“People thought I was either crazy or an impossible dreamer because I entered science competitions,” Sir Stuart Ntlathi (Image: Stuart Ntlathi)
Sir Stuart Ntlathi developed a microwave-griller combo from recycled appliances when he was just 13 years old. Today he runs the Stuart Ntlathi Science, Engineering & Technology Institute, aiming to put the fun back in science to inspire South African children to follow science-based careers.
Sir – his given name – has earned the honorific. His institute, in Klerksdorp, is driving a renewed interest in math and science among South African school kids, a tough challenge in a country where just about 20% of matriculants achieve a 50% pass in the sciences.
“I spent my entire childhood tinkering with electronics and in the library on the internet,” Sir Stuart Ntlathi (Image: Capitec Bank)
Watch Sir Ntlathi and other inspiring South Africans on the Play Your Part TV series every Sunday at 9pm on SABC2.
