Dev Kolobe Mamabolo (32), from Airport Park in Germiston, has a love and enthusiasm for science and technology that is infectious.<\/p>\n
With this passion it is no wonder he was recently named South African Man of the Year in the Science and Technology category at the third annual South African Men of the Year Awards.<\/p>
The awards are given to men who contribute positively to their communities and the country as a whole in various categories.<\/p>\n
Mamabolo was one of 50 finalists in the awards.<\/p>
\u201cThe award is given to men who play a leadership role in their community and who are also positive role models and inspire others to be or do better,\u201d Mamabolo explained when he visited the GCN offices last Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cA role model that young boys will aspire to be like.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mamabolo, a chemist, had no idea a friend had nominated him for the award until he was contacted and asked to put together a portfolio of his work in the community.<\/p>\n
Some of his projects include his role as Gauteng provincial coordinator for the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, his involvement in National Science Week, as well as several rural science outreach programmes and prison projects with a focus on juveniles.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also helped in a fundraising project that saw R1.4-million raised for maths, technology and science books for schools in rural areas that cannot afford them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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ALSO READ:<\/strong><\/p>\n Taking a stand against the abuse of women and children<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Family fun in the sun<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n All of the projects Mamabolo is involved in encourage the youth to discover their love of science and technology.<\/p>\n \u201cThese two subjects will play a vital role in building our future, and that really sparked my passion for them.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to encourage the youth to become researchers and scientists and find solutions to problems that we face,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n One of Mamabolo\u2019s highlights while working with children was when a young boy from a rural community created a solar hat.<\/p>\n \u201cThe young man was often sent by his mother to charge the family cellphone at the school or local shops because they didn\u2019t have electricity at home.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause of this he built a solar hat which allowed him to charge the phone even when at home.\u201d<\/p>\n Mamabolo is proud that his contribution to the subjects he loves is being recognised, and is already hard at work on his next project.<\/p>\n \u201cWe would love to have a science and technology academy opened here in Ekurhuleni, we don\u2019t have one,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel that this academy would greatly benefit the youth and open many doors for them.\u201d<\/p>\n Mamabolo hopes to inspire the youth to shape the world.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to encourage the youth to shape the world, they are the future after all.\u201d<\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n