The University of Cape Town student who invented a grey-water system for drought-stricken Cape Town has died.
The Diepkloof community in Soweto on Sunday paid tribute to third-year civil engineering student Nkosinathi Nkomo, who died last weekend.
The 24-year-old’s death is shrouded in mystery after he allegedly fell from the fifth floor of a building in Cape Town.
The Soweto-born inventor was forced to put his studies on hold this year due to lack of funding.
At the time of his death, Nkomo had raised enough money to return to UCT next year.
Police say no foul play is suspected but an inquest has been opened.
Nkomo’s water purification device takes used water from bath tubs and basins, and filters the liquid to be used for irrigation.