I applied and was so grateful to get the internship. It feels like I’m part of something important.

Picture this: a futuristic workspace with 3D printers, which is not only used to create visors for frontline staff working amid the Covid-19 pandemic, but also to create hope in a community. And no, it’s not located in a city of the future, but right here, in the heart of Graaff-Reinet’s Umasizakhe.

Over 300 visors, made by local youths Thembelani Makapela (27) and Micyla Hobbs (21) of the Craft-Tech Club, have been donated to the Graaff-Reinet SAPS, local clinics and schools.

The Craft-Tech Club is a flagship project of The Sobukwe Museum and Learning Centre, a project of the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Trust. Although the opening of the museum has been delayed due to Covid-19, Makapela and Hobbs are training full steam ahead to become facilitators, as this space will be used in 2021 for school children to learn more about craft and technology.

Hobbs became part of the project last year after her LO teacher showed her the advertisement for an internship. She had hoped to study education after school but wasn’t accepted into a programme. "I applied and was so grateful to get the internship. It feels like I’m part of something important," she told the Advertiser, while a 3D printer (which she had programmed with a design) printed away in the background. Projects that she and Makapela have worked on include making interactive games for children in the community and learning how to code. "Although I didn’t get into education, I’m so privileged to be here because I still get to do what I love - to learn and to teach."

Makapela, who has a background in IT, says it means a lot to be part of such an innovative project.

"The technology is mind-blowing," he said. One project that he is working on includes building a programme that creates filaments (thermoplastic feedstock) for the 3D printer from recycled plastic bottles. "My dream is to one day invent something to help my community and the environment."

Both Hobbs and Makapela are mentored by concept developer and trainer of the club, professor Roger Meintjes, via Skype, as he is currently based in Portugal. Hobbs’ advice to youngsters is to never give up on their dreams and to look for internships that interest them. "Learn about your interests by reading," said Makapela. "Visit libraries and us at the museum (when these open) or google on a cellphone who knows, you might invent your own cellphone someday."

According to Gaby Cheminais, who together with the late Dini Sobukwe was responsible for managing the museum project, The Sobukwe Trust wanted to make a community contribution to the fight against Covid-19. "We approached the Joint Operations Committee in March with a proposal to print protective face visors for frontline staff. This was accepted," she explained. The design for the visor was sourced from Swedish designers 3DVerkstan and complies with international standards. Cheminais added that demand for the visors is growing, and that production is funded by The Sobukwe Trusts’ small training budget. "Any support for materials will be much appreciated."

The protective visors are also available for community members to purchase at the Assembly Church Hall. For further information contact Gaby Cheminais at robertsobukwetrust@gmail.com or on WhatsApp 083 752 2785. Please take note the museum is not open to the public.

Thembelani Makapela with the finished project.