Technology fanatic, Simangaliso Austin Zungu, always knew he was destined to make his mark in the specialised and highly competitive world of technology and innovation.

Zungu is the founder and Group MD of Sengwayo Group based in KwaMbonambi near Richards Bay in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The entrepreneur is currently working on a major project to develop a breakthrough technology â€" a mobile power harvester for mobile devices.

Out of 198 entries, Zungu’s cutting-edge invention won the second special award at the Inkunz’isematholeni Youth in Business Awards recently. He is developing the PoEX Module, a highly efficient Power Extending Module.

PoEX Module is a power harvester designed to extend the battery life of mobile devices. It is designed to be built into cell phones and tablets for a continuous harvested and ecofriendly power on-the-go. Mobile communication devices are charged without having to connect to a centralised power source or to any portable power banks.

Inkunz’isematholeni is a flagship programme of Ithala Development Finance Corporation that attracts youth with innovative and sustainable business concepts and provides incubation and startup in their journey to becoming seasoned entrepreneurs.

The 34-year-old father of two explained how his passion for entrepreneurship developed from his childhood. “Since high school, my passion and interests were already navigated - either I enrol for a BTech in Clinical Technology or become an entrepreneur in the technology and innovation space,” said Zungu.

A year after he matriculated at Mbusowabathethwa High School in KwaMbonambi, he obtained a certificate in Point-of-Sale from Empangeni Commercial College. Due to financial constraints beyond his control, Zungu requested permission to complete the three-month course in one month to cut down on commuting costs. His goal was realised through sheer hard work and dedication.

Zungu regards himself as a futurist and an inventor. He has been working on the PoEX Module concept for the past two years and prides himself in handling all aspects of his business. He believes seeing his dream gradually coming to fruition is his primary motivator to further his ambitions.

“The project costs about R2.5 million for product development (working prototype); IP protection and marketing. This is where Ithala and programme partners, Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and Invotech stepped in to assist,” added Zungu.

On his ability to create job opportunities, he said: “Entrepreneurship is a key lever to job creation in any country. I am looking forward to joining forces with major cell phone and tablet manufactures to create much
needed job opportunities.”

Driving SMME and cooperative development over the next five years in line with its mandate to promote development is one of the key strategic goals of Ithala.

Zungu acknowledged his friends in his entrepreneurial journey: “They are professionals. I strongly believe that if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They steered me in the right direction and I opened myself to learning from them.”

Ithala’s Business Finance portfolio caters for small and medium industrial and commercial businesses as well as agricultural enterprises, tourism ventures, co-operatives and building contractors. 

www.sengwayogroup.co.za