Big challenge for Zululander Sulakhe

RICHARDS Bay future scientist Sulakhe Nhassengo will be heading off to Johannesburg to competes in the finals of the HIP2B2 3M campaign after designing an apparatus that manufactures clean oxygen.

Responding to the high levels of air pollution produced by industries in Richards Bay, the Durban High School Grade 10 pupil Nhassengo and his partner Christiaan de Jager have designed a solar-powered oxygen manufacturing apparatus which transforms diatomic gases, most notably CO2, into harmless gas and fuels through electrolysis for a more sustainable environmental footprint.

‘Living in Richards Bay and experiencing the high levels of pollution, I saw a need. When we entered the competition we were trying to think of a global problem that affects everyone. That is when we decided to focus on global warming’ says Sulakhe.

‘The system can help solve the current energy crisis. It will help eradicate pollution causing chronic diseases. It can also solve the problem of oxygen availability in hospitals and can even be used in space travel.’

Sulakhe and his partner are among three pairs of KZN Grade 10 finalists in the HIP2B2 3M campaign.

The initiative engages Grade 10 pupils from about 100 schools in a series of problem-solving workshops designed to nurture an appreciation for science and mathematics in overcoming everyday challenges confronting them and their communities.

The aim of the competition is to help foster and inspire a culture of innovation among our youth that can change the everyday lives of communities for the better, as well as assist pupils with career development.

Sulakhe and De Jager will go up against pupils from Simons Town High School in the Western Cape who have been selected for their water heating shower device, and a team from Gauteng who have devised an a filler for potholes.