Solar cars at Knysna High today

Update

KNYSNA NEWS - If you hear a quiet "whoosh" or two this morning and are curious to find out what it is, go straight to the Knysna High School grounds to feast your eyes on the solar cars arriving there.

It was revealed last night that Knysna will be a stopping point for the biennial Sasol Solar Challenge.

The Sasol Solar Challenge takes place every two years, bringing together university and high school teams, and even private engineers who have manufactured fully functioning, roadworthy cars powered only by the sun. It runs on public roads, sharing space with trucks and regular traffic, and passes through multiple small towns.

Announcing the secret stop venue last night, owner and director of the Sasol Solar Challenge Robert Walker said they look forward to new strategies as the teams prepare for the route.

"The community of Knysna and surroundings can look forward to experiencing a solar challenge where cars, which are powered only by the sun, go head-to-head - the winning team being the one that racked up the most kilometres during the eight-day long challenge,” he said.

“This is also an opportunity for the community to learn more about different energy concepts, for clean and sustainable transportation.”

The first South African car, belonging to the Tshwane University of Technology, has stopped at Knysna High.

Schools programme

The venue, the Knysna High School grounds, will host the event’s schools programme, which is a supporting initiative of the Sasol Solar Challenge. It aims to create awareness, excitement and unique opportunities for school learners with a specific focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem). With this programme, the Sasol Solar Challenge is directly investing in the engineers, scientists and thought leaders of tomorrow.

“The schools programme will offer an opportunity to learners and the broader community of Knysna to view the solar cars and engage with the teams," said Nozipho Mbatha, senior manager of group brand and sponsorships at Sasol.

"This is a tangible engagement for learners to see the application of Stem in real life. ”

Route

The 2022 route from Johannesburg to Cape Town goes through five provinces and 18 towns. New towns include Brakpan, Trompsburg, Willowmore, Kirkwood, Jeffreys Bay, Riversdale and Caledon. The event is also bringing new local and international teams, including those competing for the first time in South Africa and in international solar challenge.

The cars will be at Knysna High between 10:00 and 15:00 and spectators are welcome to come and learn more about these new inventions.

More information on the route and the teams can be found HERE.

Photo: Blake Linder