Thabiso Matsemela, an employee in the project management and security division of the Free State Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, created the system after a colleague, Elsonia Swarts, experienced difficulty reaching the light switch in her office.
Swarts, a wheelchair user whose office switch was attached to the ceiling lamp, can now control the lighting system via a remote control. The technology combines smart switches and transceiver modules, allowing the user to activate or deactivate electrical systems without physical strain
“I am grateful to him because I sometimes left the lights on in my office because it was difficult to turn them off. With this invention, that is no longer the case. And most importantly: I can save the department money on electricity,” says Swarts.
Matsemela previously created an integrated alarm and energy management system that automatically turns off appliances such as air conditioners and heaters when buildings are empty, which earned him the 2022 Trailblazer Award from the Center for Public Service Innovation.
Elsonia Swarts can now operate the lighting system via a remote control. Photo: Free State Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure
“There is no danger in this system because it is well secured,” says Matsemela, who built the device using affordable, accessible components to ensure it can be easily manufactured.
The solution can also be implemented in other departments. People outside his workplace have expressed interest and shared their own issues regarding people with special needs.
He has a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Central Technical University and is pursuing his doctorate. He is developing a separate security system to prevent the theft of mobile assets, such as laptops and tablets, from government buildings.
This new system monitors vacant offices and sends automated alerts to a central security control room if an asset is moved without permission.
Public works and infrastructure MEC Dibolelo Mance said the provincial government supported Matsemela’s work and appreciates investments in local innovation.
• Have a news tip to share? Call or WhatsApp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.
OFM
www.ofm.co.za
