With the iShack, squatters get a solid dwelling that is fitted with enough solar panels to keep the lights on at night and provide power for important equipment such as mobile phone chargers.
It is an initiative from researchers at the University of Stellenbosch, which they hope can allieviate poverty across the country and beyond SA's borders too.
Each shack iShack costs about R5,300 and they have been deliberately designed to be as user-friendly as possible.
Windows are placed to maximise air circulation and the sloping roof allows rainwater to be collected.
The walls are insulated with recycled materials, a brick floor helps keep temperatures steady and flame-retardant paint is intended to reduce the risk of fires.
About 100 iShacks are expected to be erected over the next year following a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Nosango Victoria Plaatjie, a domestic worker employed once a week, has received one of the prototypes in Enkanini, near Stellenbosch.
It has already made a huge difference to her life, especially with the electricity supply enabling her to keep her phone charged, which has meant she has been able to get more work.
She told CNN: ‘The solar lights are better. Now we don't need to go to sleep early anymore because now we have lights.
‘My daughter must do her homework now, she doesn't have any more excuses.
‘And I like the light outside because we can see what is going on, I feel safer.'
Daily Mail
The iShack: Solar-powered home transforms life for slum-dwellers
With the iShack, squatters get a solid dwelling that is fitted with enough solar panels to keep the lights on at night and provide power for important equipment such as mobile phone chargers.
It is an initiative from researchers at the University of Stellenbosch, which they hope can allieviate poverty across the country and beyond SA's borders too.
Each shack iShack costs about R5,300 and they have been deliberately designed to be as user-friendly as possible.
Windows are placed to maximise air circulation and the sloping roof allows rainwater to be collected.
The walls are insulated with recycled materials, a brick floor helps keep temperatures steady and flame-retardant paint is intended to reduce the risk of fires.
About 100 iShacks are expected to be erected over the next year following a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Nosango Victoria Plaatjie, a domestic worker employed once a week, has received one of the prototypes in Enkanini, near Stellenbosch.
It has already made a huge difference to her life, especially with the electricity supply enabling her to keep her phone charged, which has meant she has been able to get more work.
She told CNN: ‘The solar lights are better. Now we don't need to go to sleep early anymore because now we have lights.
‘My daughter must do her homework now, she doesn't have any more excuses.
‘And I like the light outside because we can see what is going on, I feel safer.'
Daily Mail
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