Zimbabwean innovator showcases self-powering vehicle to Mnangagwa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hailed Zimbabwean innovator Maxwell Chikumbutso for his groundbreaking invention of self-powering vehicles and motorbikes that run on radio waves, describing the feat as a testament to the country's immense innovative potential.

Speaking at State House in Harare yesterday after Chikumbutso presented his latest invention, President Mnangagwa expressed confidence in Zimbabweans' ability to pioneer game-changing technologies that challenge conventional scientific principles.

"This is the only vehicle of its kind in the world, and it is here in Zimbabwe," the President said. "When he first came to talk to me, I thought he was not properly wired in his head, but I now know that he is well connected," he added with a laugh.

The President revealed that he has been personally supporting Chikumbutso's work over the years, including his development of a self-powering unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), wireless television sets, and other cutting-edge innovations.

Despite being a high school dropout with only a Form 2 education, Chikumbutso has defied expectations in the field of engineering and energy. President Mnangagwa disclosed that the inventor had previously been offered US$3 million to continue his work in the United States, an offer he declined.

"They offered him US$3 million to stay there, and I told him to let them have their money. Yes, he never went far with school, but he is more educated than engineers," the President said.

Chikumbutso explained the mechanics behind his invention, highlighting that his technology harnesses radio frequencies to generate energy.

"As you know, radio frequencies are measured in nanovolts, meaning they are less than a volt… but we have found a way to harness them through the creation of 70 percent of the components in microsonic energy, which I have tailor-made," he said.

He further explained that his latest self-powering vehicle can also function as a mobile generator, producing up to 15 kilowatts of electricity, enough to power a home.

"With this car, you can also use it to power your house. It is a moving generator," he said.

Chikumbutso narrated the challenges he faced while working on his inventions abroad, including an alleged poisoning attempt in the United States, which claimed the life of his colleague.

"With this technology, it violates the laws of energy in thermodynamics and also the first law of energy," he said, before President Mnangagwa interjected humorously, "So they wanted to arrest him for changing physics."

Chikumbutso also recounted difficulties in securing patents for his work, as authorities in the United States allegedly deemed his inventions a violation of natural physics laws.

"When we tried to file a patent, they said we were violating the natural laws of physics, so it is not industrially applicable. We decided to take the trade secret route after that," he said.

President Mnangagwa praised Chikumbutso's resilience and ingenuity, emphasizing that Zimbabweans are capable of producing world-class innovations despite limited resources.

"He brought the television to my house, and you can watch all the stations you want on a tarmac without wiring. But you will not believe it until you see it," the President said.

As Zimbabwe pursues its Vision 2030 agenda, the recognition of such groundbreaking local innovations signals a push towards self-sufficiency in technology and industrialization. The government's continued support for local inventors like Chikumbutso could position Zimbabwe as a leader in unconventional energy solutions and futuristic engineering.