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.”
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