Demonstration of Housing Energisation

to Reduce Climate Change

A project sponsored by

US AID and the South African Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism

Introduction to Switch On

Switch On logo

This project commenced in April 2002 with the aim to demonstrate how non-grid energy sources can be used sustainably in rural communties, thereby offering a significant contribution to climate change mitigation. It involved establishing a rural business in order to make an energy package available to residents of a remote valley in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Four members of the targeted local community were carefully selected and trained to provide the skills necessary to operate a rural energy business. This business was given the brand "Switch On" and is now registered as a Section 21 company. The project finished at the end of February 2004, but the Switch On business continues to service local community members with ongoing support from Parallax.

Learn more about the details of the Switch On project:

Background Objectives Activities Results Conclusions