Inventors, investors link up

GENESIS hosted an exhibition in Thohoyandou on Saturday that aimed to connect investors with young inventors in the area.

Genesis is an organisation that helps young people reach their potential through various projects. The event was sponsored by several Limpopo based businesses.

Lindambilu Reinhard Makhuvha, CEO of Genesis, said they helped young inventors by linking them with investors and ensured the inventors were primary shareholders of any deals with the investors.

“We also link investors with donors, funding opportunities and bursaries. We want to be part of the educational curriculum and identify inventor talent from as early as gr. 5. We want to reach the learners before they choose subject streams in gr. 7.

“Their choices should be based on their talents. All we want is to see them own their inventions, develop their own brands and become entrepreneurs who create employment,” said Makhuvha.

Ishe Mafadza, managing director of event sponsor, Moringa Ice Tea, said the aim of the initiative was to identify talented young people.

“We have seen the potential in some young people and have dedicated ourselves to help them with information.

“Moringa Ice Tea is a black owned company and we are willing to help young people with anything they might need to succeed.

“We gave today’s exhibitors a data bundle voucher each so that they can do proper internet research,” said Mafadza.

Tawanayasha Chishamba, one of the young inventors at the event, said he designed a unique hydro-electricity power station, but that it was difficult at first to find the materials.

“I first did research to find out which hydraulics electric power stations use and then decided to come up with my own design, a cyclo hydro electricity power station, which is cheaper, accessible and can be located in any area where there is a high demand for electricity.

“I want to increase the actual supply of electricity in South Africa and decrease the demand for electricity and possible load shedding,” said Chishamba.

He said when the electricity demand grows too high, residents, cities and manufacturing industries become victims of load shedding.