Mpho Makutu's mechanical wonders lift off

He may be young, but he does not lack passion and determination.

Second-year automotive repair and maintenance student Mpho Makutu, 20, believes he has the ability to change lives with the machinery he builds.

To date, the Rockville resident has designed and built a windmill that pumps water through the use of a motor, and a small crane that is able to lift a vehicle.

"I want to make a difference in people's lives," Makutu said.

"I want to someday see myself heading a manufacturing company that deals with creating and producing equipment that people can use to improve their lives."

Asked what inspired the windmill idea, he said it came about as a result of the drought in his village outside Polokwane. He said he developed the ideas that were aimed at helping the villagers to alleviate the scarcity of water, and in that way give hope to his people.

Reared in an area where most of its population depend on subsistence farming, the drought had a direct impact on their survival, hence the idea to build the windmill.

"It was difficult for a lot of people, my family as well. I thought I could design something that will assist people when water becomes scarce. It worked and I managed to help my family," he said.

He used wire to give the windmill structure, and a permanent magnet motor for its function.

"I use a battery that produces energy to get the mill going. It's not a difficult concept.

"Sometimes there isn't enough wind and that is one of the challenges. What I did counters that effect because even if there is no wind, you can still use this windmill."

This is not the only thing that occupies his time. Makutu created a car using the same principles he adopted in developing the windmill.

He has also built a small crane.

He said it was these projects that occupied his creative mind, and helped resolve practical problems facing the villagers.

"I made the crane to challenge myself and see if I can work on other things."

He said he would like to access resources to create more similar projects, and in that way contribute towards building an economy that will help to create more jobs, particularly for young people.