Nomcebo Nzimakwe from Qinabout in Gamalakhe is producing drinking water out of air.
Nzimakwe has atmospheric water generators that collects air and turns it into water.

She said she started the project as her community and the country are facing water shortages.
Nzimakwe provides off-grid, solar-powered drinking water refills and bottled services.

“We use the air that we breathe to produce water. The generators collect the air and turn it into water, then we start the process to purify the water using a natural purification system.”

She added the generators collect 490 litres a day and each generator produces 70 litres.

“Our water is healthy because we do not use any chemicals. Our alkaline level is 13, PH level is 8.3 and TDS level is less then 20. It’s healthy and anyone can drink it.”

Last Thursday, Nzimakwe was visited by a University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) team that leads the regional and local development of the project, which is funded by the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

According to Mlondi Vilakazi from UKZN, the university goes out into communities to partner with young business owners who are improving lives in their communities with their projects.

“Nomcebo was part of our project last year and we decided to visit her today because we saw her vision of helping her community which has water problems. We have invited every relevant person to be part of this, so they can help her grow and fulfil her vision.”

Vilakazi said that engineers helped her as well as those who know the commercial side of the business.

“Once she has developed her project, she will be able to sustain it, make a profit and help her community.”

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