Friday, 11 September 2026 – Day 2
Teams enjoyed ideal weather conditions at Swartruggens Dam before tackling the event’s half-blind stage. Competitors received their loop routes only the night before, placing a premium on adaptability and strategic planning. The control stop at Zeerust High School also hosted a schools programme that introduced more than 1,000 learners to STEM concepts and solar technology. Teams then shifted focus to preparing for the more challenging full-blind stage scheduled for the following day.
Saturday, 12 September 2026 – Day 3
The full-blind stage provided the toughest challenge of the event so far, with teams learning the complete route only the evening before departure. Travelling from Vryburg through Jan Kempdorp to Kimberley, competitors benefited from strong sunshine but faced demanding conditions. Tshwane University of Technology extended its lead, while MP Solar Flair achieved a major milestone by completing an entire leg without requiring trailer support for the first time in three seasons.
Sunday, 13 September 2026 – Day 4
Community spirit became the central theme of the day. The commitment of the team members, volunteers, partners and service providers who make the Sasol Solar Challenge possible was widely recognized. A standout story involved Swiss team Solar Energy Racers, whose damaged axle was repaired overnight with assistance from a local millwright and teacher, enabling them to return to competition and achieve their best daily distance of the challenge. The statement also expressed gratitude to the marshals, medical teams, sponsors and local communities along the route for their essential support.
Follow the Solar Challenge Journey
To keep up with current news and events of the Sasol Solar Challenge, as well as gain better insight into the teams, the official Sasol Solar Challenge app can be downloaded or viewed on your browser. This will allow you to follow the teams every step of the way as they continue their journey across South Africa. The links to these are listed below:
Visit www.sasolsolarchallenge.co.za
- Facebook: @SASolarChallenge
- Instagram: @sasolarchallenge
- X: @Solar_Challenge
- LinkedIn: Sasol Solar Challenge
