FOLLOW UP: Local jet inventor still struggles to sell concept
Despite wide interest, Zephanias Sithole’s built jet concept remains unsold. The young aviation enthusiast says he is open to negotiations to see his dream take flight.
Despite an appeal in the Boksburg Advertiser, Zephanias Sithole, a 25-year-old aviation enthusiast from Windmill Park, is still struggling to find a buyer for his ambitious private jet concept, the Fly Pootezeff Aerospace ZX.
Sithole, who built a full-scale model of a 15-seater jet in his backyard using aluminium and fibreglass, says that while he’s received a wave of calls and encouragement since the story was published, none of those calls led to a serious offer.
“People are interested. They call, they ask questions, some just want to congratulate me, but when it comes to actually putting money on the table, no one is willing,” he said.
The Fly Pootezeff project, which began in 2019, remains a non-functional prototype but showcases detailed technical design and planning. It is a conceptual aircraft Sithole hopes can be developed further by professionals with access to proper resources and funding.
It’s also a symbol of innovation born in the heart of Windmill Park, marked by an image of Nelson Mandela along the fuselage, paying homage to resilience and vision.
Also Read: No ‘plane’ sailing but his jet is almost ready for take-off
Sithole made the tough decision earlier this year to sell the project’s intellectual property, including the design files, documentation and the rights to the Fly Pootezeff name. But despite the exposure and his continued outreach to government, private investors and innovation agencies, there’s been no progress.
“I’ve exhausted all the options I can think of. I’ve pitched in person, emailed, called. No one has stepped forward to invest or buy the concept,” he said.
Sithole said he’s willing to negotiate the price and terms with any individual or organisation serious about developing the jet.
“This is not about making a profit. It’s about moving the idea forward. I only need someone who believes in it enough to help take it from a backyard dream to a real aircraft.”
For now, the jet model sits idle in his backyard, not fully finished and unclaimed. Sithole remains hopeful that the right buyer will come along but admits it’s been disheartening.
“It’s difficult to watch something you put your heart into just sit there. I know its value, even if no one else is ready to invest in it yet.”
Anyone interested in buying or collaborating on the Fly Pootezeff Aerospace ZX project can call Sithole on 071 593 2871.
Also Read: Follow up: Windmill Park innovator forced to sell private jet Idea because of financial struggles
