South African radio station Jacaranda FM and Consol Glass have raised more than R1million for their Project Khanya initiative, with the aim of lighting up homes in poverty stricken areas in South Africa by supplying them with Consol solar jars.
Consol and Jacaranda FM will be going into communities with the sole purpose of distributing the Consol Solar Jars to impoverished communities. A safe source of lighting, it is hoped that the initiative will help light up SA while reducing the risk of shack fires by eliminating candles and paraffin – both major contributors to fires. In addition to these safety benefits, the Solar Jars enable education and social upliftment. Research indicates that children with access to a reliable light source study for longer and dramatically improve their pass rates and ultimately their futures.
Listeners, private companies, sport personalities and members of the public pledged money towards the cause. Jacaranda FM’s programme manager, Gavin Meiring has thanked listeners for their contributions. “The enthusiasm from everyone that is involved is really heart-warming. It’s about lighting up children’s lives and we have seen the effect that it has had last year,” Meiring said.
Jacaranda FM hosted a telethon on Thursday which saw Miss South Africa, Ntando Kunene, as well as sporting personalities and other celebrities descend on Monte Casino to take part in this initiative.