The idea of a waterless carwash business to help locals save water to delay Day Zero impressed judges of the CPUT Water Pitch Challenge who agreed it is an innovative solution to the current water crisis.
The students, Charles Gudza and Ricardo Salambi, who are behind the idea scooped R1 000 as the panel of industry experts felt that their business proposal has the potential to be a hit in the market.
The students aim to employ the latest high quality products and systems, which will ensure water preservation from car washing and environmental preservation while providing safe, convenient and accessible service to customers.
“This service will provide employment and training for students and ordinary people in the car detailing business,” says Charles.
The duo of second-year Electrical Computer Systems students say their win was unexpected but greatly appreciated.
“The money will be used to buy a battery or solar vacuum cleaner and to replenish our stock of products,” he says.
They have a registered business company, Dr Charles & Salambi Investments, which provides services that are rendered without the use of water and electricity. This leads to less impact on the environment while customers receive a high quality convenient service from the waterless nanotechnology cleaning products.
They are looking for space on campus on which to operate their business and train other students so that they can also earn an income.
The challenge was hosted by the Department of Student Affairs which challenged students to come up with innovative products or solutions for CPUT and pitch it in three minutes to a panel of judges.
More than 12 students pitched their innovative ideas and were judged both on the content and delivery of their presentations. The judges were George Gabriel, an experienced consultant and facilitator at EMERGING, Lebogang Madise, mLab Western Cape Provincial Manager, and Kholosa Magudu from the World Wide Fund for Nature.
Written by Kwanele Butana
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