‘Solar Man’ is bringing light, laughter, and hope to South African homes this Christmas!
Johannesburg, South Africa (18 November 2023) – In South Africa, sunshine is abundant, but reliable electricity isn’t… luckily a heartwarming Christmas advert is bringing more than just festive cheer to South African households with a little “light” and laughter.
Move over, Santa – it’s time to make way for “Solar Man.”
As the nation grapples with the ongoing energy crisis, characterised by the infamous loadshedding that has plagued South Africa since 2007, the need for a hero has never been more apparent. While the rest of the world eagerly awaits the arrival of Santa Claus, South Africans are looking for a different kind of saviour, one who can bring light to their homes in the truest sense of the word.
Enter the new Christmas advert that has captured the hearts of viewers across the nation.
The story kicks off with two children brimming with excitement as they prepare for what we believe to be the arrival of Father Christmas. Little do we know, their holiday surprise comes in the form of “Solar Man,” a beacon of hope in a time of darkness.
The humour in the advert lies in the fact that, for many South African households, the gift of light is the most precious one they could receive this festive season. With over 260 days of “downtime” due to load shedding in 2023 alone, the struggle for consistent electricity has become a daily reality for citizens across the nation.
The energy crisis, attributed to insufficient generation capacity, corruption, mismanagement, and even acts of sabotage within Eskom, has left many in the dark, both literally and figuratively. The solution, according to Eskom and government officials, lies in the construction of additional power stations and generators. However, progress has been slow, leaving the nation yearning for a brighter future.
Amidst the challenges, companies like Hohm Energy are stepping up to illuminate the way forward and this Christmas ad serves not only as a clever marketing strategy but also as a symbol of resilience and the power of innovation in the face of adversity.
In the spirit of the season, this South African Christmas advert reminds us all that, sometimes, laughter and light are the greatest gifts of all.