Matt Moolman : November 1941- April 2022
Port Elizabeth. It is with much sadness and regret that we tell you about the passing of Matt Moolman, Trustee, Director and PITTP™ Panelist of the Institute of Inventors and Innovators – III
Matt had a colourful and varied career and travelled extensively to places most people just read about. In the late 70s, having been introduced to the healing powers of the tea tree plant in Australia (something the Aboriginal peoples had known and used for centuries), he saw antibacterial, antifungal and analgesic properties and immediately thought of fire protection and burn-relief products. In 1984 Burnshield, since sold, was conceived and brought to the international market. There are clips still available of him running though a fire wall protected by this fire blanket!
He was also well-known for his pioneering work in the South African agricultural sector, for his research and development in soils, agronomy and animal feed production as well as intense and vital research work in animal husbandry.Matt Moolman was one of the early members of our Institute of Inventors and Innovators way back in the 1970s and was instrumental in reviving the ‘Pitch It To The Panel™’ service, through which the III helped many an Inventor to understand and manage their invention journeys.
Matt was a man of many talents, and, like all inventors he had more ideas than he could ever fulfill. Being constantly on the lookout for the next solution, he just didn’t stop inventing! He will be sorely missed for his sincerity, dry humour and wise counsel by his fellow Trustees and Directors, as well as the many inventors and innovators who took heed of his readily offered, brilliant and practical advice.
Our sincere condolences go to all, including his family and many friends. R I P Matt.