New Germany resident honoured for her innovative project
The science kits assists pupils from disadvantaged schools.
NEW Germany resident, Bathabile Mpofu (35) co-founder of Nkazimulo Applied Sciences which is a programme developed to deliver 52 physical science experiments in a box to pupils in disadvantaged high schools was honoured by Nandos.
Nandos is running a campaign to celebrate and honour young, hardworking South Africans who excel and are making a huge difference in other people’s lives.
Mpofu, who grew up in Ulundi, said she studied at a rural area school which did not have a lab.
She has BSc and Honours in Chemistry and is also an MBA student at the UCT Graduate School of Business.
“When I got to university (UKZN) which was known as University of Natal Durban at that time, it was very difficult to adjust because I had only repeated an experiment at school that I had seen on tv. This contributed towards why I designed this project.
“It is nice to see the excitement on the pupil’s face when we deliver these kits and show them how to use it.”
She said they received a lot of support from companies who purchased kits for the schools.
Mpofu has worked with Ilanga Secondary School and Mnyameni Zenex Secondary, Hillview Secondary, Umqhele Secondary and will be soon visiting Zakhe Secondary school.
“These schools were recommended to us by an NPO called ScienceCEO and the kits were provided for by a company called Trilab Support which is based in Pinetown,” she said.
Mpofu and her family were treated to lunch at Nandos Pavilion on Thursday.
“I was very pleasantly surprised when I received a call from Nandos but I am very happy that there are people who recognise and value my work,” she said.
Mpofu won a prestigious competition for entrepreneurs, the 2016 Total Startupper of the year competition and is also a wife and mother to two boys and a girl.
