The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
A Chipinge-based engineer has designed surveillance drones and is in the process of making the prototypes using local resources.
Engineer Donald Mazwati Mlambo (30), a Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) Electronic Engineering graduate, has fully embraced Zimbabwe’s industrial modernisation agenda through his innovation in the small farming town of Chipinge.
Engineer Mlambo has proved that the innovation hubs established at the country’s higher learning institutions are the lifeblood of Zimbabwe’s tech ecosystem.
The innovation hubs provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities they need to thrive.
They also foster a culture of innovation, with individuals from diverse backgrounds coming together to tackle complex problems and develop groundbreaking solutions.
After graduating in 2019, Engineer Mlambo set up a company specialising in artificial intelligence, robotics, drone technology and security systems, among other areas.
Engineer Mlambo was inspired by his father, a radio and television technician.
His company, Robotron Electronic Systems, is gaining ground as he is now offering quality electronic services to clients.
Indeed, Government’s efforts to involve institutions of higher learning in building the country’s economy through the provision of technical expertise are now bearing fruit.
Engineer Mlambo said his company is working on producing surveillance drone prototypes using locally available resources.
“My company is currently working on creating surveillance drone prototypes using locally available resources like fibreglass.
“The drones will work like any other drones. We are about to finish moulding the bodies of the drones. Once completed, we will buy the engines from either South Africa or China. We expect to complete this project soon,” said Engineer Mlambo.
“The drones will be equipped with a fuel tank to power them. The engines will burn fuel to create chemical energy, which will then be converted into mechanical energy to propel the drones,” he said.
“Engineer Mlambo’s company is a registered entity and we intend to get all the necessary paperwork from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) which regulates drones’ operations in the country,” said Engineer Mlambo.
Besides getting clearance from CAAZ, drone operators are also expected to demonstrate their piloting skills and show that their drones meet sufficient safety standards.
Engineer Mlambo said his drones will be used for surveillance in farms, taking aerial photos and mapping.
“We already have some commercial farmers making enquires about our drones. One farmer has said the drone will be ideal for monitoring his cattle at his farm,” he said.
Commenting on the response he is getting from the local community, Engineer Mlambo said: “I am happy with the support we are receiving from the community. Some of the areas we specialise in include robotics and these are new technologies which are slowly being embraced by people.
“We have also established the Robotics Electronic Systems Academy where we are training the youths on basic electronics,” he said.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister, Professor Amon Murwira is on record saying innovation is the basis of industrialisation.
Prof Murwira also said Zimbabwe needs to protect its patents through the Intellectual Property Law.
“Every industry that is here on earth is a result of innovation that came through an idea. It is through ideas that industry is given birth and through our innovation hubs, we are bringing our own ideas to industrialise the country as we work towards attaining an upper middle income economy by 2030.
“Industrialisation is the basis of this nation because it is also about the survival of the State,” said Minister Murwira.
