The Power of Collective Strength: The True Success Behind the Sasol Solar Challenge

When reflecting on the success of the Sasol Solar Challenge , it’s easy to focus on the individuals who are most visible, myself included. As Director of the event, I often find myself in the spotlight. But the truth is, the Sasol Solar Challenge isn’t successful because of any one person or a single team. It’s the sum of all its parts—each person and each team plays a vital role, and success is only achieved by working collectively, leveraging each other’s strengths.

A key to managing such complexity is the methodology we follow. We believe in smaller, high-performing groups, each working independently but reporting to a single individual. That individual, in turn, works within their own group of peers. This approach allows people to support their teams, but also be supported in return. When challenges arise, they are collectively solved within the team. If not possible, those challenges are quickly escalated to someone with the knowledge or resources to find a solution.

This method fosters both independence and collaboration. It ensures that people are empowered to make decisions, while also knowing they are part of a broader support network. A great example of this is our daily 6am team leader meetings. Every morning, all the team leaders come together for a quick 10-minute session to discuss challenges, share learnings, and collectively solve any pressing issues. In an event as geographically spread out as the Sasol Solar Challenge—where teams can be operating 200 to 300 kilometres apart—this daily connection is critical.

One of the standout teams during the 2024 event was led by Lize-Mari Nel . Her SA Solar Events team expanded to nearly 20 people, each contributing their unique skills and strengths. This group worked tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly, and their cohesion was a testament to how smaller, focused teams can achieve remarkable results.

Similarly, Andrew Eva ’s team of officials and scrutineers played a crucial role in ensuring the fairness and integrity of the event. They maintained an equal playing field, which is no small feat in a challenge of this scale. Their role was pivotal in guaranteeing that the spirit of competition remained intact throughout.

Professor Pat Wheeler led another essential group: our volunteer observers. Hailing from various parts of the world, these individuals needed to be trained and coordinated to ensure consistent observation across the Challenge. Pat’s leadership ensured that even with language and cultural differences, the team delivered exceptional oversight, contributing to the smooth running of the event.

What makes the Sasol Solar Challenge truly special is how these teams, composed of people from different generations, cultures, and backgrounds, come together. The diversity of perspectives not only enriches the event but is also crucial in overcoming the unique challenges we face. The ability to leverage each person’s unique strength creates a powerful dynamic where collective solutions emerge.

While I may be the one who speaks on behalf of the Challenge, the reality is that I stand on the shoulders of countless individuals who make this event what it is. The success of the Sasol Solar Challenge is not mine—it belongs to every person who plays a part, from the early morning team leaders’ meetings to the on-the-ground teams ensuring everything runs smoothly.

By fostering a culture of support, collaboration, and shared responsibility, we create something far greater than the sum of its parts. That is the true essence of what makes the Sasol Solar Challenge a world-class event.

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