Solar Community Hubs
Transforming lives and the environment through an innovative and sustainable initiative.
About the project
Access to computers and the internet isn’t a given. In many places around the world, a reliable connection simply doesn’t exist.
Solar Community Hubs change that. They’re robust computer labs built from converted shipping containers and powered by the sun – self-sufficient units that can be deployed quickly, run anywhere, and open the door to learning, work and community services.
How it works
The project is centered around the donation of electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets & laptops from customers. These devices are then processed and data wiped to ensure that any personal information is removed before they are sold.
Phones, laptops or tablets are gifted
Funds are tax efficiently transferred to the SCH project & recycled or resold
The funds generated enable the building of Solar Community Hubs in South Africa
Positive & enduring social impact is delivered whilst supporting the circular economy
Solar Hubs funded so far
So far, our fund-rasing efforts have supported the build of two Solar Community Hubs. More recently, a dual container hub that was deployed in Xitlhelani (Limpopo Province) of North-Eastern South Africa, which suffers from one of the highest poverty rates in South Africa. Currently, we are fundraising to upgrade the Solar Lab in Mapetla.
Keith Sonnet
Chief Executive | Computer Aid
More about our Solar Hubs
Emdeni, South Africa
Hub Re-Launch date: March 2026
The Emdeni Solar Community Hub is currently constructed from a single 20-foot shipping container and is only able to host 10 computers at a time. Due to the lack of space and capacity, the lab has not been integrated into the school curricula.
Expanding the capacity of this lab to host up to 40 computers at any one time will allow the labs to become integrated into the school’s learning activities and schedules. This would increase the number of learners per year from ±150 students to ±1,350.
- At least 1 hour of learning per week for about 1,350 students
- Vision care services
- 300% increase of lab capacity
Xitlhelani, South Africa
Hub Launch date: March 2024
Xitlhelani Village is made up of 10,000 residents, with 2,300 expected to access the hubs initially.
The facility combines digital literacy offerings with new services based on the community’s needs, including expanded network coverage and increased reach of internet services for community members at discounted rates, providing access to digital tools through a 10-station computer lab and free access to 30 laptops.
- A space to educate participants on basic computer skills while providing essential life skills such as CV building, university and scholarship applications, and career guidance.
- One server, 10 thin client low-energy desktops, 10 monitors, 10 webcams, a projector and 30 laptops.
- A community centre managed by the locals.
Mankosi, South Africa
Hub Launch date: October 2022
The Mankosi Solar Community Hub was launched in a remote part of Eastern Cape to help provided 3,500 residents with a point of access to clean water, electricity, healthcare, and extension of the coverage of the Zenzeleni community network.
It combines existing digital literacy offerings with new services based on the community’s needs, increased access to economic opportunities and healthcare.
- Job creation and greater financial sustainability
- Support to educate participants
- A community centre managed by the locals
- Enabling expansion of network coverage & Internet
- Space to accommodate local community
Become a Supporter Today
- Have your donated devices securely data-wiped and sold
- Receive your own custom donation certificate
- Be promoted as a supporter online & in printed materials
- Change lives through your donation to the project
Sustainability is at the heart of our mission
At Utelize, we help businesses drive sustainability through smart mobile management. We’ve found that 20% to 60% of corporate mobile devices often go underused. By analysing usage data, we help companies optimise their mobile fleets, cutting down on unnecessary devices and reducing their carbon footprint.
