South Africans are bright thinkers. Even in the darkest hours of loadshedding, we look for smart solutions that help us see the light. According to Career Portal, universities have adjusted their academic programmes to be in line with the loadshedding schedule and others plan to implement hybrid teaching and learning methods. While this may be helpful, what can be done for those who #NeedEnergy now?
A move in the bright direction
For the next five weeks, from 29 May to the 30th of June, NESTLÉ BAR•ONE #needenergy – Light up the library initiative, is keeping the lights on through generator power in four libraries across South Africa to ensure that the communities – and students relying on these libraries continue to get the full services that the libraries offer. These libraries have been selected based on the most urgent needs; Winterveld Library in Tshwane has been without power since 2019, the Randburg Library in Johannesburg uses portable lights during loadshedding, and Beacon Bay Library in East London and Musgrave Library in Durban issue books manually during loadshedding. Each library is forced to capture relevant information manually which poses a significant risk to the facility’s administrative maintenance.
These are just a few examples of the issues faced by these facilities, resulting in a backlog of activities that need to be carried out to assist those needing the library.
Winterverld library, Tswane
BAR•ONE is asking South Africa to retweet and share #needenergy one million times. Why? Because once the big goal is reached, BAR•ONE will commit to installing solar energy into each of these libraries at a cost of R1 million. Each retweet and share is equivalent to #1Bar = R1. This will give the libraries reliable power into the foreseeable future.
“The NESTLÉ BAR•ONE #needenergy – Light up the library initiative is about lighting lives by keeping the lights on. We understand the challenges posed by loadshedding for communities and especially the youth and how it affects their ability for them to perform at their optimum when it comes to their studies – especially at this time when they are preparing to write their mid-year exams. There are very few resources consistently available for learners during loadshedding and that is one of the direct reasons behind this campaign.’’ says Zumi Njongwe, Business Executive Officer for Confectionary at Nestlé East and Southern Africa (ESAR).
Doing what feels light
The campaign is supported by several leading youth voices that include DJ Sbu, Oskido, Sheldon Tatchell, Kovini Moodley, Mashudu Modau and leading Maskandi artist Khuzani Mpungose. From a creative perspective, creative expressionists such as, Gomora duo Lerato Mokoka and Sicelo Buthelezi, as well as Tik Tok stars Siphosethu Nkosi and Mess Jilla.
‘I am an advocate for never letting my circumstances prevent me from fulfilling my dream. I believe that one is born clever, and we all can achieve what we set our visions on. This initiative by BAR•ONE shows that South African brands understand the challenges that youth face and give back in a meaningful and impactful way. Libraries need energy to fuel the dreams of our youth – and I am encouraging every South African to get behind the campaign – one million shares and retweets. We can make this happen!” affirms, DJ Sbu.
“For more than 50 years, BAR•ONE has been one of South Africa’s favorite snack, offering an energy boost to active movers and shakers as they meet their demanding schedules and find success. Now, we’re raising the bar even further”, concludes Njongwe.
