Thungela’s Elders project has delivered solar streetlights and portable inverters with solar panels to the communities of Vlakkuilen and Umcebo farms. The farms are in Ward 15 of the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality near Bethal, Mpumalanga. The solar streetlights and inverters are installed to improving visibility and boosting energy security for more than 450 residents across eighty-two (82) households in the community. This is an inaugural project that forms part of the Elder’s Social and Labour Plan (SLP), marking a new beginning in implementing initiatives to support community development in the area.
After conducting a community needs analysis and engaging directly with residents, it became evident that issues such as poor lighting, frequent power outages, and the detrimental effects across households, were major concerns raised by the community. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing the quality of life and safety within the neighbourhood.
Tman Mphokane, general manager at Elders Project, said: “We considered a number of options to help power the community, and solar made the most sense. It is a solution that works well in areas where grid supply is not reliable. Most importantly, it allowed us to deliver a safe and consistent source of energy in places that had gone without it for far too long. Small-scale infrastructure like this has a visible and immediate impact. We remain committed to investing in projects that make a difference in communities that host our operations.”
In a collaborative effort with our business partner, Mecapol, we initiated a pilot project by installing five units to evaluate the effectiveness of the solar lighting technology. Following the successful completion of this assessment, the project was seamlessly expanded to its full implementation.
Councillor Nhlakanipho Zuma, executive mayor of the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, said: “The success of this project is testament to what is possible when government and the private sector work in partnership to improve the lives of community members. This initiative has instilled a sense of security in our communities and contributed meaningfully to improving the dignity and quality of life of our residents.”
Sibongile Motau, a community representative, said: “We are grateful to Thungela for this investment that has made our community safer. The solar lights have created visibility for people returning from work in the evenings, allowing them to walk with more confidence; children can get home safely from school, and elders are able to move around after sunset without fear. Residents now have a greater sense of security. The portable inverters have also greatly improved the livelihoods and dignity of the residents.”
The R2 million project created ten temporary jobs during implementation, employing five community members from each village, and we are proud to report that all the units are fully operational. This project reflects Thungela’s commitment to enhancing access to essential services in the communities where we operate.
ENDS