A healthcare transport solution designed to deliver medical services to remote communities has earned two students from the North-West University (NWU) national recognition in a leading engineering competition.

The winners of the 2025 South African Institute for Industrial Engineering (SAIIE) Student Competition were announced on 5 September 2025.The team known as AndyX, consisting of final-year industrial engineering students Andile Madlala and Xayaan Maasdorp, was named first runner-up in the competition. They designed a mobile healthcare tricycle with an enclosed cabin to improve access to medical care in rural South Africa.

“Our project focuses on designing a cost-effective and technology-driven solution capable of delivering essential services such as medical check-ups, chronic disease management and vaccinations directly to rural households,” says Andile.

The idea was inspired by the realities faced by communities in Mpumalanga, where patients often travel long distances, sometimes transported by wheelbarrow, to reach the nearest clinic. “We were motivated by what we saw in these areas,” Xayaan explains. “Many people spend more than an hour just to get basic medical attention. That highlighted the urgent need for a solution like this.”

Benefiting patients and healthcare workers alike

The project was shaped by the knowledge and skills the duo gained through their industrial engineering studies. By applying systematic problem-solving methods, the team identified the root causes of healthcare inaccessibility and designed a solution focused on addressing those challenges.

“Our facilities design module played a crucial role in helping us create an efficient and ergonomic cabin layout that is practical and safe for healthcare workers,” Andile says.

The students evaluated multiple design options before selecting the most feasible and sustainable approach. “Industrial engineers focus on improving systems and enhancing efficiency,” says Xayaan. “This project allowed us to apply those principles in a way that can make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The SAIIE recognition reflects the potential of student-led innovation. “Being named first runner-up is an honour and a reminder that even as students, we can contribute to solving real-world problems,” says Andile. “We don’t have to wait until we graduate to make an impact.”

The achievement has strengthened their determination to pursue solutions that create meaningful change. “It has boosted our confidence and motivated us to keep working on projects with social impact,” says Xayaan. “We are excited about the future and how our passion for industrial engineering can help communities across South Africa.”

Andile Madlala and Xayaan Maasdorp 

Tricycle