HOEDSPRUIT – A solar project at a Hoedspruit residential complex has become part of a worldwide Rotary campaign to install one million solar panels, earning international recognition for local company Mantula Solar.

Jonathan Bach recently took part in Rotary’s ambitious One Million Solar Panels Challenge, a worldwide campaign encouraging Rotarians to help install one million solar panels worldwide.

While Rotary drives the initiative, Mantula Solar, Jonathan’s company, designed and implemented the award-winning project, and its work is part of this significant international milestone.

Room to grow in Hoedspruit

The project is located at Maruleng Villas, a residential apartment complex in Hoedspruit.

As the town continues to experience rapid growth and an increasing demand for housing, developments such as Maruleng Villas play an important role in providing quality accommodation for new residents.

Sharing the light, sharing the load

To make the project possible, Mantula Solar partnered with a German NGO that subsidises solar energy systems in South Africa, enabling the company to provide affordable renewable energy while reducing the development’s environmental impact.

A key feature is its rent-to-own financing model, which allows residents to install solar systems without paying the full cost upfront. Instead, they can access reliable, clean electricity immediately while paying off the system over time, gradually becoming owners of their installations.

“Local action, global collaboration”

Speaking about the recognition, Bach said he was honoured to play a role in a project that demonstrates the power of collaboration and innovation.

“I am proud to be part of this movement, demonstrating how local action, global collaboration, and innovative financing can drive lasting change in Hoedspruit and beyond,” he said.