Driving for All
INNOVATION: CPUT unveils the first ever locally-engineered prototype car adapted for driving by people with disabilities during the Disability Drive Expo
Friday, 08 March 2013
True to its vision of being at the heart of technology education and innovation in Africa, CPUT unveiled the country’s first prototype car adapted for driving by people with disabilities.
The prototype was designed and developed by CPUT innovators, Professors Oscar Philander and Mugendi M’Rithaa, and is the first ever locally-engineered prototype car to feature joystick engineering.
The duo led a team of six postgraduate students from their respective departments who built the car’s simulator.
The prototype was unveiled by Vice-chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga and Sesi Mahlobogoane, Social Inclusion and Equity Director in the Department of Higher Education and Training, during the Disability Drive Expo which was held on the Bellville Campus.
The vehicle will open a world of affordable and accessible driving opportunities for disabled persons in South Africa and the technology is hailed by the disability industry as enthusing disabled people to drive.
The prototype can be adapted to suit a wide range of disability needs.
The project was inspired by Nicky Abdinor, a Clinical Psychologist born without arms, and is supported by the Disabled People Inclusion Institute.
Abdinor drives a specially adapted vehicle that was developed in the UK and uses joystick steering technology.
By Kwanele Butana
Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za
News categories
- Advancement 12
- Alumni 89
- Awards 29
- Campus Life 22
- Community Engagement 179
- Disability Unit 12
- Applied Sciences 91
- Business & Management Sciences 82
- Education 102
- Engineering & the Built Environment 127
- Health & Wellness Sciences 82
- Informatics & Design 60
- Fundani CHED 23
- Funding 20
- GBV 16
- Graduation 68
- HIV/Aids Unit 50
- Know Your CPUT 69
- Library 17
- News 3636
- RTIP 317
- Residences (Accommodation) 13
- Staff 709
- SIP 42
- Students 1421
- Student Health 48
- Sport, Arts & Culture 105
- SRC 5
- Student Affairs 16
- University Leadership 17
- Varsity Shield 13
- Vice-Chancellor 21
- Work-Integrated Learning 24
- THENSA 12
Latest NEWS
Photo Credit: Iviwe Tom
Postgraduate orientation connects students with tools for success
Tuesday, 05 May 2026
Read more