Turnkey engineering, procurement and construction and information and communications technology company Pythagoras Infrastructure Group has completed the installation of seven offgrid smart poles in the Slovo Park informal settlement, in Gauteng.

The smart poles replace outdated infrastructure with a resilient, fully offgrid system powered entirely by solar energy. Each 20 m mast includes high‑efficiency light-emitting diode floodlighting, a high‑definition surveillance camera and a public Wi‑Fi access point.

The system is integrated into the City of Johannesburg and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department's monitoring networks through high‑speed long-term evolution technology.

“Safety is the foundation of dignity. By delivering reliable lighting and surveillance in Slovo Park, we’re helping restore a sense of security that every community deserves,” comments Pythagoras GM Micheal Chandiya.

For many residents, the absence of dependable lighting created unlit zones that contributed to higher crime levels and restricted movement after dark.

During community engagement sessions, safety and connectivity emerged as urgent priorities, particularly for young people who rely on digital access for schoolwork and research, Pythagoras points out.

“Smart, resilient infrastructure is essential for building connected communities. This is a product of innovation paired with a clear commitment to public good,” says Pythagoras public sector key account manager Kiran Jiva.

The company says early feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. "Community members report improved visibility, reduced fear after dark and increased access to online learning resources. The system achieved 100% uptime during testing and commissioning, with zero reliance on municipal electricity."

Pythagoras states that the Slovo Park project demonstrates how smart, resilient infrastructure can strengthen communities and support long‑term municipal development. 

It adds that the deployment of these smart poles in Slovo Park can be replicated across South Africa.

"Its modular, offgrid design makes it suitable for informal settlements, rural communities and urban renewal zones affected by grid instability or infrastructure sabotage," the company states.

Pythagoras will support the installation through a three‑year maintenance cycle that includes preventive inspections, remote monitoring and battery lifecycle management.