Keeping up with change is vital for our future, requiring investment and focus in getting science and technology into the hands of young students who will be the next generation of scientists and engineers. One such initiative is the Jaguar Primary School Challenge – South Africa, which is aimed at the emulation of a race team, just like engineers at Jaguar. The project promotes and supports a series of workshops and events that introduces primary school children to a range of business, technology, design and engineering skills. This initiative reaches schools of all socioeconomic backgrounds and secures funding through state and private sector benefactors to help the students learn and travel to the events.
Schools must form teams of four learners who are introduced to 2D CADCAM when they design and manufacture their miniature car. These cars are then tested against each other in controlled races that challenge the skills and work put in by the students who first compete in the regionals and then the national final.
Left to right: X-Team Racers Dipika Ramjugernath, Vongai Mubaiwa, Keshav Hurpaul and Syun Bhaga with teacher Stefan Mack.
The project has reached over 100 schools since its inception in April 2016, touching 5000 learners, who are passionate about science and technology. RS Components is proud to be part of this initiative, sponsoring pi-top desktop computers as prizes for the five regional finals.
“Driving education with innovation and technology builds a platform for young minds to learn, play and create for the future,” said Mellisa Naidoo, head of marketing at RS Components South Africa. “We have been privileged to be part of initiatives such as this, which makes STEM education exciting and accessible to young students all across the country. These students are our next generation scientists, engineers and business leaders who will shape the world of tomorrow.”
Regional finals were held in Port Elizabeth, Hillcrest, Pietermaritzburg, Cape Town and Johannesburg with each winning team receiving a pi-top desktop bundle for their school powered by the Raspberry Pi computer board. The overall winners at the national finals were the X-Team Racers, a group of four Eden College learners from Durban.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Consistently not stupid Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Over the years I’ve followed Charlie Munger. He’s considered to be one of the greatest investors and thinkers on decision making in the past century, and spent six decades as Warren Buffett’s business ...
Read more...South Africa’s space balls
Editor's Choice News
South African engineers are preparing to take low-frequency radio astronomy to the Moon with three locally developed B.A.L.L.S. spheres aboard China’s Chang’e-8 mission. This could pave the way for a 55-antenna lunar array and marks another step in the country’s growing space engineering capability.
Read more...RS South Africa announces 2026 Student Project Fund winners RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa has awarded 13 engineering students with R10?000 worth of products each through its 2026 Student Project Fund, supporting projects spanning renewable energy, robotics, warehouse automation and STEM education.
Read more...Certified gas meter module
News
Sensirion’s next-generation SGM5304 gas meter module has completed certification to the harmonised EN 17526 standard, simplifying MID approval and speeding customers’ route to market.
Read more...Trafo Power Solutions expands market share
News
Trafo Power Solutions is expanding its market share in mining, industrial, infrastructure, data centre and renewable energy applications through technical expertise, application-specific engineering and responsive customer support.
Read more...Trafo Power Solutions returns to Electra Mining Africa
News
Trafo Power Solutions returns to Electra Mining Africa 2026 with a portfolio that has expanded well beyond dry-type transformers into fully engineered electrical power solutions for mining, industrial and infrastructure operations across Africa.
Read more...ESG as a growth lever RS South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Leading organisations are treating ESG not as a compliance obligation but as a practical tool for operational efficiency, supply chain resilience and business performance, with data and collaboration central to unlocking its value.
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