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Innovation, purpose, and a passion for community-driven design converged in a defining moment at the 2025 University of Botswana (UB) Degree Show, where Wame Shaun Mokalake emerged the top winner. His ingenuity earned him not only top honours but also a prestigious postgraduate scholarship awarded by UB Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris.

Hosted annually by the Department of Industrial Design and Technology, the Degree Show celebrates the creative achievements of its graduating class. This year, Mokalake’s project -  an ergonomically designed wheelbarrow named FERTIGO -  captivated judges and audiences alike with its practical relevance, thoughtful execution and potential to ease everyday burdens for local farmers.

Designed specifically for distributing manure on farms and gardens, FERTIGO is a user-centred solution that combines manual operation with enhanced functionality, offering improved maneuver in tight and uneven spaces. It addresses a pressing need among Botswana’s farming communities by reducing physical strain and increasing productivity in agricultural tasks.

"Design, to me, is about better balance, improved ergonomics and easier handling," Mokalake shared. "FERTIGO is lighter, stronger and, if I may say, so easier on the eye. It’s a reminder that design doesn’t have to be loud to be life changing. Sometimes, innovation means making work less painful or restoring dignity to daily labour."

Reflecting on the award, Mokalake expressed a deep sense of gratitude and commitment. "To be named the 2025 Degree Show winner for the Department of Industrial Design feels surreal," he said, noting that the accolade reaffirmed his belief in design as a tool for social good.

"Winning this award reminded me that our skills as industrial designers are not just tools for creativity they are instruments for impact. We are called to serve, to innovate, to imagine a better world and to build it," he added.

Mokalake plans to use the postgraduate scholarship to deepen his research in sustainable, community based product development. His vision includes mentoring young designers and creating solutions that draw from Botswana’s rich cultural heritage.

"I envision a future where design is deeply connected to local knowledge and traditions, creating products that are not only functional but also culturally resonant," he said.

His journey is a powerful example of how design, when rooted in empathy and purpose, can shape lives and transform communities one idea at a time.

The 2025 Degree Show also celebrated the achievements of other talented students. Elijah Mujokeri secured second place while Abel Nkambule came third, highlighting the depth of talent within the Department of Industrial Design and Technology.