The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, will officially launch South Africa’s first hydrogen-powered bicycle, built by students from the Tshwane University of Technology.
Minister Pandor will launch the bike named "A hi fambeni" at 10h00 on Thursday, 12 August at Kwa-Maritane Bush Lodge, in Pilanesberg, in the North West.
A hi fambeni is the Xitsonga name given to the bicycle and means “let’s go”.
The launch is taking take place during the Resource Driven Technology Centre for South Africa (RETECZA) Conference, which runs from today until 13 August.
Before the launch, the Minister will deliver the keynote address to the conference at 09h00.
About A hi fambeni
The bicycle was designed by an internationally renowned South African, Mr Pierre Terblanche. The frame is made up of cutting edge light and strong materials. HySA Systems developed the hydrogen-storage technology. The bicycle design is meant to accommodate the transport needs of people leaving in rural villages.
This development is line with the implementation of the National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research, Development and Innovation Strategy of 2007. The main goal of the strategy is to supply 25% of the global demand for Platinum Group Metal based catalysts by 2020 which are critical for the efficient operation of fuel cells. South Africa has over 75% Platinum reserves.
About RETECZA
RETECZA is a collaborative public-private initiative formed by the Department of Science and Technology, TUT, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the Next Generation Vehicles Consortium (which is a consortium of the world’s leading automakers), as well as a group of South African companies.
RETECZA’s four-fold plan that is being implemented in phases includes:
- next-generation vehicles
- next-generation energy supply
- green building and construction
- a technology concept centre
These initiatives are geared towards poverty alleviation and ensuring sustainable livelihoods in South Africa via a vibrant culture of cutting-urge research, innovation and technology concept development leading to commercialisation within a paradigm of research, demonstration and implementation.
All media are invited.
Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Ministerial Spokesperson
Tel: 012 843 6802
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: lunga.ngqengelele@dst.gov.za
