# From Scavenging to CEO: The Rise of Mpho Makutu A young innovator transforms discarded waste into educational robotics enterprise in Johannesburg. - **Source:** [The South African](https://www.thesouthafrican.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [careers](https://brifing.si/c/careers) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/03d09fad-4fca-47c8-b4ae-0860d602ac57 ## Early Beginnings in Limpopo Mpho Makutu’s journey began in the rural village of Kopermyn, Limpopo. His fascination with mechanics sparked in Grade 5, leading him to dismantle household electronics like his father’s hi-fi system. These early experiments with wire and tin cans laid the foundational curiosity that would eventually define his professional engineering career trajectory. ## Funding Education Through Innovation After moving to Johannesburg in 2015 to study mechanical engineering, Makutu faced severe financial constraints. To cover rent and groceries, he salvaged materials from local dump sites, including coat hangers and bottle caps. He crafted remote-controlled cars and robots, selling them to tourists on Soweto’s Vilakazi Street to survive. ## Engineering Complex Robotic Systems Makutu demonstrated significant technical skill by building a two-metre-tall robotic crane. This complex machine featured four motors and a seven-lever wired remote control system. Capable of lifting objects and rotating 360 degrees, the project proved that sophisticated engineering could be achieved using only repurposed waste materials found in urban environments. ## Navigating Regulatory and Financial Hurdles The path to success was not linear, as Makutu faced significant setbacks in 2016. Johannesburg metro police confiscated his inventory, demanding a fine of R2,600 for their release. Lacking the funds to pay, he lost his wares, highlighting the precarious nature of operating an informal business without formal legal or financial support. ## The Viral Turning Point In late 2017, the trajectory of Makutu’s life shifted when vlogger Nas Daily encountered him outside a Soweto restaurant. A one-minute video documenting his work went viral, reaching millions globally. This exposure provided the necessary visibility to transition from a street-level inventor to a recognized figure in the South African tech scene. ## Waste Management and Artistry By 2021, Makutu was appointed artist-in-residence at the Shade arts centre in Brixton. He participated in the 'Waste Not Want Not' project, collaborating directly with local waste reclaimers. This role allowed him to formalize his practice, bridging the gap between environmental sustainability, creative engineering, and community-based waste management initiatives. ## Founding MphoRobotics Enterprise Today, Makutu serves as the founder and CEO of MphoRobotics, based in Braamfontein. The enterprise focuses on developing STEAM-based robots specifically designed for educational purposes. By integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, the company aims to provide accessible learning tools for students, reflecting his own unconventional path into the field. ## Legacy of Self-Reliance Makutu’s story underscores the potential of grassroots innovation in overcoming systemic economic barriers. Rather than waiting for scholarships or formal grants, he utilized ingenuity to forge a professional path. His transition from scavenging in dumps to leading a technology company serves as a model for self-driven development in emerging economies. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/meet-mpho-makutu-teen-building-robots-ceo/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._