.jpeg)
EMPOWERING INNOVATION: Celebrating a successful high school technology project are (from left) Mandela University PhD student Lillian Mutia, Centre for Broadband Communications (CBC) director Dr David Waswa, Gqeberha high school learner and award winner, Christopher May, and master’s students Zaina Mdakane and Sandi Bangani.
Master’s student Sandi Bangani and PhD student Lillian Mutia were key players in testing Otto du Plessis High School Grade 11 pupil Christopher May’s Fractal Geometry Antenna Project, which netted him a silver medal and a R40 000 bursary from WITS University in September last year.
May’s project focused on designing a compact, high-performance frequency antenna capable of operating across a broad frequency range, showcasing both creativity and technical skills, said CBC senior researcher and director Dr David Waswa.
“Fractal antennas are known for their unique properties, allowing for efficient designs that can operate over multiple frequency bands, making them increasingly relevant in 5G networks,” he said.
The CBC provided the young inventor with access to advanced testing equipment and the expertise of both Bangani and Mutia, who assisted with collecting and analysing the antenna’s data to evaluate its performance over three days.
The theoretical results were then validated at the CBC under the supervision of Dr Waswa, who said that May was able to use state-of-the-art equipment for radiation pattern analysis, bandwidth measurement and signal quality testing.
“This hands-on experience not only enhanced his understanding of antenna design, but also provided him with practical skills that will serve him in his future studies and career,” said Dr Waswa.
“His achievements not only showcase his potential, but also highlights the promising applications of fractal geometry in advancing 5G technology.”
Dr Waswa said that he was proud of the CBC’s role in fostering young talent. “Supporting young innovators like Christopher May is at the heart of our mission. His project is an inspiring example of how access to resources can spark remarkable achievements for young future scientists.”
The project underscored the CBC’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and researchers, he said.
“This antenna project stands as a testament to the exciting future of communications technology, where unconventional approaches such as fractal geometry could redefine design efficiency and signal clarity.”
Mutia praised May’s dedication, saying that his curiosity in applying fractal geometry to antenna design was impressive, and that his work would inspire others.
Bangani highlighted how May’s success served as an inspiration to the youth, demonstrating that with the right support and resources, they too could make significant contributions to the ever-evolving field of technology.
Dr Waswa said that the CBC Lab was dedicated to empowering young minds and fostering innovation through its STEM outreach programme YeboTutor – a Centre initiative providing maths and science online tutoring to Grade 11 and 12 learners.
It also hosts outreach tours for disadvantaged schools across South Africa, aiming to bridge the gap in STEM education.