An innovative African Hut Mushroom Dome, a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to growing mushrooms, has earned North-West University (NWU) alumnus Dr Sydwell Sihlangu the title of Grassroots Innovator of the Year 2024 at the Grassroots Innovation Awards.
An entrepreneur and founder of Eco-Agro Enterprise Pty. Ltd., Dr Sihlangu obtained a master’s degree in crop science at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus.
The Grassroots Innovation Awards, hosted by the Technology Innovation Agency in collaboration with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, celebrate and honour exceptional grassroots innovators who challenge conventional norms with groundbreaking initiatives that create a significant impact.
Dr Sihlangu’s innovative dome stood out as a pioneering solution in the agricultural sector, as it provides a micro-climate conducive to mushroom production, requiring no electricity or fossil fuels.
This technology enables the fruiting of oyster mushrooms even under harsh climatic conditions while using minimal water, significantly reducing the costs associated with conventional mushroom farming.
In addition to the Innovator of the Year title, Dr Sihlangu received another two other accolades: an award for Social Innovation and one for Sales Beyond the Borders of South Africa. The Innovator Award came with a R100 000 cash prize and the Social Innovation award with an international market access opportunity worth R50 000. The Sales Beyond the Borders of South Africa award offers Dr Sihlangu the opportunity to attend a local conference valued at R30 000.
Dr Sihlangu says in a competitive and prestigious event such as this one, he is grateful to have obtained the three awards, particularly the Innovator of the Year Award 2024.
“What started as an academic journey has now stretched into innovation and entrepreneurship. Eco-Agro Enterprise Pty. Ltd. views this achievement as a positive milestone that solidifies our vision and mission.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Prof Khosi Ramachela, the project advisor and an academic in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, who immensely contributed to our journey,” he adds.
“Even though the entrepreneurial journey can be tough, it is one of the best sustainable solutions to eradicate the high unemployment rate in South Africa. We urge the government, private sector and relevant stakeholders to prioritise funding entrepreneurs to establish factories that manufacture various innovative products, leading to permanent employment,” concludes Dr Sihlangu.
NWU alumnus Dr Sydwell Sihlangu received three awards at the Grassroots Innovation Awards, including the coveted title of Grassroots Innovator of the Year for 2024.
