The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Community Engagement Office recently hosted a successful Architecture Design and Engineering (ADE) Programme Archithon on 16 November 2024 at the Urban Futures Centre (UFC). The competition, brought together Grade 10 Science learners from two schools in the Ukhumbane area, specifically in Cato Manor, to develop innovative solutions for pressing environmental challenges in their communities.
The ADE Programme, supported by the DUT Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Umkhumbane Schools Project (USP), and Ikamva Youth, aims to empower young learners to identify and solve real-world problems. This year, the focus was on waste management in Cato Manor, with the learners working closely with DUT student volunteers who mentored them throughout the development of their projects. These efforts culminated in the Archithon competition, where the students presented their prototypes to an esteemed panel of judges.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Ms Nonhlanhla Nyandeni, from the Community Engagement Office at DUT. “I am grateful to see learners who seize opportunities and make the most of them. This is why we are here,” said Nyandeni, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in empowering the youth. Ms Precious Ngcobo, Operations Manager of the Umkhumbane Schools Project, also offered words of thanks, praising DUT for its persistence and commitment. “I always say that education is a pyramid-many will enter, but few will persevere. I want to thank DUT’s partnership to this programme and for giving our learners such an incredible opportunity,” Ngcobo remarked.
The competition featured a variety of creative and practical solutions to local waste management challenges. Some of the standout prototypes included the Picker Vacuum, a user-friendly vacuum system designed to reduce waste left behind during municipal collection; the Zero Waste Organic Compost, which helps local farmers reduce chemical use by creating liquid fertilisers from biodegradable waste, the eMobile Digital Waste Remover, a mobile waste service designed to tackle land pollution, and the Water Wise Water Cleaning System, a solution to water pollution that converts wastewater into clean water, suitable for discharge into the environment.
The judging panel, which included Ms Namhla Faith Mtukushe, Electrical Power Engineering (DUT), Dr Oluwatoyin Joseph Gbadeyan, Mechanical Engineering (DUT), and Mr Mhleli Luthuli, from Pholela Business Advisory, was impressed by the creativity, functionality, and community impact of the prototypes.
The awards for the best prototypes went to Mukelani Ngidi and Senamile Mthintelwa from Wiggins Secondary, who claimed first place for their Water Wise Water Cleaning System. Sphesihle Mjwara and Smangaliso Mthembu from Umkhumbane Secondary School won second place for their Picker Vacuum, while Thobani Semofumu from Umkhumbane Secondary secured third place for his Zero Waste Organic Compost.
Ecstatic about their win, Ngidi shared his excitement: “I feel shocked because I went up against such great competitors. Winning has inspired me to push myself further and work toward a better future.” Mjwara, who placed second, reflected on the challenges of the competition, saying, “This programme has pushed us beyond what we thought we were capable of. It was difficult, but it was worth it. I’m happy to have come out at number two.”
The learners also received words of encouragement from the judges, who emphasised the importance of perseverance and continuous development, they encouraged them to continue finding innovative solutions to solve real problems in their communities.
Ms Phumzile Xulu, Engagement Practitioner at DUT, congratulated all participants for their hard work. “All of you are winners. You’ve all worked hard, and your ideas are valid. Just because there are first and second place winners doesn’t mean the others are less important. There is always room to develop your ideas and take them to the next level,” she said.
The Community Engagement Office expressed sincere appreciation to the learners, mentors, Umkhumbane Schools Project and Ikamva Youth, for their support and collaboration. Through these partnerships, DUT continues to provide young people with the tools and skills to address critical environmental challenges, fostering a new generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
Pictured: Community Engagement team with the participating learners.
Phumeza Msongelwa
