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FirstRand Foundation Supports the Transformation of Johannesburg’s Inner City Through Solar Lighting

The FirstRand Foundation (FRF) has partnered with Jozi My Jozi, a leading non-profit urban renewal initiative, to roll out a large-scale solar streetlighting project aimed at transforming safety, visibility and economic activity across Johannesburg’s CBD.

This partnership represents a significant investment in sustainable infrastructure and community upliftment, with FRF providing funding for the installation of 2160 solar-powered streetlights. Jozi My Jozi is responsible for the full implementation lifecycle, including planning, installation, ownership and ongoing maintenance of the infrastructure.

The project will see the deployment of 2160 standard solar streetlights equipped with integrated cameras, enhancing both visibility and security in high-traffic and vulnerable areas. Designed for efficiency, the system converts just three hours of sunlight into up to 40 hours of continuous lighting, offering a reliable, low-cost and environmentally responsible solution for the inner city.

At a total investment of approximately R22 million, the initiative is expected to deliver meaningful social and economic impact. Improved lighting will support safer streets for pedestrians and motorists, encourage extended trading hours for local businesses, and contribute to reduced carbon emissions and energy costs.

The partnership is underpinned by a shared commitment to driving measurable, long-term impact. The Jozi My Jozi project aligns with FRF’s Building Thriving and Resilient Communities focus by delivering an integrated urban intervention that improves safety, enables inclusive and vibrant public spaces, and stimulates local economic activity in Johannesburg’s inner city. The project strengthens social cohesion, supports green economic opportunities, and drives inclusive, resilient urban development.

Beyond infrastructure, the project is expected to stimulate job creation through installation, maintenance and monitoring activities, while also contributing to broader urban regeneration efforts. With more than 535 solar streetlights already installed, the initiative marks a major step towards scaling sustainable solutions across the city.

Progress will be tracked through key indicators including the number of lights installed, crime statistics, evening business activity and employment opportunities created. The initiative also operates within a structured governance framework, ensuring transparency, accountability and long-term sustainability.

This collaboration demonstrates how strategic partnerships can translate philanthropic intent into tangible outcomes – restoring dignity, enabling economic participation and contributing to a safer, more inclusive Johannesburg.

Images:

Jozi Lights. Photo: Supplied by Client

 

Installing the Jozi lights Photo: Supplied by Client

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The Maboneng Precinct: Architecture

Maboneng is architecturally distinct because it rejects the “demolish and rebuild” philosophy. Instead, it embraces adaptive reuse. The Bioscope, South Africa’s only independent cinema, operates out of an old industrial space; The Living Room is a lush rooftop oasis that offers panoramic views of the skyline from atop a concrete shell; and the Museum of African Design (MOAD) was housed in a massive 1970s warehouse. This aesthetic—exposed brick, industrial steel, and vibrant street art—has become the visual shorthand for “cool” Johannesburg. The murals here are particularly significant; they aren’t just decoration but are often massive social commentaries by local and international street artists like Faith47 and ROA, turning the very walls of the city into a public gallery.

However, Maboneng is also at the center of a complex debate regarding gentrification and social integration. Critics argue that while the precinct is a “bubble” of safety and creativity, it often stands in stark contrast to the surrounding poverty of the inner city. The challenge for Maboneng has always been how to be an engine for economic growth without alienating the residents who lived there during the “dark” years. In response, many initiatives within the precinct focus on local entrepreneurship, such as the Market on Main, which provides a platform for local food vendors and designers every Sunday.