Last week, something incredible happened. On 15 July 2026, more than 50 of our partners, friends and comrades from across the movement gathered to discuss a bold new vision for South Africa’s energy future. Our message is already loud and clear: ‘Asinimali Kodwa Sinelanga!’ — we have no money, but we have the sun. The struggle to afford the basics of life, including electricity, continues in South Africa, but there are opportunities to help solve the crises we face. We must take them! A crisis we can’t ignore If we’re being honest about the situation: it’s grave. Since 2007, electricity prices in South Africa have skyrocketed by 1,172%, rising six times faster than inflation. Today, nearly 60% of households live below the poverty line, and many families are forced to make the impossible choice between buying maize meal or keeping the lights on. The government’s current Free Basic Electricity (FBE) grant of 50-60 kWh is symbolically insufficient. It might power a lightbulb, but it won’t run a fridge, a stove, or a heater. Meanwhile, our reliance on ageing, fragile coal plants is costing the public R960 billion (US$55.2 billion) a year in health impacts alone. The vision: 350 kWh of clean, public power Our demand is clear: we want a 350 kWh FBE grant generated with publicly financed renewable energy. This isn’t just a number we pulled out of a hat. Based on the recommendations of experts from the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) and other economic justice organisations, 350 kWh is the Minimum Threshold Level of Consumption required for a family to reach basic developmental standards. Data from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity group (PMBEJD) shows that even households with only one person working for a minimum wage already purchase an average of 350 kWh just to survive. By securing this grant, we enable bulk food refrigeration, hot water, and the ‘micro-business capability’ needed to break the cycle of poverty. As massive investments from the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP) and other international sources flow into the country, it only makes sense that this money is first spent where it matters most. These funds must be directed toward programs that directly alleviate poverty and support economic activity in our most underresourced communities. This is a necessary step to finally reducing the historical inequalities that continue to hold us back. By shifting the R118 billion (US$6.8 billion) currently spent on annual fossil fuel subsidies, we can begin public funding of clean, affordable power for households across the country. Building our campaign community The meeting was a generous and celebratory start to this journey. We heard from researchers, media experts, and grassroots organisers from organisations across the country. We’re moving forward strategically. Our eyes are on the local government elections on 4 November 2026. We’re going to use this moment to demand that every candidate pledges to support 350 kWh of FBE from municipal solar power. Get involved We need everyone in this fight. There are two ways you can help right now: Join a Working Group: If you represent an organisation or have specific skills to offer, please sign up for a working group and join our next planning meeting on 29 July 2026. Join the Campaign for Affordable Electricity. Get campaign updates and action alerts by signing up to our email list. Together, we can secure the clean, affordable power our communities deserve. In solidarity, Ferron Pedro Senior Campaigner, 350.org South Africa The post Asinimali Kodwa Sinelanga: Taking Our Next Steps Towards Climate & Economic Justice appeared first on 350.