Umbrella for disabled people wins Entrepreneurship start up

Interior Design student, Siphiwe Zuma with Vice Chancellor, Prof Thandwa Mthembu and other winners. 

First year Interior Design student Siphiwe Zuma was crowned winner of the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) 2017 Centre of Social Entrepreneurship (CSE) and the office of the Vice Chancellor award for his innovative umbrella pitch that meets the needs of disabled persons.
Zuma designed an umbrella for physically challenged persons who have to endure the forever-changing weather temperatures. His invention stems from his own experience having lived with disability since childhood. 
 
At the age of nine Zuma was left disabled after he fell victim of a shootout in Stanger. He was shot below the knee, which hampered his movements and meant he would have to use crutches for support.

“I was angry that I couldn’t hold the umbrella and had to be subjected to the unforgiving fall of rain drops,” said Zuma.
The umbrella is attached to a back pack so that one does not use their hands to hold it because their hands will be supporting them on crutches, wheelchairs or even walking frames.

“This umbrella is not primarily only for disabled members of the community but also for abled personalities who enjoy efficiency especially when carrying groceries,” added Zuma.
The material used for the back pack is similar of that of a normal back pack, such as your cotton canvas or nylon and then the stitching of the back pack.

As the winner of the competition he won R15 000 and full incubation of the product from start up until it reaches the market.

Zuma is registering his product as a protected design so that it does not fall prey to thievery.

“I have received the contract for the start-up of my business, as we are still in the process of making my innovation and a reality for the community,” concluded Zuma.

-MONGI KHANYILE

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