Tshwane University of Technology’s video on sustainable automotive technologies earns international acclaim, showcasing South African innovation on the world stage.
Brisbane, Australia (01 October 2025) – South African engineering excellence has been celebrated on the global stage! The South African Academy of Engineering (SAAE) clinched the top prize at the 2025 CAETS Communication Competition during the Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences (CAETS) annual meeting in Brisbane, Australia.
The winning entry was a five-minute video titled Sustainable Automotive Technologies: A TUT Case Study, was created by Dr Christiaan Oosthuizen of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), with support from Prof Barend van Wyk, TUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Technology. Competing against nine other entries from countries including the USA, UK, China, India, Australia, Mexico, Poland, Netherlands, and Uruguay, the South African submission impressed the judges with its clarity, creativity, and impact.
The Competition celebrates the most engaging audio visual presentations that explain technological and engineering concepts in an innovative and accessible way. Science and engineering can sometimes feel distant or inaccessible to many people, especially with technical jargon or complex concepts.
The video captures the team’s remarkable journey from building SunChaser in 2014, driving thousands of kilometers powered only by the sun. Along the way, they inspired communities, sparked curiosity in young minds, and demonstrated the power of sustainable engineering.
The Academy relies on one mission to drive all of its work.
“The mission of SAAE is to promote the technological welfare of the nation by marshalling the knowledge and insights of eminent members of the South African engineering profession, elected by their peers, and to be a source of expert advice on matters pertaining to global competitiveness and quality of life for the nation.”
The next CAETS Communication Competition opens on 1 October 2025. If interested in all things science and engineering, or just love sharing innovative ideas, this is your moment to shine! You can contact the SAAE office at office@saae.co.za for more information.
While you are at it, check out the award-winning video here if some inspiration.
Sources: Supplied
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