Powering forgotten communities
More than 200 households have access to solar energy
It was the dawn of a new era for hundreds of residents who have been identified as having the lowest electrification levels in the country.
More than 200 home solar systems were installed in Frere and Weenen on November 1, after a partnership between Shell South Africa and Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality.
The partnership was ignited when Mayor Mduduzi Myeza noticed the large number of communities that do not have access to electricity and were not in line for upcoming electrification projects either.
He started to engage with stakeholders, one of them being Shell. Unbeknownst to the mayor, Shell was looking at piloting their ‘Access to Energy’ project.
“Engagements ensued with Shell and a decision was taken to identify two villages that are most deserving, namely Frere in Ward 18 and Weenen in Ward 22. Shell then conducted their needs assessment survey in the identified villages, which found that the communities are indeed in need of electricity,” said Myeza.
A meeting was held with residents on May 14 and 15 to introduce the contractor that would install the solar systems in their homes.
“The solar systems are installed on the roof. For households with roof structures not strong enough to hold the two panels, the panels are safely installed on a secure stand next to the house, making sure that no one is excluded based on the condition of their house roofs,” explained Myeza.
The solar panels can power televisions, fridges and laptops, and can charge some electrical devices. Stakeholders met for the official ceremony of the ‘Access to Energy’ programme last week, where gratitude from the recipients overflowed.
“We are very happy to have electricity; it’s like I’m dreaming. We can now connect our fridges and TVs, and my grandchildren can study at night. I am very happy. We are now like other people. What Shell has done for us is amazing. I don’t even know what to say,” exclaimed resident Octavia Gabela.
According to Shell, while conducting research, KZN emerged as the province with the lowest electrification levels in the country, with even less access in rural communities. This put the initial focus of the ‘Access to Energy’ project in the KZN region, with ambitions to drive it across other rural areas of South Africa.
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“We are contributing to address a common issue, ie the lack of access to energy in many parts of South Africa, through our ‘Access to Energy’ (A2E) initiative by providing solar-powered installations. This initiative is aligned with our goal of powering progress in the communities we operate in and our contribution to nation building, while also ensuring a low carbon footprint. Through this initiative, we are showcasing our efforts currently underway, the research and analyses done, as well as the longer-term plans which will make our contribution towards just energy transition,” said Hloniphizwe Mtolo, Shell SA country chairperson.
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