Young innovator from the Eastern Cape, Elihle Stali, is setting the bar for breakthrough technology aimed at helping the visually impaired with a pair of AI-assisted smart glasses inspired by his late grandmother.
The 23-year-old computer science student has created a lightweight pair of glasses — similar in appearance to Meta’s AI glasses — that can translate what they are pointed at into audio, effectively telling the user what is in front of them.
The device also works in several South African languages, giving the technology a uniquely South African flavour.
It has the potential to be a breakthrough innovation that could give visually impaired people far greater independence, confidence and freedom in their daily lives.
Spectacles4TheBlind SA: Stali’s Vision for Independence Gains Global Attention and Support
Stali’s grandmother was blind, a reality that helped shape the path he would eventually follow. It also led to the creation of his startup company, Spectacles4TheBlind SA.
“Elihle, my boy, please hold my hand and help me get to the toilet,” recalled Stali.
“Growing up in Zwelitsha, I heard these words from my grandmother every morning. As her full-time child navigator, I made an 11-year-old vow to find a solution that would give her and millions of visually impaired South Africans their ultimate dignity and independence back.”
The invention has already begun attracting international attention.
Stali has been invited to participate in the LEAP Startup Competition, where he has been offered the opportunity to showcase his technology in Hong Kong in July.
However, attending the event comes at a cost.
Without the funding required for the trip, Stali launched a BackaBuddy campaign to help make the journey possible.
The campaign was launched just two weeks ago with a target of R80,000. By June 12, it had already raised R136,547 — comfortably exceeding its goal and highlighting the strong support behind his vision.
Michael Sherman
iol.co.za