The community of Riversdale came out in numbers to support the Sasol Solar Challenge during its stop in the town on 15 and 16 September. Residents of all ages including school learners and the town officials flooded the Laerskool Volschenk to welcome the teams and view the solar cars. This morning, the residents came back to the venue to set off the teams and wish them good luck as they try to rack-up some more kilometres before they move to the official finish line in Cape Town.

The Laerskool Volschenk sports ground and the street next to the school were painted blue by school uniforms. The learners were singing the South African national anthem and also chanting each solar car name as the cars were departing the start-line.

“We are grateful for the love and support that we have received from Riversdale. The residents were very welcoming and eager to learn more about the solar cars and how they function - from designing to building them,” said Robert Walker, Owner and Director of the Sasol Solar Challenge.hh

Setting off the teams from the start-line today was the Deputy Mayor, Marthinus van den Berg, from the Hessequa Municipality. The Deputy Mayor waved the flag for all eight cars.

“We are grateful to host the Sasol Solar Challenge in Riversdale. The event is one of the best that I have seen in Riversdale, especially with the technology that was being showcased here,” said Marthinus van den Berg. “We are aware of the power/energy challenges faced by South Africa. Initiatives such as the Sasol Solar Challenge presents us with an opportunity to learn more about different energy concepts.”

He added that: “I believe we will have a solar car team from Riversdale soon. These young minds are creative and I know that as they will start to experiment with what they learned here today.”

The department of education in the area was also present in the event, to witness science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in action.

Michelle Marais, Foundation Phase HOD: Western Cape Department of Education said: “What’s happening here is mostly part of the curriculum for the senior school level. The Sasol Solar Challenge gives learners the practical part of what they are learning in class.”

She added that: “The learners were so excited when we told them about the event. They drafted invitation letters and sent them to the community of Riversdale to come support the teams when they stop in the town. We always read about such events on the news and see them on social media. Experiencing this and to speak with some of the people who are building these cutting-edge solar cars was exciting.”

Nozipho Mbatha, Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships at Sasol said: “It’s always exciting to see learners taking part in the Sasol Solar Challenge either as participating teams or spectators. The event helps them to be creative thinkers to be able to develop cutting-edge STEM and energy solutions, to address challenges of the now and the future.”

The Sasol Solar Challenge is in day eight, the last day of the event and will officially finish in Cape Town.