WINDHOEK – Simon Petrus, the young Namibian inventor who made headlines six years ago with his invention of a cardless cellphone, has recently earned a national diploma in general electronics, despite facing significant challenges in his journey. His innovative spirit and knack for electronics and computers have not waned, even in the face of limited support for young talent in Namibia.
Petrus first caught the attention of the public when he invented a cardless cellphone that could make calls without credit. This invention was covered by New Era, sparking interest in his potential. Despite numerous unfulfilled promises of support, Petrus persevered and managed to supplement his innate talent with formal education in electronic engineering.
Petrus was among the 420 trainees who received their national certificates at the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre (WVTC)’s inaugural joint graduation ceremony. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of over 963 trainees who completed their training at WVTC between June 2019 and June 2023.
The young inventor, who completed his training in 2020, credits the WVTC for deepening his understanding of electrical systems and digital technologies. “My time at WVTC was a significant opportunity for me. The experience has greatly enhanced my natural aptitude for electronics and programming languages,” Petrus expressed with a sense of accomplishment.
Despite his recent achievement, Petrus remains tight-lipped about his ongoing projects. He hinted at working on an intriguing project that involves a self-powered television but declined to share further details. He also mentioned his cardless phone project, noting that he is unable to patent it due to technical issues related to the telecommunications system.
Although currently unemployed, Petrus gained practical experience during his training at NamWater, where he worked on telecommunications in various fields. He expressed confidence in his abilities, stating that he can handle any wiring or installation of telecommunications or IT systems.
Petrus, who hails from a village near Okongo in the Ohangwena region, is currently sustaining himself with small jobs such as fixing televisions, cellphones, radios, and installing electrical systems in homes. Despite his circumstances, he remains hopeful and is seeking sponsorship for further studies in IT and electronics.
Despite the challenges, Petrus remains grateful for the support he received from the Sam Nujoma Foundation and Erongo Marine Enterprises (EME), which helped him complete his education. Martha Uumati, the managing director of EME, praised Petrus for his inventive spirit and natural talent. She emphasized the need for the corporate sector to support young Namibian innovators like Petrus.
Uumati noted, “Young people like Petrus, who make up nearly 37% of our population, are the driving force behind our country’s future prosperity. If we fail to recognize and support their talent, we are failing our country’s future. Empowering young innovators not only benefits them but also creates employment opportunities for others.”
Petrus’ story serves as an inspiration for the electronics industry and emphasizes the importance of nurturing and supporting young talent. His journey is a testament to the power of persistence, and his achievements are a beacon of hope for budding inventors and innovators in Namibia and beyond.
