Zanodumo Godlimpi: innovating affordable prosthetics for South Africa's amputees

In South Africa, an estimated 300,000 individuals are living with amputations, many of whom come from lower-income households. Tragically, the high costs of quality prosthetics, often exceeding R100,000, place these essential devices out of reach for countless families, especially against a backdrop of a public healthcare system plagued by long waiting lists and scarce resources. However, emerging from this challenging landscape is Eastern Cape innovator Zanodumo Godlimpi, whose breakthrough contribution to prosthetic technology aims to change lives.

Godlimpi, a postgraduate student at Walter Sisulu University (WSU), has spent over seven years developing a unique pneumatic prosthetic foot, recently crowned the 2025 EDHE Studentpreneur of the Year. His invention, which won him a R120,000 cash prize, harnesses the power of pneumatics to deliver a more adaptive and responsive motion than conventional prosthetic legs. This innovation is not only cost-effective but also designed with local materials, ensuring accessibility for those in low-resource settings.

At the awards ceremony in Johannesburg, Godlimpi's reaction was one of pure instinct. “I jumped from my seat and rushed to the stage,” he recalled. The overwhelming joy and disbelief of receiving the prestigious award has left him energised about his future endeavors. "It was a powerful reminder of how far my journey has come," he said, reflecting on the personal significance of the recognition.

The pneumatic prosthetic foot, intended for below-knee amputations, distinguishes itself from existing devices in the market through its simplicity and efficiency. Many current models are complex with high repair costs, making them less feasible for South African patients, especially those in rural areas. Godlimpi's design features minimal electrical components, increasing repairability and reducing the overall cost.

While studying at WSU's Medicine and Health Sciences faculty, Godlimpi observed first-hand the limitations of current prosthetic devices. Patients often struggled with balance and stability, particularly on uneven terrain — a reality that many rural South Africans face daily. This prompted him to use his student allowance to experiment with prototyping in 2018, laying the groundwork for what would become his award-winning design.

With support from the Technology and Innovation Agency, which granted R485,000 in funding, Godlimpi was able to refine his design and expand his ambitions. “My prize money will allow me to buy a 3D printer and fund travel for testing my innovation in real-world environments,” he explained. His next step includes recruiting a larger testing cohort to validate product performance.

Looking ahead, Godlimpi envisions establishing a manufacturing company dedicated to producing prosthetic limbs that cater to diverse income levels. His design will ultimately be segmented into three tiers, making it accessible to a wider array of amputees. “The premium version will even integrate with AI technology,” he said. “This will enable personalisation of the user's gait, enhancing their mobility and comfort.”

Godlimpi acknowledges the significant impact competitions like EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity have on aspiring entrepreneurs. “They provide a platform for visibility, mentorship, and access to resources,” he emphasised. “Such opportunities rejuvenate confidence and enable collaborations that can transform ideas into real-life impacts.”

In addition to his dedication to innovation, Godlimpi values downtime to recharge. An avid supporter of Kaizer Chiefs, he finds solace in soccer and the crafts of carpentry — skills that offer him therapeutic release. “I am tremendously grateful for the unwavering support throughout my journey,” he said, crediting institutions like WSU and the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing for their vital contributions.

As Godlimpi continues to develop his life-changing prosthetic foot, he remains committed to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. His journey embodies the power of innovation coupled with social responsibility — a mission that promises to reshape the narrative for South Africa’s amputee community.