A Brighter Future: How Solar Power is Changing Lives in South Africa

Millions of people in Africa live without reliable electricity. A U. S. company, d. light, is trying to change that with affordable solar power. Their goal? To connect a billion people by 2030. Dimakatso Ngcobo, a 12-year-old from Kokotela, South Africa, knows the struggles of life without electricity. She and her mom were evicted from their home in Soweto and now live in a tiny metal-sheet house with no running water or toilet. But things are looking up. Thanks to d. light, they now have solar power. Dimakatso can do her chores, study, and enjoy her favorite videos on her phone. Her neighbor, Portia Msomi, used to rely on gas and candles. Now, she has safe and reliable electricity. d. light's co-founder, Ned Tozun, says making clean energy affordable is key. The company lets customers pay as they go, turning a cost into an investment.

The d. light project is one of 15 finalists for this year's Earthshot Prize, started by Prince William to highlight climate solutions. The prize aims to repair the planet within 10 years. This year, the ceremony is in Cape Town, South Africa. Shantha Bloemen, CEO of Mobility for Africa, hopes to find partners to scale up her electric tricycle business. She believes strong political leadership is needed to combat climate change. Prince William sees the prize as a "dating service" for climate innovators, connecting ideas with funding. Back in Kokotela, Dimakatso is happy. She can dream about her future while watching TikTok and TV.

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