Team Profile
Our team is a group of passionate innovators from Mpumalanga who share a common interest in renewable energy, engineering, and practical problem-solving. The team was formed three editions ago of the Sasol Solar Challenge after becoming involved in electric vehicle initiatives for schools. Inspired by the scale and ambition of the challenge, the group decided to design and build its own solar vehicle and compete alongside other teams pushing the limits of solar-powered mobility.
From the beginning, the project has been driven by creativity, determination, and collaboration rather than large budgets or advanced facilities. Early versions of the vehicle were built using simple tools and hands-on engineering, with many components developed through experimentation and iterative improvement. Through each challenge, the team has continued to refine the vehicle, learning from experience and steadily improving the design. The current vehicle represents the third major iteration of the team’s solar car.
The team itself is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds including renewable energy, engineering, electronics, fabrication, IT, and project management. Leadership and coordination are provided by experienced professionals who help guide the direction of the project and ensure that the team remains focused on delivering a reliable and competitive vehicle.
Mechanical development and fabrication are carried out by experienced engineering and design members who specialize in lightweight structures, chassis development, and precision manufacturing. Electrical and control systems are developed by engineers with expertise in power systems and control technologies, ensuring efficient motor control and energy management for the vehicle.
In recent iterations, the team has also expanded its capabilities by incorporating digital modelling, 3D design, and computer simulation into the development process. These tools allow the team to improve structural design and begin exploring aerodynamic refinements that will further enhance performance in future versions of the vehicle.
Supporting the engineering effort is a dedicated group responsible for logistics, operations, media, and communications. Careful planning of travel, accommodation, and event logistics ensures that the team operates smoothly during the challenge. At the same time, the communications team helps share the journey with supporters and the broader community through media and digital platforms.
An experienced group of drivers completes the team, bringing valuable knowledge from previous solar challenges. Their understanding of race strategy, vehicle behaviour, and endurance driving conditions is critical to achieving strong performance over the long distances of the event.
Above all, the team is united by a shared passion for innovation, teamwork, and the spirit of the Sasol Solar Challenge. The project continues to evolve with each iteration of the vehicle, and the team remains committed to improving performance, encouraging learning, and demonstrating what a dedicated group of local innovators can achieve when working together.
Team Leadership & Management
Craig Gebhardt
Team Director
Craig leads the overall coordination and direction of the team. With more than 15 years of experience running a renewable energy business in Mpumalanga, he brings strong knowledge of alternative energy systems and environmental technologies. Craig is responsible for keeping the project focused, ensuring the vehicle is developed on schedule, and coordinating the team’s preparation for the challenge.
Schalk Potas
Team Management & Logistics Strategy
Based in Mbombela, Schalk is the owner of PWS Installations and an expert in CCTV, alarms, and automation systems. A true jack-of-all-trades, he balances his technical career with a passion for cycling as an MTB skills coach ("Coach Bacon") and serves as a director of the Trail Awareness Crew NPO. An avid supporter of green energy, Schalk plays a key role in operational planning and logistics, helping manage the Solarflair team as they prepare for their third entry in the grueling Sasol Solar Challenge.
Dan van Eijk
Project Management & Driver
Dan is a senior audit and compliance professional with over 20 years of experience delivering internal, operational, and financial audits, primarily focused on the forestry, sawmilling, agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. A proven advisor on governance, fraud risk mitigation, and control optimization, Dan contributes strong project management skills to maintain clear timelines and cross-team coordination. Outside of work, he is an avid trail runner and mountain biker known as "Danger Dan" who actively supports the local cycling community. He combines his organizational leadership with on-road participation as one of the team's drivers.
Engineering & Technical Development
Klasie Botha
Mechanical Design & Fabrication
One of the founding members of the project, Klasie originally helped initiate the solar car concept through the EV Challenge program. Operating an engineering workshop in Nelspruit, he specializes in lightweight steel structures and fabrication. Klasie built and refined most of the vehicle's mechanical components, leading the team as manager during their 2022 entry (winning the Rookie trophy) and 2024 entry (winning Best African Team). Today, his primary focus is on the car’s structure and mechanics. Outside the workshop, he plays clarinet in the Lowveld Community Orchestra and practices Pilates.
Anton Geldenhuis
Electrical Systems & Motor Control
Anton is an engineer with a background in chemical engineering who specializes in electrical control systems. He works extensively with complex power generation systems and process control. Within the team, he oversees the vehicle’s electrical architecture, motor control systems, and drive electronics.
Johan Victor
Electrical Systems & Motor Control
Johan is a mechanical design engineer specializing in underground self-propelled vehicles for the coal and hard rock mining industries. He brings extensive professional expertise in machine design, suspension, steering, and chassis layout to translate complex concepts into detailed, manufacturable components. Johan leverages his engineering experience to optimize vehicle performance within strict budget, weight, power consumption, and durability constraints.
Eric van Heerden
Mechanical Design & Fabrication
With a background spanning international software, craft brewing entrepreneurship (founding Triggerfish Brewing), and lithium-ion energy storage, Eric brings a versatile skill set to the team. After completing his B.Comm in Pretoria and working globally in tech, he joined Blue Nova Energy to align his passion for renewables with cutting-edge battery technology. Eric oversees battery insights and energy systems while providing technical support. Outside of tech and energy, he is an avid pilot, sailor, and scuba diver.
Technology & Data Systems
Barry Herbst
Telemetry, Communications & AI Systems
Based in Mbombela, Barry is the Managing Director of Pronto Computer Solutions, a leading managed IT services provider specializing in enterprise networking, communications, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and technology integration. With over two decades of experience designing and implementing resilient IT solutions, Barry brings deep technical expertise to the team's digital architecture. His work focuses on integrating telemetry, wireless communications, data analytics, and AI-assisted monitoring to enable reliable, real-time communication between the solar car and the support vehicle. By ensuring critical vehicle data is seamlessly available for strategic decision-making during testing and competition, Barry plays a key role in optimizing performance, efficiency, and reliability.
Operations & Logistics
Erica Botha
Logistics & Sponsorship Coordination
Erica has been a core member of the team since its inception, tracing her roots back to the South African EV-Challenge program as a coach, logistics coordinator, scrutineering presentation judge, and hands-on support. Having anchored logistics and administration for SolarFlair I (2022 Sasol Solar Challenge & Ilanga Cup) and SolarFlair II (2024), she manages travel logistics, accommodation, operational planning, and sponsorship outreach. Outside of team operations, Erica enjoys the performing arts and creative embroidery.
Media & Communications
Motheo "Mash" Mashego
Media & Communications
Motheo is a multidisciplinary professional with expertise spanning project management, digital marketing, and IT across corporate and hospitality environments. Fluent in six languages, he is also a published musician, drummer, MC, and voice actor. Within the team, Motheo manages social media and digital communications to document the team's journey while also competing as a driver, demonstrating teamwork and resilience under pressure.
Anzel Botha
Media & Graphics
Anzel manages the team’s visual identity, social media presence, and graphic design materials. Her work plays a key role in communicating the project's technical progress and storytelling to supporters and event followers.
William Hindle
Photography
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Drivers
Mikaél Mahomed
Mikaél is an experienced driver returning for his third Sasol Solar Challenge with the team. Having driven in 2022 (Rookie of the Year) and 2024 (Highest-Placed South African Team), he brings practical insight into long-distance race strategy and vehicle handling. Driven by a desire to represent South African innovation and inspire future engineers, Mikaél provides critical experience behind the wheel.
Mangaliso Theophelus Gxesha
Mangaliso is a dedicated engineer driven by hands-on problem-solving and real-world execution. Returning for his third Sasol Solar Challenge, he joined the team to help push the boundaries of sustainable transport and turn complex concepts into a competitive vehicle. In addition to his technical contributions, Mangaliso serves as a driver, bringing valuable knowledge of race conditions and driving strategy.