Driven by a life-threatening asthma episode experienced by his cousin, as well as the challenge of their schoolbooks getting wet during rainy trips to school, Mthokozisi Mbuthuma was inspired to create a waterproof school bag with an attached raincoat. Designed to support rural children who walk long distances to school, his innovation has earned him the affectionate nickname, “The Problem Solver,” within his community.
Mbuthuma, born and bred in Margate on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, claimed 3rd position in the Marine Plastic Innovation category of the Marine Youth Innovation Challenge recently held by the EThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC). He walked away with funding valued at R20 000 for his innovation, The Black Buoy production.
He holds a Diploma in Business Management from Esayidi TVET College.
In conversation with EMC, he said securing 3rd place was an exciting opportunity.
“A week before, I represented KwaZulu-Natal in the National Innovation Awards in Nasrec, Johannesburg which took place on the 18th to 20th of March after winning the provincial pitch at the Moses Kotane Research Institute on the 16th,” he said.
Elaborating on his invention, he said they are producing marine equipment using plastic (turning plastic waste into lifesaving marine equipment).
“I was inspired by the harmful impact of plastic pollution on ocean mammals and the environment. It is estimated that approximately 300 000 whales and dolphins die each year due to discarded plastic fishing gear. This drove us to make it our mission to turn pollution into life-saving marine equipment.”
“This funding will enable us to produce more prototypes and test our products. Plastic is a global challenge, recycling and re-using plastic is a sustainable business,” he said.
Mbuthuma also owns a company that is providing lifeguards in the South Coast under the Umdoni Local Municipality.