Sunrise Technologies (Pty) Ltd is a 100% black owned, South African company specialising in the development of alternate power sources. With their expertise in solar and UPS technology, Sunrise was appointed by the Johannesburg Road Agency to develop and install reliable Solar / UPS traffic light systems. The JRA’s vision was to install traffic control systems that would not be dependable on the sometimes unreliable grid system. A pilot project of 400 systems was identified including all major intersections and routes that would cover and support the new BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) routes to the main football stadiums in and around Johannesburg in time for the soccer World Cup in 2010. The Sunrise solution is not only reliable and solar powered, but is in the main totally autonomous from grid power. Sunrise offer two(2) systems, total off-grid system and reliable standby (UPS) systems that power traffic lights for a minimum of 12 hours without the use of the grid.

Phase one saw the first of these systems installed outside the offices of the Johannesburg Council on the corner De Korte and Rissik Streets and has been operational since November 2007 without any failure.

While this is a massive structure it is definitely not unsightly and blends into the natural surrounds. An unknown benefit is the fact that due to the build up of condensation a fair amount of water runs off the panels maintaining the moisture for the continued growth of the lawns and gardens that may and do surround this structure.

Phase two involved the installation of the system at four additional major intersections:

• Grayston/Rivonia (outside the offices of Investec)
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• Two systems are located at the north & south bound on and off ramps into Grayston Drive, Sandton
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• Phase 3: The inter-section between William Nicol and Sloane, Bryanston
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• With these systems proving reliable, the next phase was to develop a smaller system for locations where space is at a premium and limited to installations that are much smaller. Sunrise technologies were able to develop a smaller UPS standby solution, which by design, was able to be installed out of the way of pedestrians and motorists.

SENSEVEN AND SUNRISE PARTNERSHIP

Recognising the potential of these systems, in April 2008 Senseven concluded a partnership agreement with Sunrise Technologies and is now a Division of Sunrise Technologies, strengthening our abilities to grow this opportunity way into future. Whilst developing a solution which sought to replace traditional electronic billboards with solar powered ones, Senseseven recognised the potential of this technology in terms of infrastructural development. Although initially the solution sought to harness the power of the sun for advertising and branding purposes, the Sunrise pilot project demonstrated how these two technologies could be brought together. The prototype systems offered an alternate power source for the advertising platforms and the advertising opportunities in turn generated funding for the systems.

For the JRA, this alliance will prove to be critical as it not only provides the technology, but the means to fund its application. The partnership formed between Sunrise Technologies; Senseseven and the JRA will see this project make Johannesburg one of the first Cities, if not in the World, in Africa to take a positive step in major energy saving and providing a greener cleaner city with a much improved carbon footprint.

MGWEZI CONSULTANTS

With the system in place, Senseseven recognised the importance of advertising rewards in ensuring its success. In this highly competitive visual environment, it is crucial that advertisers are able to utilise these opportunities creatively and incisively, maximizing their impact, effectiveness and longevity. Design, manufacture, installation and maintenance, all form crucial components of the success of any outdoor advertising and marketing campaign. Even with this advanced technology, badly designed and / or manufactured would not ensure rewards and hence not prove a reliable form of income for the projects funding.

Recognised as an industry leader in signage project delivery, Mgwezi’s expertise in signage design and manufacture formed the corner stone of the success of the solution and JRA Project.

Established as the Black Empowerment distribution point for Modulex in South Africa, Mgwezi’s impressive client portfolio includes many of South African TOP 300 companies, as well as most recognised public institutions. With a manufacturing facility of over 3,000m², operated skilled and motivated personal, its’ success is based on delivery of superior signage solutions, focused on strong design principles, quality product offerings, and industry leading service.

In 2007, Mgwezi Consultants signed a Joint Venture agreement with Senseseven and Sunrise Technologies, to design and develop the display component of the JRA Solution.

Senseseven’s partnership with Mgwezi, with its expertise in design as production technology, allows our advertisers to use increasingly complex imagery and creative applications, creating new and highly effective outdoor media.

THE PARTNERSHIP

It is these strategic alliances which set Senseseven apart from traditional outdoor media vendors, maximising brand interaction through the creation of unique, well positioned, expertly designed and manufactured mediums.