Vulamasango pupils shine with innovative robotic bird at Trade Fair
By Thokozani Mazibuko
Young innovators from Vulamasango have captured the attention of visitors at the Eswatini
International Trade Fair with a groundbreaking creation — a robotic bird designed to enhance
home security by detecting human intruders.
The project, developed under the Junior Achievement Programme, demonstrates how
Eswatini’s youth are harnessing technology to address real-world challenges. The robotic bird is
not only a symbol of creativity but also a practical solution for combating crime in homes and
neighbourhood.
According to Majaha Kunene, at the Communication Office at His Majesty’s Correctional
Services (HMCS), the invention is equipped with advanced sensors that detect human
movement. “The bird acts as a security device and can sense any intrusion when placed at your
house or home,” Kunene explained. “Through this robotic bird, you receive a notification on
your mobile phone once anyone breaks into your home, and it also produces live footage.”
The invention is part of HMCS’s exhibition at the Trade Fair currently underway at Mavuso
Trade and Exhibition Centre. The exhibition has drawn large crowds eager to see the practical
demonstration of the bird in action.
Kunene said the pupils’ innovation is an example of how creativity, technology, and
entrepreneurship can be combined to produce life-changing solutions.
“This robotic bird shows that our youth are thinking beyond the classroom and developing
solutions that can improve safety in communities,” he noted.
The robotic bird has already sparked interest among business leaders and technology enthusiasts
attending the fair. Many believe the invention could be commercialized and scaled into a fully-
fledged product capable of serving both households and institutions.
The Junior Achievement programme, under which the students developed the bird, is designed
to nurture entrepreneurial skills, innovation, and business management among young people. It
empowers learners to identify societal problems and create market-ready solutions.
The Eswatini International Trade Fair, running until next week, continues to showcase a range of
innovations from local and regional exhibitors, reinforcing the platform’s role in promoting
entrepreneurship and investment opportunities.
It should be noted that with inventions like the robotic bird, Vulamasango pupils are proving that
Eswatini’s youth have the potential to drive technological advancement and contribute
meaningfully to the country’s socio-economic development.
