eMalahleni — A locally owned solar engineering company, Langa Energy Supplies, is helping residents and businesses in eMalahleni secure backup power systems. The company, founded by local engineer Mpho Mokwena, says demand has surged as power outages threaten livelihoods, food security and healthcare.
Emalahleni has seen prolonged outages affect small businesses and households. Business owners report losing stock and income during blackouts. Families also struggle to keep food fresh and essential devices running. “Seeing long-standing family businesses in eMalahleni close their doors because they couldn't survive the 12 hours of daily outages made it clear that solar was no longer a luxury; it was a survival tool,” said Mokwena.
The Langa Energy story began in 2021, as an unregistered project with a simple goal of helping neighbours survive the sudden increase in load shedding. As the demand for reliable power grew, the company formally registered in October 2022.
The company mission became personal when they saw how power cuts affected the vulnerable. Recently, they helped a resident who relies on a medical ventilator. When the local substation failed, the installed solar battery system reportedly provided 14 hours of backup power.
Since 2022, Langa Energy has aimed to follow national installation and safety standards. The company is registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB). “Our CIDB registration is a badge of trust. It means we follow strict national standards for safety and quality, giving clients peace of mind that their high-voltage installations are legal and insured,” said Palesa Halane, the company’s Marketing Coordinator.
Mokwena says installations are designed to account for heavy dust, which can reduce panel efficiency if not properly managed, because the company operates in a coal-mining area.
The businesses offer six-month payment plans to help small businesses afford installation. “We see ourselves as the insurance policy for the local economy. Beyond selling panels, we provide energy security,” said Halane. “By keeping the machines running, we keep people employed.”
Whether it is a massive 2,3MW project or a small 5kW home backup, Langa Energy treats every client with the same level of professional care. They believe that everyone deserves a life uninterrupted by power cuts.
“Whether it's a huge industrial project or a small home setup, our process remains the same. To us, a homeowner's lights are just as mission-critical as a factory's production line,” Halane said.
