Hlengiwe Mbalenhle Ngubane
Renewable Energy & Sustainability
Nominee's Province:
Kwazulu-natal
Age:
31
Project Name/Description:
Hlengiwe Ngubane is the definition of “waste not, want not”. Where others saw simple builders’ rubble, the 31-year-old architectural technology PhD student is merging AI and technology to build a more sustainable urban future. As South Africa continues to boom with infrastructure development, there is a shadowy underbelly to all the endless construction – tonnes of building waste and unused material. Hlengiwe developed Project X, a digital construction management platform that offers real-time site monitoring, material tracking, and document coordination, which has the potential to transform the construction industry across Africa. “In construction, an average of 15% to 20% of material is lost to theft. The platform modernises construction management and improves collaboration. Her work has already gained international recognition through the Alliance of Guangzhou International Sister-City Universities Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. Project X achieved second runner-up and was commended for representing the future of African innovation, inclusive technology and women-led digital transformation.
