Tech savvy scientist bags award at 100 Ekurhuleni Shining Stars Awards
Airport Park resident Dev Mamabolo was acknowledged for his science and technology contributions.
The fourth industrial revolution is upon us, and as communities seek to fuse various industries and technology, one local scientist is already set to rule during this era.
Dev Mamabolo, the founder of Kosta Foundation, a business which encourages learners to learn about the importance of science and technology, has bagged another prestigious award for his efforts.
Over 600 candidates were nominated in the 100 Ekurhuleni Shining Stars 2018 programme in November and Dev was among those noted for doing amazing work in their communities.
Nominations were reduced to 200 finalists and then voting began.
The voting ran for four months and winners were announced by the executive mayor of the metro, Clr Mzwandile Masina, at a special awards ceremony at Emperors Palace, recently.
Through a partnership with Inside Education, the metro looked for hugely talented under-35s who were challenging the norm and changing the region for the better in their chosen fields.
At the awards, Dev was the recipient of the Ekurhuleni Shining Star Award in the category of science and technology.
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As a young boy, Dev had a knack for science and aspired to one day become a scientist.
Growing up and excelling in his studies, he thought he was ahead of his peers until he arrived at university and realised his high school had been lacking in resources and he was behind on certain curriculums.
“I had to write a lab report at university, which is something I should have learnt in high school, but due to a lack of resources I was caught at a disadvantage,” Dev recalled.
With this daunting memory in mind, Dev was able to propel to greatness and inspire those who follow behind him.
Five years ago he got involved in a joint venture with the metro and the Gauteng Department of Education to coordinate the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.
“At the Ekurhuleni Science Fair, we encourage learners from Grade Five to Grade 12 to do research projects following the same methodology as someone studying towards completing their honours or masters,” he said.
“This process equips them further in their current school curriculums and sets them up for success in their future studies.”
Annually, about 30 learners attend the exhibition to exhibit their scientific solution to everyday problems.
Not only is this exercise fun, but learners get to win amazing prizes and stand a chance to participate in the National Science Fair.
ALSO READ: Taking science to the community
“We want to equip learners for the future, it needs thinkers and innovators,” said Dev.
“Our reality is that learners no longer go to varsity just to obtain a junior degree and get into the job market, they have new skills allowing them to explore various entrepreneurial opportunities.
“This new revolution is moving fast and so should our knowledge on it.”
This year, Dev and Kosta Foundation have big plans, such as running a prostate cancer awareness campaign and starting science clubs at a number of local schools.
“Learners will be split into groups of 10 and challenged to come up with various solutions and innovative ideas to better understand artificial intelligence,” he said.
“Our main theme will be preparing our communities for the fourth industrial revolution.”
Dev, who previously won the man of the year award, said it was an honour for his name to now be synonymous with the science and technology industry across Ekurhuleni.
“As an ambassador of these two awards, I have to be at the forefront of the industry and aspire to achieve more than I have already.”
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