Nhubunga is no ordinary Bob
When other teenage boys are playing soccer after school, 18-year-old Bob Nhubunga is making remote controlled cars and aeroplanes.
Nhubunga born and bred in Mariveni Village outside Tzaneen developed a passion for making cars when he was doing grade six at Mariveni Primary School years back.
“I was always fascinated by cars and how electrical cables worked and I started assembling different objects together and somehow it worked. I have made an aeroplane, different luxurious brand cars and other electrical toys,” he explained.
In high school he started taking his hobby seriously by taking physical science studies, which improved his knowledge in especially electronics. He makes most of his inventions from recycled materials such as corragated iron sheets, steel pipes and other materials. After school he earns extra money by fixing household electrical appliances such as kettles, TV’s and cellphones.
Despite all this, he had to endure a lot of discouragement from people who said it was impossible for him to succeed as an engineer and an electrician mainly because of his background. However, the self taught engineer did does allow negativity to stop him from working on his dream.
“My dream is to one day build my own car, or even have my own car workshop where I will fix many cars,” he added.
He is currently doing grade 10 at Zivuko Secondary School and he says that he wants to study electrical or mechanical engineering at a technical college.
Nhubunga appeals to the community including businesses, especially automotive companies, to assist him with mentorship so that he can realise his dreams.
With his passion, dedication and skills the town can soon have its very own Henry Ford. Anyone interested in assisting him can contact Bob on 063-586-1628.
