Students build solar boat

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Excitement is in the air at the South Cape TVET College as a team of students and lecturers have built a solar boat that will be entered for the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Solar Boat Competition on 9 and 10 December at North End Lake in Gqeberha.

The first test run of the boat on Friday 10 November at Klein-Brak was a huge success. The sun was shining and the panels were pinging, and with an enthusiastic crowd cheering them on, the boat was launched. There was jubilation as it floated and handled the weight distribution of the students.

On the day of the competition, each team will consist of no more than five students and each student must spend at least 30 minutes on the solar-powered boat.

The goal of the three-hour endurance race is to cover the longest distance in the time limit, with sunlight allowed as the only power source for propulsion.

The competition is presented by NMU's Advanced Mechatronic Technology Centre (AMTC) in collaboration with the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Merseta). Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and technical high schools will participate.

The project is aimed at skills development in renewable energy systems and it exposes learners and students to solar technologies and help them develop essential skills in their study field.

1st competitor to complete their boat
The South Cape College team was commended for being the first competitor to have completed their boat and have a successful first launch. A few final recommendations for improvement of the solar-powered boat were made in preparation for the competition.

The five Electrical Infrastructure Construction students who are on the team are Sinoxolo Joya, Khanyisa Mdikiva, Athenkosi Aviwe Sodlaka, Vuyisa Matanzima and Justene Ruiters, and the lecturers are Brendon Duthie, Lewis Nzira, Timothy Botha and George McKelly.

Nzira said the college is very proud of the team and they are confident that their hard work will be rewarded. "We are sure to reach our goals and so inspire others to pursue their dreams."

A student tries out the solar boat during it maiden launch. Photo supplied