Going into space is only a dream for most people, but for Stuart Ntlathi it may come true.
The 29-year-old from Jouberton in Klerksdorp, North West, will fly into space with British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson's company Virgin Galactic.
Ntlathi hopes to retire at the age of 33 so he can study space science and tourism full time, and elope to Mars permanently.
"I'm retiring in four years so I can study space science and tourism, and then when the next intake of people going to Mars comes, I'll be on that list," Ntlathi said.
Ntlathi spoke to Sowetan on Saturday at the Lilizela Tourism Awards that were hosted by North West tourism MEC Desbo Mohono at Sun City last week.
Mohono announced Ntlathi's upcoming trip at the ceremony.
"I want to elope to Mars permanently.
"It's a one way trip , you don't come back. I've never done anything besides science."
From the age of 13, Ntlathi has always been inspired by the wonders of science and technology.
His passion started at an after-school science club 16 years ago, which has benefited 33000 children.
"We train kids to excel in science and technology. We've recently developed an application which has nine exercises that will help kids to master maths and science," he said.
The trip into space came about after Ntlathi read Branson's autobiography Losing My Virginity.
He said Branson spoke about his dream to take people into space in his book.
"I was impressed. I was moved and I said I want to go to space and I wrote to him, and eight years later I got a response," Ntlathi said excitedly.
"We will be able to see earth from different perspectives.
"I'm delighted to also embark on this journey to go into space and come back, and show kids that science and maths can take you very far," he said.
Ntlathi has also invented a 15-in-one microwave that he calls an investment in quick-and-easy cooking.
"It basically replaces all your kitchen appliances except the washing machine.
"It can bake, grill, cook and even has a baby bottle cleaner.
"It has a radio and can also operate with a car battery for people who do not have electricity," Ntlathi said.
He said black pupils need to believe in themselves and major in maths and science subjects in school.
Ntlathi, the first born in a family of five, has won 49 awards, and won the Premier's Youth Award four years in a row until the organisers asked him not to participate.
tshehleb@sowetan.co.za
Science genius flies into space
Going into space is only a dream for most people, but for Stuart Ntlathi it may come true.
The 29-year-old from Jouberton in Klerksdorp, North West, will fly into space with British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson's company Virgin Galactic.
Ntlathi hopes to retire at the age of 33 so he can study space science and tourism full time, and elope to Mars permanently.
"I'm retiring in four years so I can study space science and tourism, and then when the next intake of people going to Mars comes, I'll be on that list," Ntlathi said.
Ntlathi spoke to Sowetan on Saturday at the Lilizela Tourism Awards that were hosted by North West tourism MEC Desbo Mohono at Sun City last week.
Mohono announced Ntlathi's upcoming trip at the ceremony.
"I want to elope to Mars permanently.
"It's a one way trip , you don't come back. I've never done anything besides science."
From the age of 13, Ntlathi has always been inspired by the wonders of science and technology.
His passion started at an after-school science club 16 years ago, which has benefited 33000 children.
"We train kids to excel in science and technology. We've recently developed an application which has nine exercises that will help kids to master maths and science," he said.
The trip into space came about after Ntlathi read Branson's autobiography Losing My Virginity.
He said Branson spoke about his dream to take people into space in his book.
"I was impressed. I was moved and I said I want to go to space and I wrote to him, and eight years later I got a response," Ntlathi said excitedly.
"We will be able to see earth from different perspectives.
"I'm delighted to also embark on this journey to go into space and come back, and show kids that science and maths can take you very far," he said.
Ntlathi has also invented a 15-in-one microwave that he calls an investment in quick-and-easy cooking.
"It basically replaces all your kitchen appliances except the washing machine.
"It can bake, grill, cook and even has a baby bottle cleaner.
"It has a radio and can also operate with a car battery for people who do not have electricity," Ntlathi said.
He said black pupils need to believe in themselves and major in maths and science subjects in school.
Ntlathi, the first born in a family of five, has won 49 awards, and won the Premier's Youth Award four years in a row until the organisers asked him not to participate.
tshehleb@sowetan.co.za
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