From April 2024 to March 2025, the Township Energy Fund, a R10 million grant initiative led by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in partnership with the Seriti Institute (NPC), has left an impact on small businesses in townships, rural areas, and towns throughout the Western Cape.
Implemented by the Seriti Institute (NPC) as the Strategic Implementation Partner (SIP), the project provided alternative energy solutions such as inverters, generators, solar systems, Gas stoves and mobile energy banks, empowering businesses to continue operating despite the challenges posed by loadshedding and rising electricity costs.
The initiative benefited 98 businesses across Cape Town in townships including, Mitchells Plain, Langa, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha and Athlone. These businesses were equipped with tools to maintain operations, improve service delivery, and boost productivity.
Among these businesses, several remarkable success stories emerged, with many sharing stories of resilience and growth.
One standout example is Green Riders, a proudly South African, turnkey, green e-mobility solution. For Green Riders, keeping their operations running smoothly had become increasingly difficult due to loadshedding. Their fleet of electric bikes, which served as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional delivery methods, relied heavily on a steady power supply. When the power went out, everything slowed down, deliveries were delayed, communications faltered, and productivity suffered.
The challenges didn’t end with the bikes. Their entire operation, including laptops, phones, tracking devices, and other essential systems, depended on a consistent power supply. When the lights went out, it wasn’t just the bikes that were affected; everything came to a standstill.
With support from the Township Energy Fund, Green Riders introduced a game changing solution: a custom-built solar trailer equipped with solar technology. This trailer became the heart of their energy strategy, ensuring their fleet stayed powered up even during the worst loadshedding periods. With backup batteries in place, at least 20% of their fleet stayed charged, enabling the company to continue deliveries despite power outages.
Craig Atkinson, founder and director of Green Riders, explained, “We no longer need to worry about loadshedding slowing us down. We’re finally in control of our own power. This means we can focus on growing, improving, and making a bigger difference in the communities we serve.”
With this new power solution, Green Riders was able to expand into areas severely affected by power shortages. The company’s growth created over 300 new jobs, offering much needed stability and income to communities struggling with unemployment.
The Township Energy Fund has truly been a game changer for these businesses,” says Harmony Khoza, Community Specialist at Seriti Institute.
“This project is not just about keeping the lights on, it is about enabling businesses to thrive, grow, and become more resilient in the face of challenges. The success stories we are seeing show that with the right support, small businesses can overcome significant hurdles and make a meaningful impact in their communities.”
This success showcases Seriti Institute’s commitment to building resilient communities, empowering futures, and helping vulnerable people gain self-sufficiency to create meaningful lives for themselves and their families.
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