At Tembisa West Secondary School, a remarkable invention called the “AquaBot Guardian” has garnered attention and accolades. This innovative creation propelled Siyabonga Khuzwayo, a 16-year-old student, and his mentor, Kiew Mthombeni, to victory in the provincial innovation category of the national Youth Water Prize competition in Gauteng. Their invention, resembling a box-like robot, utilizes a unique pincer-type movement to collect debris and pollutants from water bodies.
The inspiration behind the AquaBot Guardian stemmed from the dire environmental situation in Thembisa, where a local river remained perpetually contaminated, emitting foul odors. Mthombeni shared, “The motivation behind the robot stems from our living situation in Thembisa. There is a river that is constantly dirty and the water smells.” Determined to address this issue in a practical and cost-effective manner, the duo utilized everyday materials such as cardboard, toothpicks, and a syringe to construct their artificial cleaning robot. Through coding, the AquaBot Guardian can identify and extract dirt and unwanted particles from the water, depositing them into a designated holding bag.
Khuzwayo expressed his elation upon winning, stating, “The robot can clean dams and rivers. When we won, I was happy.” Their success at the provincial level has earned them the opportunity to compete at the national stage of the competition, which invites students in grades 9 to 11 to devise innovative solutions for real-world water, sanitation, or environmental challenges within their communities. The upcoming national event, to be held in Kempton Park, will determine the overall winner who will represent South Africa at the prestigious Stockholm Junior Water Prize event.
Wisane Mavasa, a spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation, highlighted the significant incentives awaiting the national winners, including cash prizes and bursaries for pursuing water-related careers. This recognition not only celebrates the ingenuity of young minds but also underscores the importance of nurturing innovative solutions to environmental issues.
The AquaBot Guardian serves as a testament to the power of creativity and determination in addressing pressing environmental concerns. Through their inventive approach, Khuzwayo and Mthombeni have not only devised a practical solution for cleaning polluted water bodies but have also inspired a generation of young innovators to actively engage in environmental conservation efforts.
As we witness the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on our planet, initiatives like the AquaBot Guardian offer a glimmer of hope for a sustainable future. By empowering young individuals to tackle environmental challenges head-on, we pave the way for a more resilient and ecologically conscious society. The story of the Thembisa school team reminds us that even the simplest materials and ideas can catalyze profound change when driven by passion and purpose.
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