A LIVEWIRE Zululand pupil has ‘sparked’ her way to the top, winning an international invention award and a R1-million scholarship.
Bright Sinenhlanhla Dlamini (17) from Ongoye Secondary School in KwaDlangezwa claimed the honours at the 2016 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) competition in Boksburg last week.
Not only did her ‘Smart Home Energy Saver’ invention place her in the top spot, but the million rand all expenses paid scholarship will enable her to continue her studies in Germany courtesy of Siemens.
She will join the Werner-von-Siemens Vocational School and the Siemens Professional Education Lab, where she will study electrical electronics engineering.
The energetic Sinenhlanhla from eSikhaleni outshone more than 580 finalists from all over the world.
‘It’s more than a dream come true. I am still overwhelmed,’ Dlamini said this week.
Her energy saver device which is connected to the distribution box helps reduce home energy usage.
It monitors home appliances such as stoves, geysers, heaters and even television sets.
It uses motion sensors and smoke detectors to ensure appliances are switch off when the owner leaves the home, which will help save electricity.
‘These sensors can detect whether there is someone in the house and will then switch on all relevant appliances when the person enters the home,’ she explained.
Sinenhlanhla was hit by this ground-breaking idea while sitting in her home.
‘I realised how electricity is being wasted sometimes and wanted to come up with something that can contribute to saving energy.
Despite limited resources at her township school, Sinenhlahla found assistance from her life science teacher Simo Manzi, who helped monitor the design of the device.
Speaking to the Zululand Observer, Manzi, said Sinenhlanhla’s achievement will put the region and the country on the map.
‘I am beyond proud, just too excited to have produced such a smart learner who despite all her challenges persisted to come out on top.’
KZN Eskom general manager Monde Bala and the provincial executive committee honoured this young talented learner at a mid-morning tea at the Eskom offices in New Germany.
‘Such an achievement must be recognised and celebrated. Sinenhlanhla has made KZN proud by placing us on the map’ said Bala.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
