Eskom Installs Solar Power Systems at Five Orange Farm Schools, Addressing Infrastructure Theft Issues

26 November 2025

Eskom Equips Five Orange Farm Schools with Solar Systems to Combat Infrastructure Theft Disruptions

Eskom has installed rooftop solar power systems at five schools in Orange Farm, Gauteng, to provide reliable electricity in an area severely affected by infrastructure theft and vandalism.

The handover ceremony took place on Wednesday at Radipabi Primary School, one of five educational institutions receiving the solar installations. This initiative forms part of Eskom's broader social investment strategy, which invested R146 million in community programmes during the 2025 financial year.

Technical Specifications and Implementation

Each school has received a substantial solar installation package including:

• 2 × 15kW inverters (devices that convert DC power from solar panels into usable AC electricity)
• 12 × 60kWh batteries (for power storage during non-sunlight hours)
• 40 × 620W solar panels (to capture solar energy)

The beneficiary schools include both primary and secondary institutions:

• Radipabi Primary School
• Aha-Thuto Secondary School
• Laus Deo Primary School
• Moyisela Primary School
• Mphethi Mahlatsi Secondary School

Addressing a Critical Need

According to Eskom, Orange Farm was specifically selected for this initiative due to the high prevalence of electricity infrastructure damage in the area, which has consistently disrupted learning activities. The solar installations aim to ensure that education can continue uninterrupted despite external electricity supply challenges.

Agnes Mlambo, Eskom's Acting Group Executive for Distribution, emphasized the importance of community involvement: "This initiative reflects Eskom's collective commitment to the communities we serve, and our shared responsibility to support the youth. We encourage the community to protect this infrastructure so it can continue to provide light, hope, and opportunity for generations to come."

Financial Benefits for Schools

Beyond providing reliability, the solar systems are expected to substantially reduce electricity costs for the schools. These savings can be redirected to educational resources, maintenance, and other school necessities, potentially improving overall educational outcomes.

Outlook: National Expansion Plans

This Orange Farm initiative appears to be just the beginning of a larger national rollout. Eskom has indicated the programme will expand across the country with funding from three sources:

• Eskom through the Eskom Development Foundation (ESDEF)
• The Department of Basic Education
• Corporate partners, including Eskom's customers and suppliers

The timeline and specific targets for the national expansion were not detailed in Eskom's announcement.

While this initiative addresses immediate electricity reliability concerns for these five schools, it represents a practical response to the ongoing challenges of infrastructure security that continue to affect many communities across South Africa.

Key Terms Explained

• kW (kilowatt): A measure of power output or capacity. The 15kW inverters can handle enough electricity to power approximately 10 average classrooms simultaneously.
• kWh (kilowatt-hour): A measure of energy storage. The 60kWh batteries can store enough energy to run essential school equipment for several hours after sunset or during cloudy periods.
• Inverters: Devices that convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity used by standard electrical appliances and lighting.
• ESDEF (Eskom Development Foundation): Eskom's corporate social investment arm that funds community development projects, including educational initiatives.