An evening to remember: Solar-powered airship steals the show at FNB Vastity Cup opener

I WAS FORTUNATE enough to witness history being made at the FNB Varsity Cup opener between FNB UFS Shimlas and FNB Maties at Shimla Park. The solar-powered airship, Cloudline Sc-240, soaring above the stadium, was a sight to behold. The zero-carbon emissions aircraft was a testament to South African innovation and engineering prowess.

In a first for a rugby match in South Africa, while the Shimlas and Maties battled it out on the field, the airship's silent presence above symbolised the forward-thinking spirit of the tournament. The crowd was electric, and the airship added an extra layer of excitement to the already thrilling match.

The Sc-240 is not just a visual spectacle; it's a game-changer for sustainable aerial solutions. With its ability to carry payloads and operate at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems, it's opening up new possibilities for environmental monitoring, disaster response, and more.

Developed by Stellenbosch-based company Cloudline, the Sc-240 is the world’s first commercially available solar-powered airship in its class. Powered by solar-recharged batteries and lifted by helium, the airship can remain airborne for more than 10 hours with zero carbon emissions.

The FNB Varsity Cup has once again proved itself to be a platform for innovation in university rugby. The airship's appearance was a bold statement, and I'm excited to see what's next.

The successful flight over Shimla Park marks the dawn of a new era in South African sports entertainment. As the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup gains momentum, Monday night's airship display will be etched in memory as the moment innovation soared to new heights.