Inventor of ‘SIM-less’ phone graduates

Unemployed graduate aims for the stars
On 8 September, Petrus earned an electronics engineering degree from the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre; a course he completed in three years.
Rita Kakelo
Simon Petrus, popularly known as the young man who invented a phone that works without a SIM card back in 2016, graduated earlier this month.

On 8 September, Petrus earned an electronics engineering degree from the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre; a course he completed in three years.

He hails from Okongo's OshitishaHaihonya village in the Ohangwena Region.

"I started [the SIM-less phone] project when I was in grade 11 and finished it the following year in grade 12. That was seven years ago," he said.

In essence, the phone serves as a network booster for rural places with poor cell signal. When carefully evaluated, it has the potential to reach greater heights.

He went on to explain that his device functions similarly to any other cellphone, but its distinctiveness stems from its ability to function without a SIM card and make uninterrupted calls anywhere in the country.

Struggle

He recounts the difficulties he encountered while designing the device, stating that he struggled to obtain parts to put it all together.

"OshitishaHaihonya is quite remote; transportation is scarce. At the time, there was only one vehicle that drove to town once a day; missing it was the biggest mistake one could ever make, and it would thus be available only the next day," Petrus said.

This is a regular struggle for people living in far-flung villages.

According to Petrus, it was New Era's coverage of his invention that drew the attention of the founding president, Sam Nujoma, resulting in him acquiring the necessary educational assistance from the Sam Nujoma Foundation and sponsorship from Erongo Mine.

Big goals

Petrus said while he is currently unemployed, he does basic electronic repairs to make ends meet. He does, however, harbour big goals and asserted that he has grander projects in the works that will exceed what he did in 2016.

"I don't believe governments support young innovators; they do so formally, but they don't help us take our inventions to new heights," he lamented.

Petrus believes he has done his best and will continue to do so, and that his efforts will gain the required traction - particularly from professionals who can help him execute his initiatives in a way that corresponds with the ever-changing market.

"We are entering the Fourth Industrial Revolution; what we use now will most likely not exist in the next few years. We must prepare ourselves with the required abilities; and I eagerly await any positive collaborative developments from fellow young Namibians," the graduate said.