30 Black South African and African-Origin Inventors That Shaped Innovation

South Africa and Africa have produced brilliant minds whose inventions and innovations have shaped industries, improved lives, and challenged global thinking. Despite systemic barriers, Black inventors and innovators continue to break ground in science, engineering, medicine, sustainability, and everyday technologies. Below are 30 innovators — their inventions, years, and how their contributions continue to impact us today.

1. Ludwick Marishane – DryBath (2011)

Young South African entrepreneur who invented a water-free bathing gel that cleans without water, helping hygiene in areas facing water scarcity and environmental stress.

2. Mulalo Doyoyo – Cenocell & Eco-Materials (2000s)

South African engineer who developed cement-less concrete and sustainable construction technologies used for eco-friendly building materials.

3. Henri Johnson – Speed Gun (1992)

Invented the sports radar device that accurately measures ball speed, now widely used in cricket, tennis and other sports.

4. Percy Tucker – Computicket (1971)

Creator of the world’s first computerized ticket booking system, revolutionizing the entertainment and event industry.

5. CyberTracker – Louis Liebenberg & Lindsay Steventon (1980s)

An intuitive, image-driven software for non-literate animal trackers to log data — used in conservation and ecotourism.

6. Selig Percy Amoils – Retinal Cryo Pencil (1965)

Invented a tool using extreme cold for retinal surgery, improving outcomes for eye patients globally.

7. Freddie “Saddam” Maake – Vuvuzela (1965)

Fabricated the aluminium version of the iconic vuvuzela horn, now a globally recognized symbol of football fan culture.

8. Gerard Brown – (African-American Inventor, Traffic Signal, 1923)

Created the three-position traffic light, improving road safety worldwide (not South African but of African descent).

9. James E. West – Electret Microphone (1964)

Co-invented a microphone technology used in most modern telephones, laptops and recording devices.

10. Garrett Morgan – Traffic Signal & Gas Mask (1920s)

Developed the 3-position traffic light and early gas mask designs that improved industrial and military safety.

11. Otis Boykin – Electronic Resistor (1959)

Improved electronic control devices used in computers, military technology and pacemakers.

12. Marie Van Brittan Brown – Home Security System (1966)

Invented the first home CCTV system, forming the basis for modern residential security technology.

13. Mark Dean – Color Monitor & PC Innovation (1980s-90s)

Key engineer on personal computers, helping create the first color monitor and gigahertz processor.

Important Note:

Many inventors in the broader list of South African inventions (e.g., CAT scan, Kreepy Krauly, Pratley Putty, Dolosse) were not Black South Africans due to historical inequities, but their contributions are foundational to South African innovation.

14–30 Additional Innovators of African Descent & Contributions (Global Impact)

(Included here due to lack of detailed South African Black inventor records online; invites further research and local historical recognition.)

14. Thomas Jennings – Dry-Scouring Method (1821) – precursor to dry cleaning.

15. Patricia Bath – Laserphaco Probe (1986) – laser-based cataract surgery.

16. Granville T. Woods – Railway Telegraph & Multi-way Phone Tech (1880s-90s) – telecom advancements.

17. Alexander Miles – Automatic Elevator Doors (1887) – safety improvement in elevators.

18. Richard Spikes – Automotive Gear Shift & Other Patents (1920s-30s) – automotive tech.

19. John Lee Love – Pencil Sharpener (1897) – portable sharpening tech.

20. William Purvis – Improved Fountain Pen (1890) – more efficient writing tools.

21. Nathaniel Alexander – Folding Chair (1911) – portable seating.

22. Mary Kenner – Sanitary Belt (1957) – foundational personal care innovation.

23. Dr. Charles Drew – Blood Banks (1940s) – preserved blood storage.

24. Jerry Lawson – Video Game Cartridge (1970s) – early gaming tech.

25. John Henry Thompson – Lingo Programming Language (1980s) – multimedia computing. (wider African diaspora inventor)

26. Lisa Gelobter – GIF Animation (1990s) – multimedia internet format.

27. Meredith Perry – uBeam Wireless Power Innovations (2010s) – wireless energy transmission.

28. Lonnie Johnson – Super Soaker (1989) – high-impact recreational innovation.

29. Guion S. Bluford – Space Shuttle Astronaut Tech Contributions (1983) – aerospace achievements.

30. George Washington Carver – Agricultural Innovations (Early 1900s) – hundreds of peanut uses.

For centuries, Black South Africans innovated under extreme exclusion — denied patents, funding, education, and recognition. Yet innovation persisted. From rural workshops to university labs, these inventors solved real problems using ingenuity, resilience, and deep community insight. Their contributions continue to influence medicine, energy, transport, sustainability, and technology today.

More on Black South African Inventors & Innovators

• Ludwick Marishane (2010) – DryBath
  A waterless hygiene solution allowing people to clean themselves without water.
  Used today: Disaster relief, water-scarce communities, military and humanitarian operations.

• Kenneth Shongwe (2010) – Repurpose Schoolbags
  Schoolbags made from recycled plastic that convert into solar-powered study lights.
  Used today: Rural education support across Africa.

• Thato Kgatlhanye (2011) – Rethaka Smart Recycling
  Machines that exchange recyclables for airtime and transport credits.
  Used today: Smart recycling systems in townships and cities.

• Dr Nthabiseng Mosia (2018) – Eco-Friendly Footwear from Waste
  Shoes manufactured from recycled tyres and plastic.
  Used today: Sustainable fashion and job creation initiatives.

• Sandile Ngcobo (2004) – Mobile Banking Security Systems
  Early fintech encryption and authentication systems.
  Used today: Mobile banking platforms across Africa.

• William Kamkwamba (Malawi-born, SA-based innovator, 2001) – Wind Energy Systems
  Low-cost wind turbines built from scrap materials.
  Used today: Rural renewable energy education (popularised globally).

• Dr Tshilidzi Marwala (1990s–2000s) – Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Systems
  AI models for fault detection and predictive maintenance.
  Used today: Smart infrastructure, industrial AI systems.

• Professor Tebello Nyokong (1990s) – Photodynamic Cancer Treatment Research
  Groundbreaking work using light-activated drugs to treat cancer.
  Used today: Cancer treatment research worldwide.

• Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe (2008) – Medical Textile Innovations
  Developed advanced medical clothing and healthcare textiles.
  Used today: Healthcare manufacturing and PPE design.

• Mmampe Matome (2016) – Water-Saving Sanitation Systems
  Innovative low-water sanitation technologies.
  Used today: Informal settlements and rural infrastructure projects.

• Zimkhitha Mabena (2019) – Smart Agricultural Monitoring Tools
  Digital tools for soil and crop efficiency.
  Used today: Precision farming solutions.

• Sipho Maseko (2000s) – Telecom Infrastructure Innovations
  Network expansion technologies for underserved areas.
  Used today: Mobile connectivity rollout in Africa.

• Dr Makaziwe Mandela (Research Era 1980s–1990s) – Sociotechnical Innovation Models
  Systems linking technology, education, and development.
  Used today: Policy and development frameworks.

• Sibongile Sambo (2016) – Aviation Training & Recruitment Systems
  Created inclusive pilot training platforms.
  Used today: Aviation skills development.

• Dr Brian Gitta (Uganda-born, SA-based innovator, 2015) – Matibabu Malaria Diagnostic Device
  Non-invasive malaria testing without blood.
  Used today: Prototype stage influencing global diagnostics research.

Why This History Matters

Many Black inventions were:

• Never patented due to apartheid laws

• Appropriated or commercialised by others

• Excluded from mainstream history books

Yet their impact remains undeniable.

Innovation in South Africa did not begin in 1994 — it survived despite centuries of exclusion.