The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Societal Impact project bringing affordable energy and clean water to the Vhembe district of Limpopo, in partnership with Schneider Electric, is expanding to the villages of Matatani and Mbodi.

Since the project’s inception in 2014, it has been providing the Gwakwani village with affordable energy and clean water. A solar-powered borehole supplies water to the villagers, reducing malaria risk and enabling income-generating vegetable farming. Paraffin lamps have also been replaced with solar-powered versions and a solar streetlight has been installed to enhance safety. In addition, a solar-powered bakery (including cold storage) supplies bread to neighbouring communities.

“We have been able to provide essential services, including connectivity and access to quality education, directly aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Without industrial support from Schneider Electric, we would not be in the position to make such a social impact,” says Johan Meyer, Associate Professor: Electrical and Electronic Engineering Science at UJ.

“A collaboration of this kind, between private industry and academia, has many advantages and, with commitment to sustainable solutions, collective knowledge and skill sets, a legacy has been created to be proud of for many years to come – a future reimagined for Gwakwani and surrounding villages,” says Carina van Zyl, Corporate Citizenship Leader at Schneider Electric.