Zaka high learner invents sunflower oil hydraulic jack, seeks sponsorship to fulfil ambition

By Staff ReporterZAKA – A Form Six science student at Zaka High School has developed a hydraulic jack prototype that operates using sunflower oil instead of expensive GTX oil, earning recognition at district, provincial and national level. Progress Munashe Mtisi, who studies Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry, now appeals for sponsorship to commercialise his innovation and advance his education.Mtisi’s hydraulic jack model uses oil extracted from sunflowers, a readily available resource in Zimbabwe. He said the idea came after observing that existing jacks are expensive because they rely on costly GTX oil.“I designed my hydraulic jack model after seeing certain challenges in our society. Number one, it was a way of cutting cost constraints as I discovered that existing jacks are more expensive since they use GTX oil. I implemented this idea to cut those cost constraints since my hydraulic jack model will operate with oil from sunflower under the theme of utilizing available resources,” said Mtisi.He also highlighted educational and entrepreneurial motivations, noting that the innovation aligns with Education 5.0, which promotes teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation.“We want these young scientists to implement their ideas practically. Prototyping assists them to see the concept of fluid mechanics and Pascal’s law. I also came with the innovation of using oil from sunflower because sunflower contains natural fat acids which give decent lubricity to moving parts. “This oil is biodegradable and non-toxic, so it is environmentally friendly and leads us to socio-economic progress and self-reliance,” he said.Mtisi noted that his prototype addresses limitations of existing jacks, including slow lifting speed. “I implemented this to cut those limitations so that it can be a lifeline for productivity and safety.”His model emerged as the best under Zaka District, went on to win at Masvingo Province level, and proceeded to the National Chishawasha Career Expo sponsored by Nyaradzo Funeral Assurance Company, where the guest of honour was First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa. Mtisi presented his model on behalf of all secondary schools in Zimbabwe and has been selected to exhibit at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo in April 2026.The hydraulic jack works on Pascal’s law, which states that pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted equally in all directions. In this model, sunflower oil serves as the hydraulic fluid, transmitting force from a small pump to a larger piston, thereby multiplying the input force to lift heavy loads. Unlike conventional jacks that require expensive GTX oil, sunflower oil is locally produced, renewable, and significantly cheaper. Additionally, sunflower oil’s natural viscosity ensures smooth operation of the pump and valves while its biodegradable nature eliminates environmental hazards associated with oil leaks or disposal.Mtisi sees the prototype as a springboard for business. He aims to commercialise the product, create jobs, and reduce dependence on imported hydraulic fluids. “I designed my hydraulic jack model for entrepreneurial opportunity. I prototyped this hydraulic jack so that I can assess demand before mass production, as I have discovered that existing jacks are expensive and not affordable for personal use or for small-scale users,” he said. He said hydraulics were widely used in Zimbabwe’s mining sector in lifting heavy machinery and moving massive loads. He added that with adequate resources, he could industrialise the idea and boost economic growth.“A hydraulic jack is a testament from car repairs to construction. This model can be used in mines to lift heavy equipment, in workshops, on farms, and even in the braking systems of vehicles,” he said. His model emerged as the best under Zaka District, won at Masvingo Province level, and proceeded to the National Chihawasha Career Expo sponsored by Nyaradzo Funeral Assurance Company, where the guest of honour was First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa. Mtisi presented his model on behalf of all secondary schools in Zimbabwe and has been selected to exhibit at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo in April 2026.Speaking to TellZim News, his father Jonah Mtisi, said he was discharged from the Zimbabwe Republic Police on medical grounds after suffering an ankle fracture in a road traffic accident while in the line of duty. He said he was not paid fairly and has been struggling to make ends meet since 2023. The boy’s mother, Alice Mtisi, works as a vendor.“I am appealing to well-wishers, companies and the government to sponsor my son. He has shown great potential, but we cannot afford to take him further. He needs help to advance his education and to turn his prototype into a real product that can benefit the country,” he said,