The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Science (DEEES), in partnership with DHL Supply Chain, celebrated the handover of 17 custom-made benches at the Occupational Therapy (OT) Therapy Garden of Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital on 14 November 2024.
The benches, crafted from upcycled pallet wood generously donated by DHL, were unveiled at a heartfelt ceremony attended by Deputy Vice Chancellor: Academic, Prof Sehaam Khan, UJ staff, engineering students, DHL representatives, and OT professionals. The benches, designed to enhance waiting areas for patients and visitors, symbolise the culmination of a multi-faceted collaboration aimed at societal impact.
An educational partnership with purpose
The partnership between UJ’s DEEES and the OT Department at Charlotte Maxeke began as a collaboration to enhance assistive devices for patients with cerebral palsy (CP). This initial effort expanded into a broader educational initiative, enabling UJ undergraduate engineering students to create innovative solutions for real-world challenges. Recognising that therapists often conceptualise devices they cannot build, this collaboration bridged the gap, empowering students to apply their skills to meet healthcare needs.
In June 2024, a generous donation of 200 pallets by DHL Supply Chain, following discussions with Prof Sune von Solms, Head of DEEES, and Mr Marnus Botha, Director Consumer and Retail at DHL Supply Chain, further strengthened the initiative. Over two weeks in July, 12 undergraduate students transformed the pallets into functional benches, gaining hands-on experience in teamwork, craftsmanship, and the use of power tools.
Showcasing student innovations
The handover event also showcased assistive devices developed by third-year UJ engineering students in collaboration with occupational therapists. These innovations included:
- Finger mobility goniometer: A tool to measure finger range of motion for rehabilitation tracking.
- BrainBuzz memory game: A device to aid cognitive function and memory improvement.
- UTalk: A communication device for patients with speech impairments.
- Mirror box for mirror therapy: A tool to alleviate phantom limb pain and promote motor recovery in stroke patients.
The UJuggy: A game-changer in mobility solutions
The event also highlighted the UJuggy, a low-cost mobility buggy designed for CP patients. Developed by DEEES in collaboration with occupational therapists, the UJuggy offers an affordable alternative to existing mobility aids, priced at under R2,000 compared to the R12,000 market standard.
Its simple construction allows for easy assembly and maintenance, empowering local communities to produce the buggy and stimulate job creation. The UJuggy is lightweight, collapsible, and compatible with public transport, addressing the mobility needs of CP patients and their caregivers in rural South Africa. Field trials are currently underway at Letaba Hospital, with promising results.
Recognition at disability rights excellence awards
The UJuggy will be honoured at the Gauteng Provincial Government’s Disability Rights Excellence Awards on 3 December 2024, an accolade that underscores its societal impact. This recognition highlights UJ’s commitment to innovation for inclusivity, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
This partnership exemplifies how interdisciplinary collaboration and student innovation can drive meaningful societal change, further cementing UJ’s role as a leader in transformative education and community impact.
