Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology, will start the Sasol Solar Challenge race in Pretoria on Saturday, 27 September 2014.
The Sasol Solar Challenge is an eight day race for solar-powered cars, which are built by participating teams (who must also design their own engineering systems) and driven on various types of roads throughout South Africa.
The race route is 2 000 km long, completed in sections of approximately 250 km a day, with optional loops to increase mileage as much as possible.
The race has the backing of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), which most people know for its role in Formula One racing.
Held every second year, the Sasol Solar Challenge is an initiative to promote renewable energy, particularly clean mobility, and generate interest in science and technology.
About 300 participants from across the globe (students, industry and government partners and some private individuals) are expected at this year's event, which starts in Pretoria on 27 September and finishes a week later in Cape Town, on Saturday, 4 October 2014.
Among the dignitaries invited to the send-off are the CEOs and senior management of Sasol and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
The CSIR, one of the entities reporting to the Minister of Science and Technology, has been involved in the Sasol Solar Challenge for the past four years.
Minister Pandor is expected to give a brief talk on technology and engineering as catalysts for change.
Media are invited to the Sasol Solar Challenge Race
Date: 27 September 2014
Time: 7h00
Venue: CSIR Gate 2, Meiring Naudé Road, Brummeria, Pretoria
The solar vehicles can be viewed at Zwartkops Raceway, Pretoria, on 25 and 26 September.
Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Tel: 012 843 6799
Cell: 082 566 0446
