From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

The Ilanga Cup is Southern Africa’s first closed-track endurance circuit event, which is focused on promoting innovations in renewable and alternative energy. Darren Parker attended the Ilanga Cup where he saw teams go head-to-head in an endurance challenge.

Darren Parker:

The Ilanga Cup, which commemorated its first event at Red Star Raceway in Delmas, last month, serves as a platform for solar car teams – professionals and amateurs alike – to not only test the viability of their solar-powered car designs but also to learn and improve both team and vehicle dynamics.

Ilanga Cup director Robert Walker:

Darren Parker:

The event was sponsored by tyre manufacturer Bridgestone.

Bridgestone Southern Africa motorcycle and motorsport key account manager Shailesh Singh:

Darren Parker:

The Tshwane University of Technology Solar Team were declared the winners at the end of the day. The team’s Sunchaser IV managed to travel 390 km during the eight-hour long endurance challenge, which comprised 93 laps at an average speed of 48 km/h, with a top speed of 101 km/h.

Ilanga Cup director Robert Walker:

Bridgestone Southern Africa motorcycle and motorsport key account manager Shailesh Singh:

Ilanga Cup director Robert Walker:

Darren Parker:

The Ilanga Cup saw the three teams go head-to-head in an endurance challenge, where their self-designed unique solar-powered vehicles competed to raise awareness and promote the viability of the technology used in the vehicles.

Ilanga Cup director Robert Walker:

Darren Parker:

On the day of the event, overcast weather presented an unforeseen challenge for the competitors.

Ilanga Cup director Robert Walker:

Darren Parker:

The Ilanga Cup will take place yearly from now on, but what does the future hold for the event?

Bridgestone Southern Africa motorcycle and motorsport key account manager Shailesh Singh:

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.