Schneider Electric, the global leader in energy management and automation, and recognised sustainability leader has donated nine solar-powered streetlights to the Emthonjeni Community Centre, situated in the heart of Zandspruit informal settlement which is based northwestern part of Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Established in 2002, Emthonjeni has been walking alongside families in Zandspruit through some of the country’s toughest social and economic challenges. In 2023, the centre opened a foundation phase school in partnership with Impact Kids, a milestone that inspired the need for enhanced safety infrastructure. 

With no existing access to electricity in the area surrounding the school premises, the donated solar streetlights will therefore dramatically improve visibility and security, providing critical lighting to those learners, families and staff who rely on Emthonjeni’s services; especially in the early mornings and evenings when darkness poses a risk to safety and security. 

“These aren’t just lights; they represent safety, dignity, and peace of mind,” says Estelle Mengel, Partnership Developer at Emthonjeni Community Centre. “Our learners and their parents can now walk safely in and out of the centre when dark. 

“For our team, these lights provide assurance that we can continue to serve the community in a secure environment. We are deeply grateful to Schneider Electric for the donation that is already making a huge impact.”

Designed to operate independently of the grid, each streetlight is equipped with a solar panel and technology smart battery storage. It offers a 12-year lifespan and a six-year service warranty it. The solar streetlights are installed on poles between four and six metres high, and provide a wide 72-degree illumination angle, ensuring broad coverage throughout the school  premises.

“Before installation, the lights were thoroughly tested at our warehouse in South Africa to ensure they were fully operational,” explains Hennie Smith, Solutions Architect and Senior Automation Application Design Engineer at Schneider Electric. “The poles were supplied and installed by Emthonjeni’s team, and the lights are positioned strategically in and around the foundation phase school and childcare areas to maximise safety and efficiency. These solutions reflect Schneider Electric’s dedication to real, sustainable impact where it matters most.”

The partnership between Schneider Electric and Emthonjeni spans nearly a decade, encompassing various initiatives that support education, access to energy, and social upliftment. This latest collaboration further strengthens their shared commitment to improving lives through sustainability solutions.

“At Schneider Electric, access to energy and education are core pillars of our sustainability strategy. We believe in the work that Emthonjeni does, and we see the impact. That’s why we continue to walk this journey with them,” concludes Carina van Zyl, Corporate Citizenship Leader, Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric.