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WHIZZKID BUILDS CAR

HANDIWORK: Augustine Mabasa with the car he made from scrap. Cicra 2009. Pic. Chester Makana. © Sowetan.
HANDIWORK: Augustine Mabasa with the car he made from scrap. Cicra 2009. Pic. Chester Makana. © Sowetan.

Chester Makana

Chester Makana

As South Africa bemoans its shortage of engineers, Augustine Mabasa would be a highly sought-after employee if his studies had not been interrupted by a lack of funds.

Mabasa has just built his own car and a generator using scrap. The car, commonly referred to as "Augma" by the locals, has been the talk of the village of Sindane since Mabasa was seen test-driving it around Malamulele and Giyani villages in Limpopo. He says the car has a 10-litre petrol tank and a radio.

He has achieved his N2 in electrical engineering but says money problems have prevented him from becoming an engineer.

"I've tried to find a job but have not had any success. I started to make this car and generator because I have so much time on my hands," Mabasa said.

He also dreams of having his "Augma" mass-produced like other cars on the market.

"I need money to further my studies. I have skills that can keep me out of poverty while helping me to achieve my dream of becoming a mechanical engineer," he said.

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