“‘n Boer maak ‘n plan” is not only for those quick-thinking, Plan-B types.

From the semi-useless things like the oil-can guitar, to groundbreaking innovations like the heart transplant and economic solar power, South Africans will do what they got to do.

Here are our top five favourite inventions from these shores, things we know the world wouldn’t be able to live without:

CT/CAT Scans

Invented by Godfrey Hounsfield and Allan McLeod Cormack, South African physicists working at Tufts University in the U.K. in the late 1970s, CT and CAT scans are incredibly important medical imaging processes. They use X-rays to take detailed pictures of the body, aiding doctors enormously in diagnosing and treating patients.

Dolosse

You know those large, unusually shaped concrete blocks that line harbour walls? Well, they weigh up to 20 tonnes and were designed to break wave action to protect any coastal installations. Designed by Eric Merrifield and first installed in East London harbour, they are now used all over the world.

Kreepy Krauly

Although they have haunted the dreams of kids who can’t swim good (Zoolander style), the Kreepy Krauly was invented in 1974 by Ferdinand Chauvier.

Q20

We can all thank Mr Robertson from Pinetown, Kwazulu-Natal for inventing Q20. It was originally created for the old VW Beetle, which was famous for stalling in rainy conditions. Q20 is a powerful water resistant agent, eases squeaky door hinges, prevents rust, and makes it easy to release rusted bolts and nuts.

He did not know what to call it, but told one of his neighbours that it definitely had 20 answers to 20 questions, and so the name came about.

Pratley Putty

George Pratley invented Pratley Putty. He wanted a glue that would securely keep components in an electrical box. The invention was so successful that it was used during the Moon landing in 1969, with segments of the Apollo XI mission’s Eagle landing craft held together by the substance.

[source: southafrica&webafrica&afkinsider]