City Power turns to solar-powered high-mast lighting in Rabie Ridge
A community plagued by dark streets and crime welcomes off-grid infrastructure aimed at restoring safety after dark.
The streets of Rabie Ridge Ex 5 lit up with hope yesterday as City Power officially turned on the new solar-powered high-mast lights.
On October 30, at Chikane Store, Sedibeng Street, Rabie Ridge Ext 5, Ward 80, Region A, the community witnessed what many have waited years for – the start of real, sustainable lighting.
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The launch was led by MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Jack Sekwaila and City Power acting CEO Charles Tlouane, together with the City Power executive team. The air was filled with excitement as residents gathered to see the project that promises to change nights in Rabie Ridge forever.
Sekwaila said the city is deliberately focusing on townships and informal settlements, making sure that communities like Rabie Ridge are prioritised and not left behind when it comes to service delivery and safety.
Tlouane echoed that commitment, touching on the importance of improving townships. He said communities like Rabie Ridge deserve the same quality infrastructure as any suburb in Johannesburg, and City Power is bringing clean, solar energy to fight crime, improve visibility and give residents dignity after dark.
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The new solar high-mast lights will not need Eskom power – meaning no more darkness due to cable theft or load-shedding. They will light up streets, opening spaces and paths where residents, especially women and children, have felt unsafe.
Regional Director Region A Macmillian Papi Telekoa explained how they are going to work with the community to ensure that the solar-powered high-mast lights are safe. “Everyone will participate to ensure that the infrastructure is safe, and City Power security and citizen relationship and urban management officials will come twice a week to monitor the lights. Most importantly, the community must take the responsibility to monitor the lights every day,” said Telekoa.
Resident Queen Sikweqa expressed her feelings about the solar-powered high-mast lights. “I am very happy and feel safe at the same time because our area is going to have lights. There was a lot of crime happening, and we didn’t feel safe for a long time. Light brings joy to us as the community,” she said.
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