The Central University of Technology Seilatsatsi team won the first Citizen Eco-Drive wristwatch prize in a lucky draw held at Centurion in May 2022.  The Citizen Eco-Drive wristwatch is a high-tech watch that generates energy using an inbuilt solar cell from direct sunlight and artificial light. It is considered an innovative timepiece designed by one of the biggest watch brands in the world- Citizen Watches.

Upon receipt of the news, team leader, Dr Rangith Kuriakose, could not hold his excitement over the good news. “We are excited to win this prize! The award has brought even more enthusiasm to the team to gun for the bigger prize. As a team, we will mostly be in direct sunlight while driving to the finish line. As we drive, the watch will be charging from the sunlight and ready for use throughout the eight-day challenge. The efficiency offered by the Citizen Eco-Drive watch will come in handy in timing our driving while we rack up kilometres to the finish line,” he said.

Citizen Watches SA said, “we are proud to support the teams as they continue to be innovative and make a positive contribution towards saving the environment and creating a sustainable future, which aligns with our brand”.

Sasol Solar Challenge director and owner Robert Walker said, “We are grateful to Citizen Watches for supporting the solar car teams. The Sasol Solar Challenge and Citizen Watches both have a strong desire to push the limits of STEM. We hope that the Eco-Drive wristwatch will help team Seilatsatsi keep their time management in check as they drive down to the finish line in Cape Town.”

The Seilatsatsi technical team is led by Prof. Nicolaas Luwes, Associate Professor: Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Dr Baby Kuriakose, Senior Lecturer: Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Dr Lindiwe Bokopane, Lecturer: Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering and Mr Francois Kuys, Project Assistant: Product Development Technology Station (PDTS).

Read more about the upcoming race, CUT Seilatsatsi team ready for the Sasol Solar Car Challenge!

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The CUT Seilatsatsi team recently won the Citizen Eco-Drive wristwatch prize in a lucky draw. The high-tech timepiece is considered as a motivation to inspire the team to gun for the bigger prize.