Intsikelelo’s mission is to empower vulnerable individuals through community-led initiatives. Our work is based on a fundamental belief that local community members hold the insights needed to uplift their communities.

In 2016, Intsikelelo conducted a needs assessment in Langbos, a rural informal settlement in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. This included numerous community meetings and a door-to-door census that collected qualitative and quantitative data from over 450 Langbos residents.

One of the most pressing challenges facing the community was lack of light, as Langbos did not have access to electricity. Many families relied on paraffin lanterns, which can be costly and dangerous. By collaborating with a South African solar light producer and local volunteers in Langbos, we were also able to distribute over 150 solar powered lanterns to every home in the community.