A WHIZZKID,an icon in the making, national treasure,the next big thing -those were some of the superlatives used to describe Plumtree High’s academic genius at the ZITF grounds in Bulawayo last month.
Twenty -year-old Donavan Takunda Mlambo stole the show for the entire week during the exhibition of Artificial Intelligence projects at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education stand at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair. Hundreds of people who visited the stand were left awestruck by his robotic exhibition. While Vice-President Kembo Mohadi was passing by the stand, he stopped by to look at Mlambo’s works. When he began to explain,the VP’s aides cautioned the young boy of the tight schedule, only for Mohadi to tell them to allow Mlambo to interact with him- leaving many impressed.
NewsDay Weekender had a brief chat with the wonderboy to find out more about his unique invention.
ND: Where are you from?
DTM:I am from Chipinge but my family resides in Harare.I am currently in Plumtree where I learn. I am currently an Upper Sixth student . I am the head boy at Plumtree High school, and a junior councillor for Plumtree town. I am studying Physical Science,Chemistry, Biology, Technical Graphics, Pure Mathematics and Mechanical Mathematics.
ND:Thats amazing, can you explain your invention or innovation to us.
DTM: I designed the guardian bot, an artificial intelligence general purpose robot for disaster management as well as for facilitating communication between those who are living with disabilities with those who are physically fit. It can also be used for interactive learning for those living with disabilities. I also designed the trigometer, a gadget that can capture heights, distances, angles of inclination, calculating areas as well as for projectiles without actually being in contact with what you are measuring. Among other inventions.
ND:That must be time consuming considering your demanding subject combination.How then do you balance your studies and innovations, and still have a normal social life given your age?
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DTM: I managed to push my studies during my Form 4 grace period and worked on my CALAs early in my Lower Sixth form to try and balance my time, reducing pressure as well as creating room for me to work on my projects.
ND:Ok and how do your parents feel about all this?
DTM: My parents support me in this journey of innovation.
ND:That’s great to hear. You caught the attention of Vice-President Kembo Mohadi at the ZITF and he personally asked you to take him through your invention.How was the experience and what does it mean to you?
DTM: It was a great experience meeting with the Vice-President and I hope that it will not be the last time but rather the first step towards greater achievements. With hope that it will be a key hole to opening other doors as well.
ND: So what is the immediate future plan for you?
DTM: I look forward to having good passes, continue working on my projects in producing them at a larger scale such that they can be of use in the communities as well as further my studies.
