Renewable Energy Use in Small Rural Towns: A Case Study of Thulamela Local Municipality, South Africa

This manuscript explores the use of renewable energy (RE) in small towns to promote sustainable human settlements, using Thohoyandou as a case study. An exploratory research design underpinned the study. Using a combination of primary and secondary data collection methods, a randomised sample of 125 households in Thohoyandou town was selected, along with 15 purposively selected key informant interviewees. The gathered data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings showed that small rural towns, such as those typified by the study area, Thohoyandou, are facing energy access challenges. These range from frequent power outages (mean score 3.90) to frequent use of firewood (mean score 3.46) to low use of solar systems (mean score 2.46). The study recommended developing policies that prioritise the use of RE in small rural towns. Additionally, the strategic introduction of affordable, clean, and easily available alternative RE power to provide sustainable human settlements is recommended