Nestle Bar-One has partnered up with the City of Johannesburg to install solar system, invertor and generator as a back-up plan for the Randburg Library to mitigate against loadshedding. Libraries are affected by loadshedding on a daily basis and that disrupts students who want to study and do research.
So, the back-up power has come in handy Section 79 Chairperson Cllr Margaret Arnolds, Executive Director of Community Development Vincent Campbell, Cllr Julie Suddaby (of Ward 77) and the Director of Libraries, Nobuntu Mpendulo, witnessed the unveiling on Tuesday, 2 August 2023, of the permanent energy solution at the Randburg Library.
“We are happy with this initiative and hope it will extend throughout all Johannesburg libraries, working hand in hand with stakeholders such as the Nestle Bar-One.
“It is time for us to be advanced technologically so that we can meet challenges such as load shedding head on. We are grateful to Nestle Bar-One for the effort they put in to involve us in this meaningful project,” said the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, Cllr Lubabalo Magwentshu.
Nontando Khubisa, Nestle Bar-One’s Brand Manager, said the back-up power system would have a great impact on the community of Randburg and surrounding areas.
Rosalie Ambrose, the Head of Public Relations and Events – Corporate Communications and Public Affairs East & South African Region at Nestle, said the campaign was launched in May to give energy to libraries.
She added that the multinational company felt as a brand it needed to help libraries and students access to online services a safe spaces without interruptions.