iLembe to Benefit from iLanga Life Project- Warm water for Hundreds of Low Income Households – a COP17 Legacy Project
South Africans are taking bold steps towards greening the environment, and in a true spirit of partnership (ubuntu) companies and individuals have responded generously to a newly-launched project (named iLanga Life) to raise funds to roll out additional Solar Water Heaters to low-income households. The project will ensure that the climate change talks bring about practical benefits in the lives of communities through the introduction of clean-energy technologies.
Mayor Mdabe with Lethu Ngcobo
The launch of the project follows on the successful installation of about 211 000 solar water heaters throughout the country, since the introduction of a rebate system aimed at encouraging the use of solar heating for domestic hot water. About 36 000 units have been installed in KwaZulu Natal to date.
On 28 November 2011, on the first day of COP 17, the Economic Development Department (EDD), the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Eskom launched a challenge fund to bring hot water to households in Groutville, an area in the iLembe District Municipality, North of Durban. The initial target set was to raise money for 200 solar water heaters.
At a media briefing held at the CCR Expo, the Minister of Economic Development, Patel announced in Durban that the target has been exceeded and that sufficient funds have been raised in the past 12 days of COP 17 to install 510 solar water heaters in Groutville.
More than R685 000 was raised and this will be leveraged with additional funding from the Eskom rebate system for solar water heaters.
Government set up a pledge board at COP 17 and companies, trade unions and individuals were encouraged to make a financial contribution. Financial contributions were received from eleven corporations, six trade unions and about 175 individuals. The sums contributed ranged from R5 to R100 000.
Speaking at the announcement of the pledges collected so far from delegates, businesses and the general public, Minister of Economic Development Mr Ebrahim Patel said the project was intended to bring hot running water to more communities, raise awareness about climate change, demonstrate the benefits of solar water heating to South Africans and provide jobs in the manufacture and installation of the solar water units. It would also contribute to the New Growth Path (NGP) goals to expand the green economy and create new job opportunities.
from left to right – Trenley Tilbrook, Kanyi Gasa, Mayor SW Mdabe, Manoj Seonath and Mike Newton
Minister Patel said: “With the contributions from companies, unions and individuals, we can step up the rate of installation and show the value of broader solidarity across society to grow jobs and improve the lives of our people. It is important that we take full advantage of Africa’s abundant natural resource, the sun, and in the process relieve pressure on the national electricity grid.”
“The project will help ensure that we create jobs, enhance skills and develop opportunities for the development of cooperatives and social enterprises. In addition, we’ll be stimulating our localisation efforts,” Minister Patel said.
IDC Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Qhena said he was particularly pleased with the contributions to the project.
“With generous donations from various companies, including Foskor, Solar Academy of Sub-Saharan Africa, Enel, Exxaro, ArcelorMittal, Merafe, Sappi, Kagiso Tiso Holdings, Kumba, Africa Media Entertainment, NUMSA, COSATU, FEDUSA, SACTWU, the NUM, NEHAWU and a contribution from the IDC, and most importantly, the general public, we will be able to install more than 500 solar water heaters in low-income communities in one area in Kwa-Zulu Natal,” said Mr Qhena.
He said that fundraising for the project would continue beyond COP 17.
“I look forward to the launch of the first phase of the installation, where all can witness the difference that South Africans have made for families who previously had no access to warm water,” said Mr Qhena.
Minister Patel said: “I acknowledge all the South Africans who have contributed. The pledges by both businesses and trade unions show partnership in action and practical steps tyo implement the Green economy Accord undertakings. I would like to specifically highlight the contribution of Lethu Ngcobo, a 9-year old pupil at Briadale Primary School, who came to the COP 17 Expo and pledged R10.”
Lethu Ngcobo, a grade 4 pupil at the Newlands West school, said warm water should be a basic service that all South Africans should enjoy and hoped that his contribution would encourage others to realise the need to be part of iLanga Life.
“I gave my R10 because I wanted to help people who do not have warm water. The geysers do not use electric power and it will save our environment, “said Lethu Ngcobo.
Minister Patel with Lethu Ngcobo
Mayor of iLembe District Municipality Cllr. S.W. Mdabe expressed his gratitude to EDD, IDC, Eskom, South African business and the general community for their contribution towards making iLanga Life Project possible. He added that the 510 solar water heaters will make a measurable impact in the lives of the people in Groutville in addition to making a difference in climate change in the long term. iLembe District Municipality together with its Economic Development Agency, Enterprise iLembe will assist in the role-out of the project in Groutville.
Minister Patel said that in order to meet the country’s challenges, partnerships were needed and every contribution will help to make a difference. Additional funds raised after COP 17 would allow the project to reach more households, furthering government’s commitment to roll-out solar water heaters to an increasing number of South African homes.
Solar water units were being installed daily across the country. The target to increase the rollout of solar water heaters was one of twelve commitments contained in the Green economy Accord recently signed by representatives of business, organised labour, community groups and government. Approximately 8000 solar water units in low-income households have been installed across the country during COP 17.
Contributions can be made by visiting iLanga Life’s website www.ilangalife.co.za. The Fund is administered by the IDC.
For more information, please contact:
Mandla Mpangase
Public Relations Manager
Corporate Communications
Industrial Development Corporation
Tel: +27 (0) 11 269 3282
Cell: +27 (0) 82 880 6074
Fax: +27 (0) 0862103282
Email: mandlam@idc.co.za
Website: www.idc.co.za