The Resilience of Young Professionalism in South Africa: A Story of “Common Power”

Common Power Uplifts Community Energy Initiatives to Tackle the Energy Crisis in South Africa

South Africa has been experiencing an energy crisis since 2007, with the country enduring multiple waves of load shedding. Load shedding occurs when an energy utility company has to artificially reduce energy demand because the demand exceeds the (fossil fuel-based, corporate) ability to supply. This results in power rationing between different geographical areas, with some areas experiencing outages that last for several hours. The need for load shedding has been attributed to corruption within the South African government and the government-owned national power utility, Eskom. This energy crisis takes a heavy toll on ordinary South Africans, making life more difficult for students and young professionals who are already struggling with unemployment.

The Cost of Load Shedding

Load shedding poses a series of challenges that take a heavy toll on ordinary South Africans. Avuziwe Mfeka, a Chemical Engineering graduate, who was affected by load shedding, stated, “Load shedding has inconvenienced me when I need the power to warm up the house. Also, we are traumatised by this because barely a day goes by without worrying about when there will be load shedding.” Load shedding increases electricity costs, making life for students and young professionals increasingly difficult. Luvuyo Mdepha, an environmental studies graduate, stated, “Climate change and the rise of energy costs have affected us all, yes, me and my family as well. The electricity bill is high.”

Empowering Community Energy Initiatives

Common Power is uplifting community energy initiatives by young professionals to help address the energy crisis in South Africa. The Community Energy Accelerator (CEA) is a solar project design course that equips participants with in-depth skills and knowledge on solar project design, contracting, and development. The educational programme combines face-to-face training, e-learning tools, and access to support teams and expert partners. Participants are exposed to business acumen, digital skills, financial project management, and community engagement experience.

In collaboration with Greenpeace Africa, Common Power has launched a pilot programme to train experienced developers, who go on to mentor others, in the development and delivery of the first community solar and battery project. Chitola Mufali, a trainee who was part of the CEA, enjoys how the programme creates a space that democratises access to energy and empowers communities. For Avuziwe, the project will help her community: “My community, and the next generations will have a place preserved for them. Employment will definitely be created as different skills will be required, but the beauty of this is that people will start companies, and there will be no job favours. With this independence, people will start to decide how to use power, as sunlight generates electricity, giving someone a sense of liberty. The most important part is feeling independent and untouched by load shedding.”

Philosophical Discussion

South Africa’s energy crisis is part of a vicious cycle of underdevelopment, mismanagement, and corruption that affects vulnerable populations. Load shedding deepens economic and social inequalities and has a negative impact on people’s health, education, and well-being. However, community energy initiatives like Common Power create a way for people to take charge of their energy needs and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future. The CEA is an excellent example of how education, innovation, and collaboration can positively transform communities, create jobs, and reduce carbon emissions. Common Power’s initiative demonstrates the transformative power of renewable energy, which can lead to more energy independence, community resilience, and social justice.

Editorial and Advice

Common Power’s initiative is commendable and should be replicated in other regions and countries affected by energy poverty and climate change. Governments and energy utilities should invest in renewable energy infrastructure, support community energy initiatives, and take accountability for their actions. Sustainable and just energy solutions should be prioritized to ensure energy affordability and access for all. Furthermore, education and innovation should be integrated into energy systems, unlocking opportunities for learning, entrepreneurship, and community building. Governments, stakeholders, and communities must collaborate to achieve a just energy transition that benefits people and the planet.