The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) hosted its 33rd International Bridge Building Competition at the Midrand Conference Centre, showcasing 16 schools from around South Africa, with one from Swaziland. The very first SAICE Bridge Building Competition was held in 1991, and it aimed to encourage high school learners to apply their knowledge of mathematics and science in a practical engineering manner.

Participants arrived early in the morning for a briefing, where they were given the rules and expectations of competition. Each team was given 25 sticks, string and glue to construct a bride that would span 700mm. This tested the learners’ ability to work in teams and apply what they learnt in school in a real-world engineering problem.

The day was filled with anticipation as teams worked tirelessly to bring their designs to life. Creativity was on full display as students explored various approaches to bridge construction, each solution reflecting their unique problem-solving skills. Once completed, the bridges were put to the test, measuring both the strength and the design efficiency of the structures. The testing phase was a tense but thrilling moment for participants, as the results of their hard work were evaluated in real-time.

This year’s competition brought together 16 schools from diverse backgrounds, each having earned a place in the finals through regional qualifying events hosted by SAICE branches across the country. The inclusion of a school from Swaziland added an international flair to the event, further enriching the experience for everyone involved. The diversity of the schools in attendance is a testament to SAICE's commitment to creating an inclusive platform for young learners, regardless of their background, to engage with engineering.

The participating schools included Domino Servite School, Ooskus Gimnasium, Pretoria Heights Academy, HTS Kimberley, Hoerskool Sentraal, Durban High School, Aquadene Secondary School, Madibogo Secondary School, Sarel Cilliers High School, Secunda High School, HTS Tom Naude, Carlton Jones High School, HTS Daniel Pienaar, HTS John Voster, Parktown Boys High, and St John Bosco High School from Swaziland.

The International Bridge Building Competition would not have been possible without the support of its sponsors. Companies such as BVi Consulting Engineers, Form-Scaff, WBHO, Richem, and Waco Engineering Services contributed generously to ensure the success of the event. These partnerships not only provided the necessary resources to run the competition but also connected the learners with real-world engineering firms, giving them insight into potential career paths within the industry.

The event concluded with a prize-giving ceremony to honour the top-performing teams. During the prize-giving segment, the SAICE CEO, Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane delivered an inspiring welcome, congratulating the learners for their efforts and emphasising the critical role events like these play in nurturing the future of the engineering profession. She commended the young participants for their innovation and teamwork, qualities essential to the civil engineering field.

Following the announcement of the winners, the SAICE President offered heartfelt words of thanks and closure, expressing his gratitude to all who made the day possible – from the educators who mentored the students to the sponsors who believed in the event's mission. He emphasised the importance of such competitions in sparking a lifelong interest in engineering and encouraged the students to continue pursuing their passions within STEM fields.

This year's competition demonstrates SAICE's ongoing commitment to fostering the development of young engineers and ensuring the growth and sustainability of the civil engineering profession. Through initiatives like the Bridge Building Competition, SAICE not only provides a platform for young minds to shine but also contributes to the long-term development of South Africa's infrastructure.

As SAICE looks to the future, the International Bridge Building Competition remains a foundation of its efforts to inspire the next generation of civil engineers. With the continued support of sponsors, educators, and learners, SAICE is committed to building a bright future for the profession – one bridge at a time.

ENDS

About SAICE

The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) is a learned society and voluntary organisation that acts as a catalyst for innovation and good practice in the development of the civil engineering profession. SAICE has a membership base in excess of 15 000 civil engineering professionals, and is involved in the development of policies, standards, structures and systems that impact infrastructure at national and international levels.