RS South Africa is helping young engineers turn ideas into impact. The 2025 Student Project Fund has awarded thirteen exceptional students R10 000 each in RS products, empowering them to build prototypes. With over 69 applications, double last year’s number, this year’s winners were selected for their ingenuity, empathy and ability to tackle pressing societal challenges.
At the University of Johannesburg, Joyce Khoza is developing a low-cost Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device for students with speech impairments. “Winning means I can finally build a working prototype. It is a step toward giving every student a voice, literally, and I hope to partner with schools and disability organisations to make the device widely accessible,” she says.
From the University of Cape Town, Iloke Alusala is building a vision-based drone positioning system for GPS-denied environments. “This technology can deliver medicine to rural clinics, support disaster response and spark local innovation. RS’s support allows me to test and refine my system in real-world conditions,” he explains.
At Stellenbosch University, Odin Mostert is repurposing disposable vape batteries into power banks. “It is a win for sustainability and energy access, and this support pushes me to turn my idea into a scalable solution for informal settlements in partnership with local recyclers,” he says.
Andile Ndlovu, from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, is developing CareBot, an autonomous robot designed to assist the elderly and disabled individuals. “CareBot started as a class project, but now with RS’s support, it feels like it could become a real product. I plan to pilot it in retirement homes and disability centres,” he says.
This year’s winners represent a new wave of South African engineering students who are proving that innovation is not only about technology, but about empathy and impact. From accessibility to sustainability, their projects show how young minds can design solutions that speak directly to community needs.
“We are investing in students who are solving real problems with creativity and compassion. Supporting these projects means supporting a future where engineering drives social impact, sustainability and inclusive progress.” says Wesley Hood, education and social impact specialist at RS South Africa. “These students are not just building devices, they are building bridges between theory and practice, innovation and empathy, aspiration and action. RS South Africa’s Student Project Fund is a platform for young engineers to experiment and lead, turning ideas into tangible solutions that address South Africa’s most pressing challenges.”
The Road to the Indaba: Jessie Ndaba and Africa’s next industrial frontier RX Africa
News
In this edition of The Road to the Indaba, the spotlight turns to Jessie Ndaba, a dynamic business leader whose work spans manufacturing, innovation and an emerging interest in the space industry, a sector poised to redefine automation at scale.
Read more...From the Editor's desk: Under African skies Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
There’s magic happening in the Northern Cape. I’m excited and fascinated by the story of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), just one of South Africa’s many Centres of Excellence. Our radio astronomy ...
Read more...Siemens sets out Africa’s mining future Siemens South Africa
Editor's Choice News
The Mining Indaba in Cape Town brought industry leaders together to explore how the sector can unlock long-term value. Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO of Siemens sub-Saharan Africa, joined the conversation.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version