Springs CBD resident Steve Siems’ rotating freezer trolley won him the first prize of R25 000 at the Innovation Summit recently held in Sandton.
The summit is SA’s premier innovation event of the year and brings together thought leaders and practitioners in the field of innovation to showcase success stories, share lessons learned, connect with peers, be inspired by those who keep on moving and practice by doing innovation.
He also received a voucher from the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and is waiting for their approval and the necessary specifications and materials to start manufacturing the trolley on a bigger scale.
According to Steve he was surprised to have won the first prize as he felt very intimidated by the other exhibitors, because of his small invention compared to their bigger displays.
“I am an innovative person and my patent will hopefully make life easier for everyone when packing frozen goodies into a freezer,” says Steve.
Steve is part of the Lepharo Incubator that affords small businesses the opportunity to be part of a mentoring programme. He says he is very privileged to be a part of this.
He adds that Lepharo gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop until they become self-sustaining. The centre supports and assists the entrepreneurs to become compliant with all the necessary statutory requirements to start a business.
“We teach them how to run a small business, and this includes the registration with SARS and the Department of Labour. They are also taught how to manage their finances. The centre gives them factory space for up to three years at a very affordable rate,” says general manager Zenzo Nkomo.
Steve will soon hear from the SABS regarding what material to use for the manufacturing of the product, so that production will be done according to their specifications.
Steve adds that a woman from France recently visited friends in Springs, who contacted him requesting he manufacture a rotating shoe shelf for her 400 pairs of shoes.
“I am waiting for her to send me the measurements to enable me to start,” says Steve.
He wants to plough the money he won back into his business and get the product up and running.
“My aim is to export the rotating trolley, but also to start with my next invention, to build a trolley for street vendors,” concludes Steve.
