In early 2022 PEP was introduced to a solar lighting project in PJS informal settlement, Khayelitsha. Managed by two PHD students a people-centred development process had been undertaken to fit each shack with a solar light thus improving visibility and safety for residents. The community have responded very positively to the intervention and a marked impact has been made on the ground. The project methodology and principles align very closely with PEP’s strategic direction – people-centred projects driving change. Given these circumstances, PEP approached the project with the hope of piloting solar lighting in one of 4 new settlements nearby to PJS (with whom PEP has newly established a relationship).

As of July 2023, approximately 200 lights have been installed in individual structures across these communities. The lights were sponsored by Eurolux, a well-known South African lighting company, as part of their corporate social investment programme. Positive feedback has been received from the community with the lights making a difference to conditions – especially in terms of safety in the night and early morning.

Several other NGOs and stakeholders have been implementing solar lighting projects in informal settlements and based on this a community of practice, advocating for solar lighting in informal settlements has been established. See here.

PEP is currently planning a launch event for the lighting project in September 2023. It is hoped that this will garner interest – especially from the city and province so that implementation can be scaled to new communities using the community members who developed skills in installing the lights. This is a very exciting project and has much potential for scale.