Young Innovator Thandiwe Mnisi Impresses Minister Motshekga

Bushbuckridge, June 7, 2024 — Minister Angie Motshekga expressed her admiration for Thandiwe Mnisi, a Grade 11 learner at Makhosana Manzini Secondary School in Mkhuhlu, Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. Thandiwe’s innovative project, the “Soil Tester,” has gained significant recognition, both locally and internationally.

Thandiwe’s journey began with a challenge faced by her mother, a small-scale farmer, who struggled with crops dying due to poor soil quality. This inspired Thandiwe to investigate the cause and find a solution. Her research led to the development of the “Soil Tester,” an engineering device designed to assist farmers in determining soil temperature, moisture, and pH value (alkalinity and acidity).

### Recognition and Achievements

On August 20, 2016, Thandiwe showcased her project at the Bohlabela Regional Science Expo, where it won the ESKOM EXPO Special Award, automatically qualifying her for the International Science Fair (ISF). Her “Soil Tester” operates on solar energy, eliminating the need for an electric socket, and aims to help farmers save time and costs associated with lab soil testing.

Knowing the pH of the soil is crucial for selecting the right crops and fertilizers, ensuring a balanced pH and a suitable environment for crops to thrive. At the ISF, held from October 4-7, 2016, Thandiwe’s project was among the top 30 out of 560 entries from various countries, including Mexico, Thailand, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Namibia, and Botswana. This achievement led to interview opportunities that could take her to the USA, China, or Thailand to further showcase her project.

### Independent Research and Innovation

Thandiwe’s project was one of four selected from Mpumalanga Province and one of two from her region. Remarkably, she conducted all the research independently, demonstrating a high level of complexity and understanding in investigative learning. Her confidence and capability in assembling the project largely on her own have impressed many.

The Department of Education has expressed its admiration for Thandiwe’s outstanding innovation and wishes her continued success in her future endeavors. Her work not only highlights the potential of young learners but also underscores the importance of encouraging scientific exploration and problem-solving in education.

Minister Motshekga’s visit to Makhosana Manzini Secondary School serves as a reminder of the incredible talent and innovation that can emerge from addressing local challenges, and the profound impact such projects can have on communities and beyond.