We have to keep reminding ourselves that this is Africa, after all, and innovative, location specific things happen in our midst all the time. 

Yesterday, at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Institute for Advanced Tooling, Science Minister Derek Hanekom liked the idea of solar powered donkey carts as a means of school transport in remote areas of South Africa so much that he wants to begin testing the concept as soon as possible. 

Said Hanekom: 

Although more research will have to be done, we should not delay too long in testing the concept to determine whether it is feasible in real life. 

Donkeys are not the fastest means of transport around, and it wasn’t clear exactly what the solar power would be used for, but currently, an earlier version of a solar powered donkey cart had the following features: 

[The solar powered cart] charges a 12-volt battery under the driver’s seat. The power is then used to facilitate cell phone connectivity, front and rear emergency lights and a small neon tube at night. Uses include: a fresh water outlet (water filtration system is optional) a makeshift classroom, school bus, ambulance, and even a mobile phone kiosk. It has everything for the entrepreneur on the go. 

Where there is a will, there is a way.

[Source: News24]