Page 35 - DUT Excellence 2024 S1

“It is symbol of a sustainable DUT; it shows the world what our students are capable of. Let us sail on the wave of innovation and let us indeed celebrate the Siyahamba Solar Boat,” said Professor Nemavhola.
DUT’s Professor Ian Lazarus, the Siyahamba Solar Boat Project Leader and KZN Industrial Energy Efficient Training and Resource Centre Manager, gave a brief history of the Siyahamba Solar Boat and the road to Monaco.
He acknowledged the team behind this remarkable innovation in Africa, with special mention to the boat pilot, Mr Steve Ellis, a world renowned skipper who has been involved in the research and design of the boat from the very beginning. Professor Lazarus revealed that Ellis had a wealth of knowledge of the boating industry and they were confident that he would lead the team to victory at the MEBC in Monaco. He also extended his gratitude to Mr Daanish Meeran, (a DUT Alumnus and former DUT staff member), who designed the boat. Professor Lazarus expressed his gratitude to the EWSETA for funding the project and making their dream a reality.
“This project exposed the team members to a high level of creativity and engineering freedom, which gave them the opportunity to build something unique. The MEBC was established to promote renewable energy and innovation as alternatives to keep our oceans and environment clean. The Siyahamba Solar Boat project creates an awareness in our society, nationally and internationally, as it showcases an alternative mode of transport using innovative renewable energy technologies. Our focus is on more affordable transport initiatives, especially in eco-sensitive areas of the world, where the sun is abundant and fuel is expensive and harmful to the ecology.The application of renewable energy to the boating industry champions the cause for a cleaner and more efficient industry and environment,” stated Professor Lazarus.
Ms Candice Moodley, EWSETA Corporate Service Executive gave a message of support expressing their excitement in partnering with DUT on this ground-breaking project, as partners in their journey to sustainable energy solutions and taking skills development in South Africa in a new direction.
“As we unveil the Siyahamba Solar Boat, we also unveil the symbol of innovation and determination clearly from the team, who started the project in 2020 during the hectic time of COVID-19.They have showcased the unwavering spirit of South Africa and indeed the exhilaration of Africa.
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inspires us all. It showcases the talent and potential that exists within the higher education institutions in South Africa,” said Moodley.
In closing, the Executive Dean in the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Professor Suren Singh, thanked all the distinguished guests for gracing the launch, which marked a significant milestone in sustainable transportation. He thanked the KZN IEETR for coming up with this amazing project that will showcase DUT’s innovativeness on a global scale and its contribution towards the future of sustainable energy.
The DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, along with the KZN IEETER and EWSETA then led the guests to the big reveal of the Siyahamba Solar Boat and they witnessed the solar boat pilot, Steve Ellis, sailing Siyahamba in the Durban Harbour.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese
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