The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) hosted its 34th International Bridge Building Competition at the Midrand Conference Centre, bringing together 21 teams of high school learners from across South Africa, alongside international participants from Eswatini, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
This year, 22 bridges were entered and only using sticks, string, and glue, the learners designed and constructed bridges that tested both their creativity and understanding of engineering principles. Before construction began, the SAICE Structural Division chairperson, Kobus van der Merwe – who once participated in this competition as a high school learner – gave the learners a presentation on bridges and the different forces at play in their structures. Learners were also provided with a tender briefing document, containing design specifications such as the required bridge length of 800mm, which helped bring the challenge to life.
“What excites me most about this competition is that it is not just about building bridges with sticks and glue,” said SAICE CEO, Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane. “It is about building bridges of knowledge, creativity, and innovation that can lead learners to a brighter future. I have seen firsthand the kind of impact this competition has on learners, and that is what I love most – watching them grow, learn, and be inspired to pursue civil engineering.”
The competition brought together a diverse group of schools, with learners proudly representing their schools, regions, and countries:
- Nosimo Technical School (Ngcobo)
- Hoërskool Duineveld (Upington)
- HTS Daniël Pienaar (Uitenhage)
- Beaconhurst Combined School (East London)
- Domino Servite School (Pietermaritzburg)
- Parys High School (Bloemfontein)
- Two teams from Martys Secondary School (Uganda)
- Ficksburg High School (Ficksburg)
- Fairvale Secondary School (Durban)
- Bokamoso Senior Secondary School (Polokwane)
- Moshate Secondary School (Sebokeng)
- Mhube High School (Eswatini)
- Maphutha Secondary School (Midrand)
- Protea Heights Academy (Cape Town)
- Hazyview Comprehensive School (Hazyview)
- Kimberley Technical High School (Kimberley)
- Lomagundi College (Zimbabwe)
- Midlands Christian School (Zimbabwe)
- Hoërskool Oosterland (Secunda)
- Hoërskool Pretoria-Noord (Pretoria)
The competition reached an exciting finale, with Domino Servite School from Pietermaritzburg claiming first place. Their bridge withstood an incredible 181.0kg before breaking. Hoërskool Duineveld from Upington followed in second place with a bridge holding 80.4kg, while HTS Daniël Pienaar from Uitenhage took third place with a bridge breaking at 84.3kg.
“Our goal is to guide learners not just academically, but also in understanding the opportunities that civil engineering offers,” said Memory Scheepers, SAICE Project Manager: Special Projects and organiser of the competition. “I am deeply passionate about career guidance and encouraging scholars to see themselves as future engineers. The excitement, creativity, and problem-solving I witnessed today reaffirm that our profession has a bright future.”
Following the announcement of the winners, SAICE President Friedrich Slabbert offered heartfelt words of encouragement and thanks. “Competitions like this remind us that the future of engineering is in safe hands. The creativity, determination, and teamwork these learners display is exactly what our profession needs to solve tomorrow’s challenges. I encourage every one of them to keep pursuing their curiosity, because from curiosity comes innovation.”
The competition also left a strong impression on the visiting teams from Uganda. Inspired by the event and eager to learn more, they requested a quick discussion with one of the structural engineers in attendance, joined by the SAICE President. This impromptu discussion provided valuable insights into the requirements for pursuing civil engineering studies in South Africa and gave the learners an opportunity to better understand the pathways available to them within the profession. Their curiosity and enthusiasm reflected the international spirit of collaboration that events like this foster.
This annual competition, which began in 1991, has grown to become an internationally recognised STEM initiative. Now in its 34th year, the International Bridge Building Competition remains a cornerstone of SAICE’s efforts to inspire the next generation of engineers, nurturing problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation, while giving learners a practical understanding of the impact civil engineers have on daily life.
SAICE congratulates all participants and thank you to the educators, sponsors, and partners who continue to make this competition a success – building not just bridges, but also the future of engineering.
