Johannesburg's solar-supported social housing scheme ensures safety, offers reduced energy expenditure, and upholds environmental sustainability.

Johannesburg's Tshedzani Phase 3 social housing project, solar-powered solutions are changing lives by offering a more sustainable design, cost savings, and increased security. The project funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the City of Johannesburg, included solar lighting, solar water heaters, and energy-efficient systems for public housing units. Now residents feel safer, can save money on electricity, and find greater availability for jobs.

The locals had previously faced darkness due to load shedding and became increasingly vulnerable to crime. These solar streetlights have helped them feel safe during the night. The program is part of a larger initiative known to change cities toward a climate-resilient future while directly improving benefits.

Launched in 2020, this project seeks to focus on five areas: retrofitting social housing; sustainable urban agriculture; better management of biodegradable waste; and strengthening climate resilience. This project is providing seed, fertilizer and tools to farmers for facilitating organic farming over a surface area of 8000 sq. m. along with solar installations. In addition to this, a biodigester plant is under construction for the generation of energy from waste.

Residents like single mother Voneen Trompeter have found new opportunities through the project such as learning business and recycling skills for lasting benefits. With the initiative slated to end in 2025, the impact of new sustainability standards and guidelines will carry forward into future projects.

The project is in line with the climate goals of the United Nations and shows how cities can be a catalyst for change in energy and housing and waste management for the benefit of urban residents.