Amid the compounding effects of loadshedding in South Africa and increasing concerns about climate change, appliance manufacturer Defy Appliances has launched its Solar Off-Grid fridge and freezer range to address local energy challenges and provide reliable ‘always-on’ refrigeration to ensure food preservation and, consequently, reduce food waste.

Being the first of its kind in the market, the company says the Defy Solar Off-Grid represents a significant step forward in sustainable technology by offering a practical solution for households and businesses across the country.

By leveraging solar energy, this range can operate independently of the electrical grid, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimising carbon emissions.

Defy’s Solar Off-Grid range functions completely off-grid with battery and solar integration. This integration ensures the energy supply is uninterrupted by switching between battery power at night and solar power during the day to ensure always-on freshness.

Speaking at the launch on March 19, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel commented that this was a “milestone event” for Defy and for the local consumer goods sector, noting that the range meets a number of national objectives.

This includes the localisation of production of key consumer goods that assist in building the industrial ecosystem, with the company having two large operations in South Africa.

Secondly, the company has assisted with job creation by employing about 2 500 workers across South Africa.

Lastly, Defy’s range also contributes to climate change goals.

“The release of this product is timely as it responds to these challenges of a world where past carbon emission has changed the stability of what we can rely on and it gives consumers choice, the choice to use environment-friendly products in homes and in small businesses,” he said.

Patel also noted that the range provided a base for the export of products to other parts of the African continent, thereby aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation Plan – released on January 31 – and stimulating industrialisation and growth across Africa.

He added that the launch provided an opportunity for South Africa to create an additional footprint in the green industrialisation space.

“These new green products that we are launching today are a very welcome example of that partnership between the company and the country. I look forward to more investment, to new products that will be rolled out, and to making South Africa the centre of the company's operations for a market of [1.4-billion] people through the AfCFTA,” he said.

“We believe our Solar Off-Grid fridges and freezers are real game-changers for South Africa and the continent at large, as they solve both the issue of accessibility to power, as well as the issue of clean energy. As a household name in South Africa, this objective is something we are deeply invested in.

“The households and businesses that we will be reaching is only the first step in demonstrating that solar is the more future-fit solution to better energy on the African continent,” said Defy Appliances CEO Mustafa Soylu.