On Tuesday 22 August at 13:00, the Faculty of Engineering at the North-West University (NWU) will be launching Naledi, the 2017 iteration of the solar car at The Roots in Potchefstroom.

With a brand new design inspired by retro influences, Naledi is a real looker and a state-of-the-art one at that. Naledi will be competing in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge starting in early October in Australia. The gruelling journey starts in Darwin and follows the Stuart Highway to Port Augusta and then Highway 1 to Adelaide about 3000 km away.

In 2016 the team from the NWU achieved the longest distance by a South African team, the longest daily distance by a South African team, won the Team Professionalism and Safety Award as well as the Spirit of Africa award. It a lot to live up to, but it is a challenge the NWU’s dedicated team relish.

The launch will take place during the SETHI Explosions week that is also held at The Roots. It is but one highlight in what is always a very exciting and eventful week.

“We are very excited to once again be part of the SETHI Explosions week. It is where the NWU showcases its latest developments in research and commercialisation. The objectives of the event is to promote our latest developments, introduce staff that are making a difference, highlight our industry partners and create an environment where we can foster new relations,” says Prof LJ Grobler, acting executive dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

SETHI Explosions showcases research, development and commercial opportunities at the NWU to industry and stakeholders. It has been successful in creating a networking platform for academics, researchers and industry through the combination of exhibitions and high-impact productions that were integrated into an evening filled with fun and entertainment.

It started in 2013 with Engineering Explosions where the Faculty of Engineering showcased its projects and research. Faculty of Natural Sciences joined Explosions in 2014 and 2015. Since 2016 the event has been expanded to showcase Science, Engineering, Technology, Health as well as Innovation, thus SETHI Explosions.

 A taste of things to come: The seat of the new solar car, Naledi, that will be unveiled on 22 August