especially in rural areas.
The second team of Hudson Mushaninga and Thokozani Mlauzi (both Grade 11) from Mahube Valley Secondary School in Gauteng designed the Electronic Litter-Free School Suitcase. This waterproof backpack made from recycled plastic can be used to recharge laptops and cellphones.
The third team comprise of Nomvula Ledwaba (Grade 11), who is the sister and teammate to Elizabeth Ledwaba (Grade 9) from Mahube Valley Secondary School in Gauteng created the Magnificent School Suitcase. The team designed a solar suitcase that will be used mostly by learners in rural areas travelling long distances to school. The bag will charge a battery while they walk in the sun and can be used for a lamp at night to do their homework. This is the first time in the history of the Challenge that two siblings and two teams from the same school and province make it to the finals
The ladies said that people think that being a genius is only for those who are clever at school but it is also those who do handy work. “People say that girls are shy and we can’t do anything, but we here today to prove them wrong,” said Nomvula.
The teams had two days to learn to design using 3D CAD software, and also print their designs using a 3D printer at the Idea2Product Lab (Main Campus) office A04-11A with assistance from Mr. Godfrey Nwanekah (Lab Technician) and who also happen to be one of the two Judges at the final which took place in 3M Headquarter on 24th October 2018 for the second year running. Mr. Godfrey who is also an Alumni of Enactus, included two current members from Enactus and two co-founders of One-Rand-Campaign to assist the learners with presentation skills, financial planning/education, interpersonal skills and more for two days. The learners also tour the VUT Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park to see some of the start of the art facility and inspired them to keep studying unto university level and create jobs for the future. And Mr. Zacharia Moalahi and Mr. Moeketsi Montshitsi was at the final, exhibited VUTSGTP, interacted with the learners from different schools across the province about their future aspirations and likewise met two of 2014 finalist who are currently in their second year in varsity and are also entrepreneurs.
The team from Joseph Mdluli and Trevor Simelane from Mandlesive Secondary School in Mpumalanga came in first place, while Nomvula Ledwaba and Elizabeth Ledwaba came second place and Hudson Mushaninga and Thokozani Mlauzi came third place from Mahube Valley Secondary School from Mamellodi in Gauteng.