SHOCKING statistics of murder and rape prompted a young entrepreneur to start a project and install solar powered WiFi enabled streetlights.
Mariannridge is among the 76 communities where Nkanyiso Madlala is hoping to make a difference and provide safety for the residents.
Nine street lights have been erected at Mariannridge secondary and primary schools, Riverside Par and Ahmed Path.
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Madlala installed these solar powered WiFi enabled streetlights in privately-owned land in the Mariannridge community to help improve the lighting on public land in the area.
The 37-year-old believes this project will make the public spaces safer and will help the community benefit greatly through this initiative.
“Safety is a concern in most communities as there are many dark streets and passages.”
According to Madlala, in 2019, there were 20 000 reported murder cases and more than 40 000 reported rapes in South Africa.
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“Most cases go unreported and in SA. They affect people living in townships and rural communities. In the area of Osizweni, 48 people were killed in one year in the same passage and most of these crimes happen because streetlight do not work,” he said.
Madlala said he chose Mariannridge as one of the areas after reports of rapes and crime in the community.
“Just last month, a five-year-old was killed in the local park.
“It is such a shame that learners can not even gather in the afternoons to prepare for their exams as they fear for their lives. We should not live like that.”
Jenny Boyce of the Marianne co-ordinating committee, said they were happy about the streetlights as there are many dark places in the area.
“There are people who start work early and finish late, they need to pay extra money to be dropped off at their homes. They are spending money which they do not have. There are many people living from hand to mouth,” she said.
Boyce said a park is a community space where people can relax especially in summer.
“People can not go there in the afternoons due to poor lighting,” she said.
Principal of Mariannridge Secondary School, Lucky Mntungwa said this was their first experience of solar equipment.
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“I love the fact that the school won’t be paying any bill.”
Mntungwa said there have been many break-ins at the school.
“I trust that this will minimise criminal activities and our security guard will be able to patrol,” he said.
Madlala added that his project does not only provide physical safety but will be able to get information as they will provide WiFi.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
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