Empowering resilience: best practices for solar energy solutions in reducing energy poverty in South Africa’s marginalized communities

Abstract

South Africa’s energy transition occurs within a context of deep historical inequality shaped by colonialism and apartheid spatial planning. Despite national electrification efforts, many informal settlements and marginalized communities continue to experience energy poverty, unreliable electricity access, and dependence on polluting fuels such as paraffin and firewood. This paper examines the role of decentralized solar energy systems in addressing energy poverty and advancing energy justice in marginalized communities in South Africa. The study employs a mixed-methods qualitative case study approach combining literature analysis, comparative case studies, household surveys, stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions, and spatial analysis. The research draws on two established solar initiatives in informal settlements, namely Enkanini in Stellenbosch and PJS in Khayelitsha, while incorporating empirical fieldwork from Lephalale, Limpopo Province, a coal-dependent municipality experiencing significant energy transition pressures. The empirical fieldwork engaged 70 respondents, including 56 households from Marapong, Manamela, Mahlakung, and Thulare Park, as well as 14 representatives from businesses, municipalities, and energy governance institutions. Findings reveal persistent energy poverty despite proximity to major power generation infrastructure, demonstrating what this paper terms the “electricity infrastructure proximity paradox.” Quantitative findings show that 75% of respondents felt excluded from energy decision-making processes, 43% lacked electricity access entirely, and 55% considered energy unaffordable. At the same time, 89% believed coal industry closure would result in job losses, highlighting the socioeconomic complexity of transition processes. Nevertheless, 82% believed renewable energy could benefit their communities if implemented equitably. The study argues that rooftop solar and decentralized renewable systems should not be understood merely as technological interventions but as justice-oriented development strategies capable of addressing historical spatial inequalities, enhancing resilience, and supporting inclusive urban development. The paper contributes to debates on energy justice, sustainable urban transitions, and community-centered renewable energy governance in the Global South. It further recommends participatory governance mechanisms, community-based financing models such as stokvels, and government-supported decentralized renewable energy frameworks to ensure equitable and sustainable energy transitions.