College
Democritus Society Dominate in Water Engineering
13 May 2026
We are extremely proud of the Democritus Society boys who took part in two major external Engineering competitions over the past month: the SAICE Aqualibrium competition and the annual Bridge Build competition.
Our boys are currently dominating in Water Engineering competitions in Southern Africa: a huge achievement earned through skill and disciplined effort.
In the SAICE Aqualibrium competition:
- Ben Honigwachs, Aidan Edwards, and Shyam Dahya won the Provincial round at UCT several weeks ago, and then last week became NATIONAL CHAMPIONS at the Aqualibrium Finals in Johannesburg. Competing against 13 schools from across South Africa and Swaziland, the team designed and built a winning water distribution grid that achieved exceptionally smooth laminar flow while precisely dispensing 4.5 litres of water across multiple containers with minimal penalties. Their victory marks the first Western Cape win in 8 years!
- We also commend Dean Weich, Qasim Ghani, and Edward Wild for their strong performance in the Aqualibrium regional competition.
In the SAICE Bridge Build competition at Zutari in Century City:
- Ben Honigwachs, Edward Wild, and Qasim Ghani achieved an outstanding third place overall in a field of 29 teams representing 18 schools. Their bridge successfully supported an impressive load of 85 kilograms, earning them both a podium finish and prize money.
- Congratulations also to Milo Bonadei, Dean Weich, and Robert Turnley-Jones whose bridge successfully held 50 kg.
To all these Democritus boys: your excellent results reflect your hard work, engineering ability, and the commitment to excellence fostered within your Society. You are a credit to the school and have made Bishops proud. Well done indeed.