Vrygronde youth create own solar system

KAROO NEWS - Enthused by the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP28, held in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December, the youth residing in the Vrygronde informal settlement in Graaff-Reinet took charge of developing their own renewable energy solution.

Their initiative was part of the global #PowerUp campaign led by 350.org, that urges governments to divest from fossil fuels and invest significantly in sustainable, community-focused renewable energy.

The #PowerUp campaign responded to the staggering profits announced by various fossil fuel companies that prioritise financial gain over environmental and social wellbeing.

It urged governments to hold these entities accountable by imposing taxes on their profits and channelling these funds into a just and sustainable renewable energy system.

Aligned with this campaign, the Support Centre for Land Change (SCLC) and other civil society organisations and communities worldwide, orchestrated a monthlong global campaign involving over 200 initiatives across 46 countries.

Their collective aim was to advocate for a renewable energy revolution and an equitable shift away from fossil fuels to renewable energy alternatives.

SCLC, in partnership with Zakhe-Labs, an upcoming nongovernmental organisation (NGO) in Graaff-Reinet, dedicated their efforts to empower the youth through the #PowerUp campaign.

They conducted workshops explaining the concept of renewable energy alternatives and its significance. Subsequently, the young individuals from Vrygronde identified their settlement’s most pressing energy needs and were guided through a process of designing and building a solar energy system for lighting and mobile phone charging.

Roger Meintjies, a Zakhe-Labs founder, emphasised the democratisation of energy in terms of both cost and accessibility. The system is cost effective, safe to use because it runs on low voltage, and designed by the youth for their specific needs.

Meintjies highlighted the importance of transferring knowledge and fostering a sense of ownership by enabling the youth to comprehend, construct, and maintain the system independently without needing any costly technical assistance.

This initiative not only enabled the youth to participate in debates about transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, but also empowered them to engage with local authorities. The aim is to advocate for the integration of renewable energy solutions in the upgrading of informal settlements.

While COP28 deliberates, there is a pivotal focus on establishing a global renewable energy target aligned with limiting global heating.

However, the success of any agreement depends on a comprehensive implementation roadmap and legal framework.

Such an agreement must solely rely on proven renewable energy technologies and compel all conference parties to commit to mechanisms ensuring a just transition away from fossil fuels. Without these critical elements, any agreements carry the risk of allowing polluting countries to evade responsibility while perpetuating the climate crisis.

Measuring the battery voltage of the solar system prior to installation

Founder member of Zakhe-Labs, Thembelani Makapela - left - and member of the Vrygronde youth, Lukhanyo Nkxanka, installing the roof mounting rack for the solar panel.