A young innovator from Soshanguve has captured the limelight with a ground-breaking research project featured at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF).
Amogelang Mampane, 18, a learner at the Soshanguve Automotive School of Specialisation embarked on an ambitious mission to revolutionise the electric vehicle industry. His research project focuses on dynamic charging for electric vehicles, a pioneering system that enables electric vehicles to charge while in motion on roads, thanks to the magic of wireless energy transfer facilitated by two coils employing mutual inductance.
“My passion for cars inspired me to create this project. I came up with an idea to charge electric vehicles wirelessly, so that it can be comparable to that of fast cable charging. My passion for science and technology started when I investigated how the formula of relativity came to be by Albert Einstein. That made me ask questions of how can I add scientific features towards electric vehicles,” said Mampane.
Eskom, the title sponsor, honoured the young scientist with the prestigious Best Development Project award at the ISF, including a high-end laptop. In recognition of his innovative research, he also received a well-deserved gold medal.
“I feel honoured for the awards I won at the Eskom Expo ISF, because the competition was tight. I saw that myself, and I thought my chances of getting something were slim to none. Even though I was overwhelmed, I had faith in the work that I put in, and at the end I received the “Best Development Project” award. I never thought I would get such an award, because of the number of projects in the engineering category, I was the one to win. I was grateful for that award, and I am proud of it because it was the result of all my hard work,” he said.
Looking ahead to the future, Mampane aspires to establish his own car company and craft vehicles that capture the hearts of people, blending futuristic elements with an enjoyable driving experience. To turn his vision into reality, he is actively seeking sponsors who share his passion for the future of transportation.
Eskom Acting Group Executive for Government & Regulatory Affairs, Natasha Sithole said: “Congratulations to all the young scientists who enthusiastically participated in the Eskom Expo International Science Fair this year. We at Eskom would like to express our delight at the increased participation this year, especially among girl scientists, and would like to emphasise the importance of fostering diversity in the field of science. Eskom remains enthusiastic about its role in cultivating a rich pipeline of future scientists for South Africa, ensuring that the nation’s scientific landscape continues to thrive with innovation and inclusivity”.
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said: “At Eskom Expo, while developing young scientists’ research and innovation skills is priority, supporting their innovations and guiding them towards entrepreneurial possibilities is also emphasised. This is in line with our commitment to support a future with employable youth who actively contribute to our economy”.
Eskom Expo ISF 2023 Special Award winners
Eskom Expo ISF 2023 Grand Award winners
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