The key to ensuring the sustainability of the Institute – and, by extension, South Africa’s science and technology culture – is innovation. “As a start-up, this trait has been essential in helping us achieve our goals, and has become a hallmark of what we do,” Ntlathi attests. It shows in the products that have been produced by learners attending the Institute, such as a battery-powered, portable automatic shoe polisher invented by Ntlathi himself. The team has developed prototypes and is following procedures to bring such products to market.
In the meantime, innovation is plainly visible in the structure of the organisation, as well as its day-to-day functioning. For example, the Institute boasts its own Creative Lab, where staff members meet to brainstorm how innovation can be used to enhance efficiencies. A financial incentive is offered to stimulate lateral thinking. Moreover, the open-plan office features an ‘Einstein Moment’ noticeboard, where employees are invited to post their brainwaves. Other colleagues are welcome to add their comments to the idea, so that it becomes a collaborative effort, and if deemed viable, the research department will develop it further.
Of course, while innovation is the silver streak that promises to take the Institute higher, there are more humble qualities that are just as important. Ntlathi is the first to admit that the far less glamorous trait of patience is equally important, as is passion. “Take the automatic shoe polisher for example,” he says. “I first started working on it when I was in Grade 11, and I’ve been working on it for six years. You have to keep your eye on the bigger picture – your efforts may cost a lot now, but they’ll get you where you need to be. Discipline will help to carry you through the process.” That perseverance is vital, he adds, because once you have managed to peak the interest of a single investor, chances are others will follow suit.
So, what’s next for the Institute? “The Infinity
Dream,” Ntlathi says proudly, explaining that his goal is to establish an Infinity Park within the Institute by 2015. This innovation hub will provide a dedicated space for young people to nurture and discover their talents; a Silicon Valley for Africa. “South Africans are full of talent, and we’ll do all we can to help them uncover it,” he concludes.
My first step has been to design programmes that appeal to young people and, at the same time, stimulate their interest in science and technology.
Stuart Ntlathi
48 Management Today | December 2011
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