Mashala hails from Lorraine village in GaSekororo and is passionate about cars and computers. “I started working on my bike in 2014 when I was still in high school,” he said. He said he used to cycle to school but struggled to get to school in time because of the distance. This challenge gave birth to this innovation; to invent a bicycle that runs on petrol to get him to school in time.
“I started by sharing it with my classmates during our science expo classes but they all laughed at me including my teacher,” said Mashala who is currently a computer systems student at Vaal University of Technology (VUT). “Little did I know that I was the only one with an imagination.” He did not let it discourage him and although he had many setbacks, he managed to get it right last year,” he said.
He said that he loves the fact that it can take him to his destination without any hassle, without sweating or tiring himself. “I just sit on it and drive as long as I have enough gasoline. It’s very fuel-efficient and I can do 80km with only 1.2 liters of petrol at an average speed of 55km/h. “The only hindering part of my bike is comfort and speed. I can reach 75km/h maximum speed depending on the weight and slope.
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“To me, it is a huge achievement. I’ve been working on it for ages and I’m still working on improving it. “My plans are to improve it to include a 4-wheeler with a shield and roof to keep the driver safe from the weather. He says with the massive hike in fuel prices, he hopes to make his 4-wheeler fully electrical and affordable to everyone. He says his prototype is not yet ready for the market.
“My bike allows you to get to your destination easier and faster than any bicycle. I get a lot of attention when I cycle but I am used to it now,” he said. Mashaba’s talents do not stop with his bike. He has also developed a multi-vendor website and mobile app for delivery for grocery shops, restaurants, and liquor shops. He is hoping that it will take off with SMMEs in the Mopani district.
“The bigger plan in finishing the bike invention was to use them as delivery bikes but with the cost of petrol I will now rather opt to go for electrical bikes.” He said he is in need of sponsors to fund his project. “It took me from 2014 to 2021 to build my bike but I now can do it in seven days,” he concluded. Contact him on 072 477 5308.
