Net Prophet 2010 - The Next Generation (By Stuart Ntlathi)

Net Prophet 2010 – The Next Generation (By Stuart Ntlathi)

Stuart Ntlathi (23) heads up the Stuart Ntlathi Science, Engineering and Technology Institute (SNSET INSTITUTE). Established in 2000, the SNSET INSTITUTE believes in the promotion and development of education, specifically in the field of Science, Engineering and Technology amongst the youth. Stuart’s objective for SNSET INSTITUTE is to further expand the infrastructure and develop “Infinite Park”, where young people may congregate, share ideas and work together on Science and Technology projects. “Infinite Park” is envisioned as a launching pad for Science-based business and academic development, which has attracted donations from both Government and corporates.

“Young people in the townships don’t even know what it means to ‘Google’.”

“[The SNSET Institute has] given young people a platform where they can develop their own ideas.”

“The young people you meet today are your consumers of tomorrow.”

A summary of Stuart’s presentation:

We live in a fast-paced world where we are all affected by technology – “Walala Wasala (you snooze, you loose)”

1994 was the beginning of a high tech South Africa. The year 2000 saw the dawning of the new millennium – the ‘Digital Age’, and the growing contrast between the dusty townships and new technology = The birth of the township techno-hub.

The SNSET INSTITUTE was established in 2000 (Stuart was 13 years old), and initially started with only 4 members, but has since grown into an international institution . The current client base is 21,000, and hosts seven SET programmes annually. The SNSET INSTITUTE exists to alter the current perception that the world has of the Science and Technology sector in SA, and actively supports the national system of innovation

Through working towards increasing the number of Maths, Science and Accounting students, the SNSET INSTITUTE produces indigenous innovations, and has won many local and international awards.

The SNSET INSTITUTE is not involved in youth development, but rather “youth engineering”.

Many highly innovative products have been created and developed by the institute’s students and are currently (or soon to appear) on the SA market.