Stefan Neubig and James Mason

About 

Sonnenglas is a South African company, operating from Victoria Yards, known for its innovative solar-powered lanterns. These lanterns are designed to provide sustainable, cutting-edge lighting solutions, particularly in off-grid areas or for outdoor use.

The Sonnenglas lanterns feature a solar panel module that can be removed from the lantern and used as a standalone torch, charging during the day and powering LED lights at night. The company prioritizes the use of recycled materials and fair trade principles in its production process.

Issues and Ideas

• Solar-powered lighting is particularly valuable in Johannesburg, where load shedding is a frequent occurrence. Stefan, the founder of Sonnenglas, and James, the Managing Director of Sonnenglas South Africa operations, have mitigated the effects of load shedding by using solar panels and addressing water shortages with the borehole located at Victoria Yards. However, damaged roads impact the transportation of supplies into the production facility, and internet outages require having backup options in place.

• Community engagement is a core aspect of Sonnenglas’s founding mission. For Stefan, community revolves around shared interests and local involvement. He finds fulfilment in contributing to neighbourhood improvement projects such as litter clean-ups. Stefan emphasizes the inclusivity and diversity of his local community, where individuals from various backgrounds unite. Meanwhile, James highlights the integration of community values into their company’s mission. Rather than outsourcing manufacturing to other regions, they opted to produce their product locally in response to community needs. This decision not only addresses residents’ power outage concerns but also generates employment opportunities and stimulates economic growth within the community.

How might your ideas support supply chains and production locally?

Find out more from Ella Guthrie in their video interview, available here.