The North-West University's (NWU) solar car, Naledi, crossed the finish line of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge today in what was a remarkable journey for an exceptional team. Naledi is the only solar car from Africa to compete in the prestigious race from Darwin to Adelaide. 

Naledi, boasting both a unique design as well as advanced innovations, once again proved why nothing complements ingenuity more than dedication.

The team from the NWU's Faculty of Engineering completed an astonishing 1 600 km despite overcast conditions and uncommon rainstorms.

The race tested the team's mettle, but despite the many obstacles faced, they prevailed in grand fashion.

"The team is very happy to finally be in Adelaide and they are immensely proud of what they were able to achieve in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. They are great representatives of South Africa and the NWU and everybody is very excited to see the car that we brought to Adelaide. Everything worked well on the road and now we are looking forward to coming home," said Prof Albert Helberg, team captain.

With their race in the Adventure Class concluded, the team will now wait until Sunday when the competition ends with an awards ceremony.

The NWU has been competing in solar car challenges since 2012. The NWU solar car project stands out as a symbol of engineering excellence in the pursuit of energy efficient transport technology. This flagship inter-disciplinary project of the Faculty of Engineering not only focuses on research and the application of new technologies in renewable energy, but also aims at inspiring communities and prospective students to engage with renewable technology.