Repurposed LED bulbs bring light to People's Housing Project

While it was a Department of Solid Waste initiative, Swift leveraged on the Christmas spirit to get the Department of Electricity to also contribute their old cable drums. He then went on to convince a leading lighting company in energy efficiency to donate 80 LED bulbs for the project with the promise that he had arranged for the Ministry of Human Settlements to redistribute the globes to those who most needed to make energy savings.

A brighter future

"When this artist from Cape Town initially approached us, we were surprised," says Francois Van Tonder, CEO NTL Lemnis Africa, "but once we learnt of his credentials and listened to his bigger vision, it was an easy match for us to make. We at Lemnis Africa are committed to a sustainable and brighter future in South Africa."

The 80 LED lights, which have an estimated lifespan of 25 years, help a handful of new home-owners reduce their electrical consumption by 80%.

"It's one of the greatest ironies of economics," Swift commented, "the people that most need to make savings, cannot afford the cost-saving investment. This is not limited to low income, the same dilemma exists in big industry, where developing countries can't afford to invest in the infrastructural expenses that garner its citizens a better quality and more affordable standard of living."

On Friday, 14 June 2013, Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela unveiled the new Masikule PHP 800 (People's Housing Project) at Khayelitsha. The homes were fitted with the energy saving 'Christmas lights'. It was also announced by the World Design Capital, that Swift's Project X, which involves the donation of approximately 4000 LED lights, has made the official 2014 shortlist.

For more information on Christopher Swift's environmental artwork, go to www.chrisswift.co.za.