At the University of Pretoria’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Vehicle Dynamics Group (VDG) is driving change — literally and figuratively. This year, the small but effective team, led by Prof Pieter Schalk Els, earned an Engineering Research Capacity Development Award in recognition of their pioneering work in off-road vehicle technologies and postgraduate training.

Specialising in heavy-duty vehicles used in mining, agriculture, construction and forestry, VDG plays a pivotal role in the industries that power South Africa’s economy.

“From bicycles to bulldozers, vehicles are central to the economy of the world and play a major role in the lives and livelihoods of its citizens,” Els explains. “Our focus is on the heavyweights — machines that move tonnes of material over rough terrain and under extreme conditions.”

VDG’s research spans a wide range of applications — including tyre testing, advanced mechatronics to improve ride comfort and collision-prevention systems for large vehicles — that is already transforming international mining safety standards.

“We’re very well positioned in terms of simulation and testing capabilities, and we’re facing the kind of complex challenges that drive meaningful research,” Els explains.

But the group doesn’t see a divide between pure science and practical application: “An involvement in real-world engineering is the most efficient way to identify research gaps and needs, which we then seamlessly fill, all while giving our students the best possible exposure to the academic and real-world sides of the field. Our breakthroughs are born at the boundary between what is and what’s possible.”

This seamless connection between industry needs and academic exploration has helped VDG attract top talent and forge international partnerships. To date, the group has trained and graduated more than 50 postgraduate students, many of whom now hold influential positions around the world.

“Our students are the real impact of our work,” says Els. “We’re proud of the research papers, but our greatest legacy is the calibre of people we send into the world.”

This student-first mentorship approach lies at the heart of their success: “All you can do is show students why the work matters — and then give them the space to thrive. That’s the secret to building strong postgraduate programmes. You have to be openly passionate, ignite their curiosity and create an environment where they can become the best version of themselves.”

Now, the group is looking to the future, developing AI-driven systems and autonomous vehicle technologies for off-road applications. Their work in rough-terrain collision prevention is opening doors to international collaborations, showing that South African engineering is not just keeping pace, but setting the pace.

Winning an NSTF-South32 Award not only validates the team’s contributions, it shines a spotlight on the untapped potential of local engineering excellence.

“Many excellent research efforts in SA are not well known locally, although our researchers have high international visibility. These awards give South African science the recognition it deserves,” says Els. “We hope it encourages more collaboration — and more students to join us on the journey.”

For young engineers, Els offers simple but powerful advice: “Find something that makes you tick, and a mentor who inspires you. At VDG, your only limit is yourself.”

Read the special Mail & Guardian supplement about all the NSTF-South32 Award winners.