Young innovators explore solutions unique to community needs
The North West Province government is pulling all strings in making sure that the commitment of working with unemployed young people and small businesses on Youth Digital Skilling Programme becomes a reality.
The programme is invested towards providing skills in Software, App and Web development, Artificial Intelligence and robotics as major skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), which drives economic growth and job creation in the country.
This initiative is part of the pronouncements made by the Premier of the North West Province, Prof Job Mokgoro in his 2021 State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Mahikeng recently. Premier Mokgoro mentioned that the province has established Mahikeng Digital Innovation Hub (MDIHub) to unearth and cultivate innovative solutions that will ultimately assist entrepreneurs and communities to adapt to the vast changing technological world, while creating new business pipelines and sustainable jobs for the people of the province.
MDIHub is the champion of Digital Transformation which is rolled-out by Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism in partnership with Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) is aimed at facilitating and developing entrepreneurship skills using technology and digital tools to improve small businesses in the province
One of the beneficiaries of the Youth Digital Skilling Programme is Kevin Moji; a 23 years old from Schweizer-Reneke who is a young technocrat currently working on an innovation called “Smart Candle.” According to Moji, his innovation has three (3) major features i.e. the candle has a 24 hour burn time, it is self-extinguishing when it falls over and it produces extra light more than a normal candle.
Moji said the idea of a smart candle came through his childhood background. He grew up in a shack in Lenasia and has experience the struggles of getting by on daily basis without proper lighting.
“This innovation will go a long way in reducing the loss of loved ones, destruction of homes and properties in our communities especially in informal settlement where they do not have access to electricity, and will also make lighting much more affordable and safer to our communities,” he said.
Another innovator, Paula Maseko residing in Mahikeng, the founder of Buhle Bomqhele Company operating that produces organic hair products for black individuals with natural hair. Maseko is currently working on an innovation called “Hydra-Comb” which has the function of detangling hair faster and an easy way of maintaining natural hair. She highlighted that she has observed that most black females often opt to straighten or relax hair or wear weaves rather than maintaining their natural hairs and being proud about it as a way of conserving their culture.
The two (2) gave their insights on how the MDIHub played a major role in their entrepreneurship path. Maseko added that before joining the hub, the idea seemed almost absurd and impossible to be brought to life, but after she attended training offered by MDIHub she took in that her wildest idea have potential of becoming practical.
“I hope my innovation will encourage other trendsetters to bring their ideas to life. I really applaud government efforts in making sure that entrepreneurship becomes common practice and to involve young people in investment projects that will have an impact on their existence and create sustainable jobs”, said Paula.
Both innovations are still at the initial stages and will have to undergo certain phases and South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) tests before they can be approved for commercial use.
Moji and Maseko relayed their gratitude to the CEO of Mahikeng Digital Innovation Hub Commissioner and member of Presidential Commission Mr Ndaba, for always being persistent in pushing them to work harder and to do things differently to promote localisation in the sector. The two intends to transfer skills and create decent jobs for other young people in the North West Province and country at large.
Enquiries
Baabua Thukubi
Cell: 082 374 7161
