POLOKWANE – Two learners from Noorderland High School made waves with their water purification device at the South African Young Innovators Challenge in Johannesburg earlier this year.
The Gr 10 learners, Mitchell Ramonyai and Mpho Mashangoane, invented a water purification bucket system that is set to make a world of difference for people who do not have access to clean water.
Their invention landed them the Top Young Innovators award and they designed their prototype with the assistance of their physical sciences and technology teacher, Linu Thomas.
“In rural areas people depend on streams and rivers as their water source, however, the water from these sources are is not clean and poses a risk to their health. That is why we decided to create this bucket system so they can be able to have access to clean water,” Mpho explained.
She said the design enables people to take it along when they to fetch water, with the filtration system cleaning the water as they pour it into the bucket. Along with the filtering system, the bucket is also fitted with a solar panel which will store electricity to boil the water at the touch of a button. This will ensure the water is free of any harmful bacteria.
“The amount of time needed for the water to boil will depend on how much water is in the bucket, however, it will still be boiled in a relatively short time,” Mitchell added.
Mitchell, Mpho and their teacher each received a laptop along with R10 000 for the science department of their school as a result of the competition.
“They have always been exceptional learners and were chosen as finalists out of the seven teams from our school that submitted their projects. My role was to help them with the technical problems they encountered along with offering them any kind of support they might require during the competition,” Linu said.
“They are hardworking girls who always do their best and I am sure they have a really bright future ahead of them.”
Mitchell want to become a chemical engineer and continue to help people in their plight for clean water. Mpho wants to acquire a doctorate in chartered accountancy and move on to study zoology.
