“Yes, I strongly believe Wavecoin is a sustainable solution for the future.” Those are some of the words spoken by Mthobisi Mbatha who claimed 1st position in the Marine Plastic Innovation category of the Marine Youth Innovation Challenge recently held by the EThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC).
Mbatha who walked away with funding valued at R50 000 for his innovation, Wavecoin, hails from Empangeni, north of Durban. He is currently pursuing his Honours degree in Communication Science at the University of Zululand. He is passionate about using innovation and technology to solve real world problems, particularly those affecting the environment and local communities.
Speaking to EMC about his recent win, Mbatha expressed that it was an exciting and emotional moment for him.
“It felt like a confirmation that my vision is valid and impactful. Seeing how the judges responded to the project gave me confidence that Wavecoin has real potential to make a difference. It was not just a personal achievement, but a sign that this idea can contribute to saving our oceans while boosting our economy,” he said.
Describing his invention, he said Wavecoin is a smart environmental innovation that combines a smart bin system with a mobile application.
“The system is designed to reduce plastic waste pollution in our oceans by encouraging people to collect and dispose of waste responsibly. The inspiration behind Wavecoin came from witnessing the growing problem of plastic pollution in our oceans and communities. I realized that many people are aware of the issue, but there is little motivation or incentive for active participation in solving it. I wanted to create a solution that not only addresses environmental challenges but also empowers people economically. By turning waste collection into a rewarding activity, Wavecoin bridges the gap between sustainability and opportunity.”
“This funding will play a crucial role in bringing Wavecoin to life. It will allow us to begin building a functional prototype of the smart bin system and further develop the mobile application. It will also help us test the solution in real environments, refine the technology, and prepare for scaling the project to reach more communities,” he added.
Mbatha concluded by saying that he believes that Wavecoin is a sustainable solution for the future because environmental challenges like plastic pollution are an ongoing problem that requires long-term solutions. Therefore, Wavecoin is indeed designed to evolve with technology and societal needs, making it adaptable and scalable by combining environmental protection with economic incentives that create a self-sustaining system that can continue to grow and remain relevant in a changing world.