By NOXOLO DLAMINI
PIGG’S PEAK – Three Mhlatane High School Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level students have secured second place at the Green Summit with an innovative prototype demonstrating how river water could be used for electricity generation, irrigation and other basic community needs. The students , Ncamiso Mlangeni, Ayanda Lukhulumi and Andile Mthande, developed the project under the mentorship of their Design and Technology teacher, Lusentfo Nkambule.
The Green Summit was held at the University of Eswatini on 25 September 2026 and was hosted by the Pigg’s Peak Town Council in partnership with other stakeholders. The students designed and constructed a working prototype of an integrated river-water system intended to demonstrate how a single water resource could serve multiple purposes within communities. The model incorporates different applications, including electricity generation and irrigation, while also demonstrating the potential use of river water to meet basic needs.
Nkambule said the river-water project was one of several initiatives presented by Mhlatane High School at the Green Summit before it secured second position. He said the students were actively involved in designing and constructing the prototype, allowing them to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical environmental and community challenge. According to Nkambule, the project also demonstrated the importance of mentoring learners to develop practical solutions to challenges affecting communities.
CAN CRUSHER DRAWS JUDGES’ ATTENTION
Another Mhlatane project that attracted attention from the Green Summit judges was a manually operated can crusher designed and built by Grade 11 Design and Technology student Sinokuhle Dludlu. Although the project did not secure a position in the competition, its practical design and innovative approach attracted interest from the judges.
The manually operated crusher demonstrates how Design and Technology learners can develop simple, practical solutions to everyday challenges, including the reduction and management of waste materials. The projects presented by Mhlatane students highlighted the practical application of Design and Technology beyond the classroom, with learners developing working models focused on environmental sustainability, resource utilisation and waste management.
The Green Summit also provided the students with an opportunity to present their ideas, interact with other young innovators and gain practical experience in designing, constructing and explaining solutions to real-world challenges. #MhlataneHighSchool
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