8 Trends at the forefront of street lighting in South Africa

The Illumination Engineering Society of South Africa (IESSA), points out that LED lighting is proving to be a game-changer

South Africa’s street lighting landscape continues to evolve, with energy efficiency, improved infrastructure and safety underpinning this drive to roll out projects in particularly underserved areas. 

This is exemplified by the City of Cape Town’s planned LED public lighting expansion projects over the next three years. And toward the end of last year, the City of Tshwane invited bidders for the design, supply, delivery and offload of new photovoltaic streetlights to the Metro on an as-and-when-required basis for a period of three years.

In Cape Town, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Alderman Xanthea Limberg, recently visited Khayelitsha to assess the Energy Directorate’s rollout of refurbishment and upgrades of high-mast streetlights. 

“This critical project will see the refurbishment of public lighting infrastructure in the area, including the retrofitting of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lamps. 

“This work forms part of the City’s wider public lighting upgrade programme, which is rolling out across Cape Town to enhance safety, support economic activity and promote sustainable energy use,” said the City.

Limberg and officials in the Energy Directorate visited Ekuphumleni in Khayelitsha, where a portion of the work was being completed along Walter Sisiulu Road.

“We’re quite excited with the work being carried out in Khayelitsha, an area which the City has already invested more than R7.5 million in refurbishments in the last financial year alone. 

“This year, we’ve increased our investment to just over R10m to keep up with the growing demand for public lighting as we continue our fight against the scourge of theft, vandalism and illegal electricity connections, which severely impacts public lighting burn rates in Khayelitsha,” she said.

Khayelitsha project details

Over the course of this financial year, the R10m project will include: 

• the City’s routine full structural inspections of the poles 
• the replacement of outdated, stolen, or vandalised components. 
• the City is also phasing out the old 1,000-watt High Pressure Sodium fittings (HPS) and replacing them with modern energy-efficient 488-watt LED fittings, securing about 48,8% in energy savings while providing significantly better visibility. 

 

“Importantly, this project forms part of the City’s wider public lighting upgrade programme being rolled out in communities across Cape Town. We have budgeted over R160m for LED public lighting expansion projects over the next three years. These projects demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that our infrastructure keeps up with modern standards while remaining reliable, efficient, and safe,” said Limberg.

The City also listed the benefits of this refurbishment:

• Brighter, superior illumination and enhanced visibility
• Improved energy efficiency and reduced electricity consumption
• Lower maintenance requirements and fewer service call-outs
• Extended lifespan of lighting infrastructure
• Cost savings over time due to reduced repairs and energy use

 

The City pointed out that it has spent around R62 million in the past financial year on electricity infrastructure maintenance and replacement. 

LED lighting a ‘game-changer’ in South Africa

In a blogpost on its website, the Illumination Engineering Society of South Africa (IESSA), points out that “as South Africa grapples with rising energy costs, sustainability concerns, and the ongoing challenges of energy security, LED lighting is proving to be a game-changer.”

“With significant advancements in technology, LED lighting is not only reducing energy consumption but also contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.”

The IESSA said one of the most significant advantages of LED lighting is its remarkable energy efficiency. 

“Compared to traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, LEDs consume up to 80% less electricity, translating into substantial cost savings for businesses, municipalities, and homeowners. This efficiency is critical in a country where energy supply constraints continue to pose challenges for industries and households alike.

“Beyond direct energy savings, LEDs have a significantly longer lifespan – often 25,000 to 50,000 hours compared to the 1,000-hour lifespan of incandescent bulbs. This extended lifespan reduces maintenance costs and the frequency of replacements, making LEDs a highly cost-effective solution in the long run.”

Reducing South Africa’s carbon footprint

The IESSA said that energy-efficient lighting plays a crucial role in reducing South Africa’s carbon footprint. 

“Since electricity generation in the country still relies heavily on coal-fired power plants, every kilowatt-hour saved through LED adoption helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Widespread adoption of LED lighting could cut CO₂ emissions by millions of tons annually, directly supporting South Africa’s climate commitments.

“Furthermore, LEDs do not contain harmful substances like mercury, which is present in compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). This eliminates the risks associated with improper disposal and reduces hazardous waste in landfills. The lower energy demand of LEDs also alleviates strain on the national grid, reducing the risk of loadshedding and improving overall energy resilience.”

Street lighting is the single largest source of carbon emissions from local government in South Africa, typically accounting for 30-60% of their total emissions, according to the Green Building Africa. 

“Accelerating the update of LED streetlights by the public sector with ‘smart controls’ not only improves road safety and security but also significantly reduces a cities energy bill plus carbon emissions,” said the IESSA.

The evolution of street lighting in South Africa is being driven by the need for sustainability, cost-efficiency and adaptability. 

“As smart technologies, solar power, and human-centric designs become more prevalent, street lighting is set to play a pivotal role in the development of safer, smarter, and more attractive cities.”

Trends at the forefront of street lighting in South Africa- IESSA

1. LED Lighting Dominance

Energy Efficiency: LED lighting has become the preferred choice due to its low energy consumption, durability, and long lifespan.
Cost Savings: Municipalities are saving significantly on electricity bills and maintenance costs by switching to LED streetlights.
Enhanced Light Quality: LEDs provide better illumination with improved colour rendering, which enhances visibility and safety.

2. Smart Street Lighting Systems

Adaptive Lighting: These systems adjust brightness based on traffic, weather, or time of day, reducing energy usage during low-traffic hours.
Remote Monitoring and Control: Streetlights can be monitored and managed remotely, allowing for quick responses to maintenance issues or malfunctions.
Integration with IoT: Smart Street lighting systems can communicate with other smart city infrastructure, enabling data collection for traffic management, air quality monitoring and more.

3. Solar-Powered Street Lighting

Sustainability: Solar-powered lights are gaining popularity due to South Africa’s abundant sunlight, offering a sustainable solution to power streetlights, especially in off-grid areas.
Cost-Effective: While the initial investment can be high, the long-term savings on electricity and minimal maintenance make solar lighting an attractive option.
Hybrid Systems: Combining solar with grid power ensures uninterrupted lighting, even during cloudy days or extended periods of bad weather.

4. Human-Centric Lighting Design

Adaptive Lighting for Pedestrians and Cyclists: Prioritising the safety and comfort of pedestrians and cyclists by using warmer, more focused lighting in areas where people gather.
Reduced Light Pollution: Efforts to minimise glare and light spillover ensure that lighting is directed where it’s needed most, reducing energy waste and light pollution.

Of Interest South Africa: Energy shift eroding municipal revenue models

5. Integration of Motion Sensors

Dynamic Lighting: Lights can dim when no movement is detected and brighten when activity is sensed, optimising energy use while ensuring safety.
Crime Deterrence: Sudden brightening can act as a deterrent for potential criminal activities, enhancing public safety in urban areas.

6. Use of Environmentally Friendly Materials

Recyclable Components: Streetlights made from recyclable materials are becoming more prevalent, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainability.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: The adoption of materials with a lower environmental impact supports eco-friendly city initiatives.

7. Aesthetic and Architectural Lighting

Enhancing Urban Identity: Streetlights are no longer just functional; they are designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal and identity of urban spaces.
Customisation: Cities are opting for designs that complement their architecture, using streetlights as a means of adding character and beauty to public spaces.

8. Lighting as a Service (LaaS)

Outsourcing Street Lighting Management: Municipalities are increasingly partnering with service providers who handle the installation, maintenance and management of street lighting, reducing the need for upfront capital investment.
Performance-Based Models: Payment is often based on energy savings, or the level of service provided, making this a cost-effective and flexible option.

Value of effective street lighting in South Africa

Last September ESI Africa reported that well-lit public areas hold immense value to communities across South Africa. 

Public streetlights not only improve safety and security, but then also encourage investment and growth in cities and communities at large.

Street lighting improves quality of life by artificially extending the amount of time in which it is light, extending the time during which activity can take place.

Public streetlights improve safety for drivers, riders and pedestrians alike.

This is why municipalities across South Africa are driving initiatives to improve public street lighting in different ways across a variety of communities. ESI

Cover photo:  City fo Cape Town officials visited Khayelitsha to assess the Energy Directorate’s rollout of refurbishment and upgrades of high-mast streetlights. Source: CityofCT