Young inventor sets sail abroad

Out of 1783 participants, Lungelo Sigudla was one of 12 South Africans to travel to the United States for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

On May 11-16, Lungelo, a 16-year-old from Newcastle High School, had the opportunity not only to tour New York City, but to brush elbows with some of the biggest names in science.

Lungelo’s exciting adventure began in August 2013 when he entered the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. “I received silver for my project. I was a bit discouraged, but I didn’t want to give up,” Lungelo said. In September he moved up to the national round in Boksburg. Here he received silver for the second time, but now with an envelope in his hand, not knowing what impact it would have on his future.

The letter stated Lungelo was nominated as a potential candidate to represent South Africa in the US.

A few weeks later an email was sent to Newcastle High School and soon Lungelo was off to the big city.

The fair started and Los Angeles was filled with young hopeful scientists. “I was very stressed out,” he said, but fear and angst did not control nor diminish his dream.

Lungelo took part in the Energy and Transport category and with his exciting and fresh project, heads were turning. “I asked a simple question. What are we going to do when coal runs out? Coal is a fossil fuel and it will not be there forever. Electricity plays a crucial part in modern day society,” he said.

The avid inventor developed a machine that creates energy through pine cones. “This way, as long as people plant trees, we will have energy.”

With 1783 projects and more than 400 participants in his category, Lungelo found his way back with an astonishing fourth place. “I really didn’t think determination and passion could bring you this far,” he said.

“I wish there is some way I can thank the people from the Eskom Expo. They really lay down the ground work you need to get your name out there,” he said with gratitude.

Lungelo is a true patriot who loves South Africa dearly. “Now that I’ve been in America, I’ve seen what we are capable of. I want to be part of the growth South Africa will have in becoming a first world country,” he enthused.

Lungelo dreams of studying Chemical Engineering abroad at West Virginia University, “I want to be an inventor,” he said, but made it clear that his roots were in South Africa. He wants to learn from the best and reinvest his knowledge in South Africa.

The fair in Los Angeles was not the only excitement he encountered while in America. Lungelo was one of 25 pupils chosen to attend a luncheon with some of the noble laureates.

Lungelo has a can-do spirit and believes through hard work, determination and passion you can achieve your goals. “Failure is inevitable, but success will flourish,” he said passionately. “I also believe with God by your side, you can achieve great things. I know many scientists believe only in what science can prove, but God gives you the power to do exactly that.”

Lungelo is planning on making major waves in the science world. One thing for sure, a bright future is ahead of this young inventor!