Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s Formula Student vehicle (DibaE) will not be going to Germany to participate in the Hockenheim Formula Student International race.
A group of engineers took this decision after the final inspection of the vehicle.
The engineers found that some of the safety features of the vehicle were not designed and implemented 100% correctly. These safety regulations are paramount for the safety of the car, which is compulsory for participation in the competition.
“The students’ safety is our primary concern hence the decision not to participate. The vehicle is operational, but not all safety aspects can be guaranteed,” says NMMU’s Advanced Mechatronic Technology Centre manager Karl du Preez
He says NMMU’s Office for International Education has shown continued support for the project by assisting four of the team to attend the event as members of the Ingolstadt Racing Team.
“This will provide essential experience to the students, which will continue with the NMMU Racing team on return.”
He says the present disappointment does mean the end of the project. “We’re simply not participating in the 2013 event.”
The newly established Electric Vehicle unit, under leadership of Mr Dirk Odendaal, is committed to assist and ensure that NMMU prepares a safe vehicle that will be utilised as a research platform as well as a marketing tool at Open days and Science expos.
Alan Straton
Latest posts by Alan Straton (see all)
- South African Conquers Rats on the World Stage - 30 October 2026
- Old JPG on a Memory Stick? Vectorization Studio in Observatory Redraws Faded and Low-Resolution Logos by Hand - 30 October 2026
- ReAutomated Adds Robot Palletising and Case Packing Cells to Existing South African Packing Lines Without Stripping Out the Conveyors - 30 October 2026
- From a 5 KM Sprint to an Ultra: Punisher Sets Out Its Magaliesberg Obstacle Race Formats for First Timers, Teams and Fitness Clubs - 30 October 2026
- Rotary or Dual Action? Germiston’s Polisher Lists Its Machines, Buffs and Compounds for Car Paint and Metal Finishing - 30 October 2026
