“VUT Ekhaya Alumni and SAICE STAR Vaal hosted the 2026 Bridge Building Competition, inspiring 16 Vaal schools through practical engineering, creativity and STEM education.”
28 July 2026 | Story by: Sadiki Siphiwe | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
3 minutes read time.
As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), through VUT Ekhaya Alumni and in partnership with SAICE STAR Vaal, hosted the 2026 Bridge Building Competition at the Desmond Tutu Great Hall on 22 July 2026.
The competition brought together Grade 9 to Grade 11 learners and teachers from 16 schools across the Vaal region, creating a practical platform for young people to explore engineering, teamwork, innovation and problem solving.
The event formed part of VUT’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations and reflected the University’s commitment to investing in future innovators. It also demonstrated the value of collaboration between higher education institutions, industry, schools and community partners in advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
Supported by the ArcelorMittal Science Centre, Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Fundi, South African Institution of Civil Engineering Future Leaders Panel (SAICE FLP) Vaal and maVuti Shop, the initiative challenged learners to design and construct bridge models using simple materials, including sticks, wool and glue.
Working in teams, learners had two hours to build modern bridge models that demonstrated creativity, structure, balance, stability and durability. Their completed designs were then presented and subjected to strength testing, with weights added to determine each bridge’s capacity to carry a load while remaining stable.
Representing Fundi, Ms Nonkululeko Jali said the competition gave learners an opportunity to see how their ideas could develop into meaningful solutions.
“Fundi believes in supporting innovation and creativity among learners. Events like this provide young people with a better understanding of how their ideas can be transformed into meaningful solutions. It gives learners the opportunity to discover their abilities and think differently,” said Jali.
Sapphire Secondary School from Bophelong, Vanderbijlpark, claimed first place for its outstanding bridge design. Carel de Wet Technical High School secured second place,
while Vaal High School placed third. The winning teams were recognised for their creativity, teamwork and commitment to excellence.
Mr Damian Lewis, a Civil Technology teacher at Carel de Wet Technical High School, said the value of the competition extended far beyond the final results.
“The beginning of building future engineers starts with sharing ideas, innovation and creativity. This event is not only about competition; it is about uniting learners, sharing knowledge and preparing future engineers,” he said.
Participating learner Ms Mosa Nyama of Carel de Wet Technical High School said the competition encouraged learners to have confidence in their ideas.
“This event is the beginning of something bigger. It allows us as learners to bring our ideas, innovation and creativity forward while preparing ourselves for a better tomorrow, not only for our schools but for the whole world,” she said.
The Bridge Building Competition was a meaningful addition to VUT’s Diamond Jubilee programme. While learners-built bridges from simple materials, they were also building pathways towards opportunity, innovation and future careers in engineering and related fields.
As VUT marks 60 years of excellence, the University continues to strengthen its legacy of innovation, collaboration and transformation by nurturing one young mind at a time.