Private firm steps in to fix city lights

BULAWAYO entrepreneur Shane Manjelo is proving that business success can go hand in hand with civic responsibility.

Known to many as a culinary creative and co-founder of a popular food and grocery delivery platform in Bulawayo, Manjelo has launched an initiative to improve public safety and visibility in the city by donating solar streetlights to illuminate dark neighbourhoods.

The project, which begins with a pilot installation in Montrose, seeks to restore broken or nonfunctional streetlights, a persistent challenge affecting both residents and local businesses.

For Manjelo, the idea is rooted in practicality and gratitude.
“I’ve secured a supply of solar streetlights and the plan is to reinstate broken lights in the city, one road at a time,” he said.

He noted that poor lighting has directly impacted the delivery business, limiting orders and compromising the safety of riders and customers.
“Extreme darkness in some neighbourhoods restricts deliveries. It affects our customers, vendors and drivers. Instead of just talking about it, we decided to be part of the solution.”

What began as an informal conversation with the Deputy Mayor has since evolved into a formal partnership with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC). In a letter dated February 4, 2026, BCC acting director of Works Engineer Methusi Dibidi confirmed that council had, “in principle”, accepted Manjelo’s company, Bulawayo Eats’ proposal to donate solar streetlights.

The first two units, already procured, will be installed along Ledbury Road in Montrose as a pilot project.

According to the agreement, the lights will be mounted on existing Zesa poles, which will undergo refurbishment and structural modifications where necessary. All installation and commissioning works will be carried out by council employees under the supervision of the City’s Electrical Engineer to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Following installation, the pilot lights will be monitored to assess functionality, illumination and durability. If successful, Bulawayo Eats plans to scale up the initiative, with up to 500 solar units targeted for installation by year-end.

Once installed, the lights will become part of the city’s public lighting infrastructure and will be maintained by the council.

Engineer Dibidi commended the move, describing it as a positive example of corporate cooperation.
“The City of Bulawayo values this gesture and appreciates Bulawayo Eats’ commitment to contributing towards improved public lighting and community safety,” he said.

For Manjelo, the project is about changing how businesses engage with their communities.
“It’s important for people and companies to help change the narrative. We all benefit from a safer, brighter city,” he said.

Beyond boosting safety, improved lighting is expected to enhance night-time trade and support local enterprises that depend on evening business. – Follow on X: @MbuleloMpofu