The tragedy inspired two bright young students from Mpumalanga to invent a rescue robot that has the potential to make the work of firefighters that much safer.

Grade 9 learner Trevor Simelane and Grade 10 learner Joseph Mdluli are from the Mandlesive Secondary School in the township of Kanyamazane.

The pair of inventors designed the robot for their entry into the 2018 Hip2b2 3M Innovation Challenge. Supported by the Department of Basic Education, the challenge seeks to encourage high school pupils to explore the fields of maths and science.

Simelane and Mdluli’s invention impressed the judges so much that the boys were crowned winners of the 2018 challenge.

Built from recycled materials, the robot has the ability to get inside dangerous burning buildings, navigate obstacles and search for trapped people.

“The advantages of our fire rescue robot extend to absorbing smoke with a smoke pump and providing oxygen to people who have just been rescued from the fire,” said Simelane.

Two of the firefighters from the Bank of Lisbon fire died from smoke inhalation, which caused a lack of oxygen. The third was killed when he fell from a ledge while trying to escape the dense smoke. Mdluli said that the robot has been designed to prevent such accidents.

“One of the other advantages of a robot is that it can safely go to places that are risky for humans. There are no risks of suffocating, getting lung and respiratory damage or burns and injuries from the building collapsing. It is built to absorb pressure and deliver results within a short period,” Mdluli explained.

The Hip2b2 Challenge saw hundreds of learners from around the country entering. Simelane and Mdluli faced strong competition from the two other final teams.

Sisters Nomvula and Elizabeth Ledwaba developed a solar energy bookcase which can light up a desk for learners to study without electricity. Meanwhile, Hudson Mashaninga and Thokozani Mlauzi created a backpack that stores litter.

-This article was originally published in the GCIS Vuk'uzenzele.