Wits School of Governance (ETDs)

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Browsing Wits School of Governance (ETDs) by SDG "SDG-7: Affordable and clean energy"

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    The change in lived experiences of Mpame Village households using solar photovoltaic electricity
    (2021) Tokosi, Ola
    Electricity and the ability to access it enables heating and lighting for domestic use, and for mechanical, electrochemical and electronic requirements. The purpose of this study was primarily to assess and understand the changes in lived experiences of Mpame village residents after solar photo-voltaic (PV) electricity installations in 2014. The study problem sought was to identify and understand the inability of residents to access electricity from the national grid after twenty-five years of democratic government in South Africa. The constitution guarantees electricity access as a human right for all citizens and all who live within its borders. The government had in 1994, as part of its political campaign promises, suggested ‘Free’ electricity as a dividend of democracy if voted into power. Electricity access using solar photo-voltaic (PV) installations was achieved in 2014, that incidentally was an election year. By October 2019 when this study was undertaken, Mpame village literally had returned to darkness, as a result of non-replacement of the batteries at their end-of-life stage. The secondary purpose of this study was to ascertain who takes responsibility for the project’s sustainability. Battery replacement is essential and pivotal to the success of this strategy and, also ensures the sustainability of electricity access as a human right. A qualitative research methodology approach was used. Data was collected by conducting face-to-face interviews with household heads or representatives who have resided in Mpame village at least two years before and two years after the installations were completed and commissioned. The findings indicate that the residents have a positive perception of government’s effort at enabling electricity access and the upholding of their human rights. The implication of the state of non-functionality is that the village is now in darkness, with concerns raised about the sustainability of the strategy to support sustainable livelihoods strategy. The true intentions of government is under question, creating suspicion and worry about service delivery, an increased fear of vulnerability, a decreased sense of safety and security and a concern of losing out on development opportunities. Considering that there is a strong correlation between electricity access and development, no modern activity like industrialization, daily life, transportation, communication, cooking, heating the home and benefits from cultural activities can occur in Mpame. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that government should assume responsibility to replace the solar batteries at their end-of-life stage or else get grid electricity installed in Mpame village for the residents to enjoy their constitutional human rights
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    Investigating Criteria and Indicators to Assess the Sustainability of Renewable Energy Supply in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Tshisela, Zizo; Mapitsa, Caitlin
    Historically, according to Gunnarsdottir, Davidsdottir, Worrell and Sigurgeirsdottir (2020), energy was perceived narrowly in terms of pollution and air quality. Things have progressed, and energy is now regarded as a critical enabler of social and economic growth and sustainable development. As a result of the more progressive understanding of energy, energy problems are no longer seen in isolation but rather in combination with other growth challenges. In their energy for sustainability guidelines and methodologies of 2007, International Energy Agency (IEA, 2007) describes energy as a means to an end, which highlights four areas; a) a clean and safe environment, b) sustainable economy, quality of life, and people’s health. IEA (2007) further indicates there is no good or bad energy source (renewable and non-renewable). Therefore, the benefit is derived from the energy source being able to deliver the end product. The wider interpretation of energy and its cross-cutting influence emphasises its significance and multidimensionality (Gunnarsdottir et al., 2020). Depending on how energy from coal is processed, transported, and used, it could contribute to environmental degradation, climate change, and human health (IEA, 2007; Petinrin & Shaaban, 2015; Khan, 2020). Burning fossil fuels has been found to induce urban air emissions, regional acidification, and the possibility of climate change (IEA, 2007). According to Mathu (2014), the fossil fuels list includes “coal, natural gas, and fuel oil.” Coal emits the most emissions (Mathu, 2014). A sustainable energy sector allows the country and the entire world to participate in economic and social activities by balancing production and energy use with no or negligible effects on the environment (Wang, Jing, Zhang & Zhao, 2009; Oke, Ibrahim & Bokana, 2021). Many countries worldwide have embraced Renewable Energy as an alternative to fossil fuels (Armin Razmjoo, Sumper, and Davarpanah, 2020). Holt and Pengelly (2008) define Renewable Energy as “energy sources that are continually replenished by nature like the sun, the wind, water, the earth’s heat, and plants. Renewable Energy technologies turn these fuels into usable forms of energy, most often electricity, but also heat, chemicals, or mechanical power.” Renewable Energy options such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and ocean energy are sustainable options because they are available, non-replenishable, and proper for use (Armin Razmjoo et al., 2020). Renewable Energy is also considered clean and essential for sustainable development (Manso & Behmiri, 2013; Vanegas Cantarero 2020).
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    The change in lived experiences of Mpame village households using solar photovoltaic electricity
    (2021) Tokosi, Ola
    Electricity and the ability to access it enables heating and lighting for domestic use, and for mechanical, electrochemical and electronic requirements. The purpose of this study was primarily to assess and understand the changes in lived experiences of Mpame village residents after solar photo-voltaic (PV) electricity installations in 2014. The study problem sought was to identify and understand the inability of residents to access electricity from the national grid after twenty-five years of democratic government in South Africa. The constitution guarantees electricity access as a human right for all citizens and all who live within its borders. The government had in 1994, as part of its political campaign promises, suggested ‘Free’ electricity as a dividend of democracy if voted into power. Electricity access using solar photo-voltaic (PV) installations was achieved in 2014, that incidentally was an election year. By October 2019 when this study was undertaken, Mpame village literally had returned to darkness, as a result of non-replacement of the batteries at their end-of-life stage. The secondary purpose of this study was to ascertain who takes responsibility for the project’s sustainability. Battery replacement is essential and pivotal to the success of this strategy and, also ensures the sustainability of electricity access as a human right. A qualitative research methodology approach was used. Data was collected by conducting face-to-face interviews with household heads or representatives who have resided in Mpame village at least two years before and two years after the installations were completed and commissioned. The findings indicate that the residents have a positive perception of government’s effort at enabling electricity access and the upholding of their human rights. The implication of the state of non-functionality is that the village is now in darkness,with concerns raised about the sustainability of the strategy to support sustainable livelihoods strategy. The true intentions of government is under question, creating suspicion and worry about service delivery, an increased fear of vulnerability, a decreased sense of safety and security and a concern of losing out on development opportunities. Considering that there is a strong correlation between electricity access and development, no modern activity like industrialization, daily life, transportation, communication, cooking, heating the home and benefits from cultural activities can occur in Mpame. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that government should assume responsibility to replace the solar batteries at their end-of-life stage or else get grid electricity installed in Mpame village for the residents to enjoy their constitutional human rights.