Both inventions solved a specific, local, practical problem first rather than emerging from a lab chasing a global market — a reminder that South African engineering has repeatedly punched above its weight internationally, often without the fanfare or patent protection that would have made their inventors wealthy.
Source: Brand South Africa
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the dolos never patented?
Its inventors were state employees who reportedly believed the design belonged to their employer, South African Railways and Harbours, rather than to them personally.
What does Q20 actually do differently from a normal oil spray?
Because it's heavier than water, Q20 sinks below moisture on a surface, allowing it to displace water rather than simply float on top of it.
Are these inventions still primarily South African-owned today?
Q20 continues to be manufactured and sold locally under South African ownership; the dolos design, being unpatented, is used freely by engineering firms worldwide.