The Land Rover 4x4 in Schools World Finals 2017 will be taking place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on 8 December and Team Imbokodo from Nic Diederichs High School in Krugersdorp have been chosen to represent South Africa. 

‘Imbokodo’, meaning ‘when you strike a woman you strike a rock’, are going to the finals to raise funds for their campaign on women equality and for violence against women abuse. 

The team does however need help getting to the World Finals. An amount of R65 000 to purchase their airfare tickets is needed by 3rd December.  They are asking all South African businesses, communities and organisations to help with any amount of donation. Funds can be donated to this account: ABSA Bank, Account No. 310390011 REF: LD4x42017. 

The Land Rover 4×4 in Schools Technology Challenge is a STEM enhancement and enrichment initiative that gives young people an insight into what it takes to become an engineer.  The challenge is aimed at young people aged 11 – 19 years. It involves 4 to 6 team members working together to design and build a radio controlled 4-wheel-drive (4×4) vehicle to pre-set specifications, that can successfully negotiate a specially designed test track that emulates a real life 4x4 track.  

Pieter du Plessis, F1 in Schools programme manager at Sangari Education, the company responsible for bringing the challenge in South Africa, said: "At first it was a challenge getting both learner's and teachers to buy into the concept of designing and racing a miniature 4x4 car. But the concept has now caught on and interest is growing rapidly." 

“The Land Rover 4×4 in Schools Technology Challenge offers school pupils the opportunity to take part in a fun hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) activity, tackling real-life problem solving, design, manufacturing, team work, communication and business skills."

The competition is open to all school children aged 11 – 19 years. Teams wishing to be part of this competition can register on the website at: www.sangari.co.za or contact Pieter du Plessis on +27 11 466-1440.