This project is about putting power – literally and figuratively – into the hands of communities.
“Mobilising Social Movements for Energy Democracy and Sovereignty in South Africa” is a bold initiative aimed at advancing community-led, socially owned renewable energy. It brings together the strength of grassroots organising with the vision of a just energy future.
Together, we are building local energy alternatives that centre justice, inclusion, and participation – creating a model where communities don’t just receive energy solutions but shape and own them.
From educational workshops and dialogue sessions, to solar energy demonstration units and local government engagement, this project is paving the way for renewable energy that works with and for people – especially those who have long been excluded from energy decisions.
Voices from the Ground
Where the change is happening
eMalahleni
Emalahleni Local Municipality, is situated in the middle of South Africa’s coal fields in Mpumalanga that supply nearby coal-based power generation plants. The environmental and health effects on the communities are unmistakable, yet the mines also provide employment and drive economic activity in the area. The Vukani Environmental Movement was established in 2016 and works to address environmental and climate change issues by engaging and educating communities and wider stakeholders and promoting democratic and inclusive decision making.
eThekwini
eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality is the largest city in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. Situated on the coast, the region is hilly with many gorges and ravines. eThekwini is a leading South African city in terms of its climate change response, with ambitious renewable energy targets. Nevertheless, communities in the heavily industrialised South Durban region (Wentworth and Austerville) remain affected by air pollution and related human health impacts from the emissions from local refineries and chemical plants. The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) has worked tirelessly since 1995 to achieve a healthy and safe environment and address issues of environmental and social inequalities and injustices.
Ekhenana
Also situated in eThekwini, is the Ekhenana informal settlement. The community of just over 100 families was established in 2018 and includes a food garden, poultry farm, communal kitchen, and community hall. The CBO, Abahlali baseMjondolo has supported Ekhenana in their struggle for land, recognition, and basic services. Across these communities, not all households are connected to electricity. In eThekwini, over 300,000 households are without electricity, while in Emalahleni, the lack of grid capacity is hampering efforts to connect households in new informal areas. Even if households do have access to electricity, they remain energy poor with the cost of electricity being too high (even with pro-poor subsidies). Security of tenure is another challenge faced by communities.