Community Voices for Electricity Policy
The Community Voices for Electricity Policy project is a collaborative research initiative led by the Community Partnership programme in partnership with Professor Charlotte Lemanski from Cambridge University, engaging 12 community-based participants across various communities in Cape Town to document lived experiences of electricity access.
Through storytelling, photography, and grassroots data collection, participants capture the realities, challenges, and aspirations of their communities. This work goes beyond research – transforming local voices into powerful evidence for analysis, public dissemination, and policy advocacy. By centering community perspectives, the project seeks to influence more just, inclusive, and responsive electricity policies.
About Prof. Charlotte Lemanski and The Collaboration
Dr Charlotte Lemanski is a Human Geography lecturer at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of Robinson College. Her research focuses on everyday urban inequality in the Global South, particularly through the lens of infrastructure, urban governance, and citizenship, drawing on extensive fieldwork in South Africa. Through the British Academy ODA Global Innovation Fellowship, Dr Lemanski has partnered with Project 90 by 2030 to support and build the capacity of community-based participants in Cape Town.
This collaboration equips participants with ethical, creative research tools – such as storytelling and photovoice – to document lived experiences of electricity access. By strengthening these grassroots research approaches, the project enables communities to generate compelling, evidence-based narratives that can inform and influence more inclusive local electricity policy.
Our Community Researchers
Siphokazi Kumbuza
I am excited about the journey ahead and hopeful for the chance to play a small but impactful role in shaping more inclusive, community-driven energy policies.
Shereen Salie
My interest regarding the current electricity issue stems from my own personal experience as well as other residents’ experiences. My concerns are specifically around the high costs incurred and the lack of education or public engagement.
Mthembukazi Bavuma
Electricity is a massive issue in my community, it impacts people’s daily lives. I believe these voices can help shape the future of our electricity system.
Kutlwano Nondabula
This can study can give me more knowledge on how to gather my community data around energy, analyze it and advocate for the change around electricity poverty around my community in Khayelitsha.
Sarah Nzeka
This study will deepen my understanding of electricity
related challenges in communities but also to enhance the necessary skills that can allow me to
make positive contributions in future projects.
Nyasha Ziki
We are stronger together, so
engaging with communities and hearing about people’s different experiences is
important to me. I understand that as a young person, the future is in my hands, and I
want to ensure I equip myself with the necessary skills to protect our Earth.
Mbali Mluma
I am drawn to this study for its focus on policy and for its emphasis on data collection which is a skill I am eager to strengthen while collaborating alongside equally passionate individuals to raise awareness about the electricity crisis affecting households.
Beatrix Mills
Being involved in this energy study would enable me to gain further experience
with the field of energy work and would allow me to gain an understanding of the system
of energy distribution at work in Cape Town.
Zesipho Mankayi
I am passionate about working in Community and I have experience in working with people, identifying and recruiting, delivering information, collecting data. I am friendly, I enjoy working as team and sharing experience and knowledge with others.
Nomanesi Makhonco-Yaze
I am eager to deepen my understanding of electricity access challenges and collaborate with others to develop practical, community-centered recommendations that can inform inclusive energy policies.
Athabile Mvumvu
I am passionate about addressing Cape Town’s electricity challenges and believe I can contribute meaningfully through information gathering, writing, and community engagement.
Zizipho Mfeketo
I believe the study will teach me more about energy and climate change solutions. It will give me knowledge and skills I can use in my work and my community.