Live Light. Root Deep. Thrive Together.
South Africa faces unprecedented infrastructure failures. Rolling blackouts plague daily life. Water shortages threaten communities. Municipal services decline while costs soar. Middle-class families spend ZAR 2,000 to 8,000 monthly on backup systems while remaining vulnerable to utility failures, inflation, and economic uncertainty.
Simultaneously, South Africa needs 275,000 green energy workers by 2030, but training institutions lack operational systems for hands-on education. Traditional crafts and cultural practices struggle for economic viability. Communities lack local employment opportunities.
Current eco-villages serve only the wealthy. Urban developments offer cramped compromises with continued utility dependence and limited economic diversity.
Create a spacious, affordable community achieving complete independence from failing systems through proven technology and strategic cost optimization, while generating revenue through training needed professionals and sustaining diverse local enterprises that preserve cultural heritage and create economic resilience.
NAU Eco-Village is a 50-hectare sustainable development in the Melkbos region near Cape Town that combines complete municipal independence, national renewable energy skills development, and thriving local artisan economy. Built on authentic Ubuntu philosophy—"I am because we are"—and universal design principles ensuring accessibility for all abilities, NAU proves that community cooperation creates individual prosperity, national impact, and cultural preservation.
Affordable homeownership through direct purchase (ZAR 1.2M to 1.8M) or progressive rent-to-own pathways (ZAR 6,500 to 9,500 monthly). Every home includes complete energy and water independence, universal design features, and access to abundant shared facilities.
512kW solar array with 1,447kWh battery storage providing 4.2 days autonomy. Multi-source water strategy harvesting 10.01 million litres annually from rainwater collection, borehole extraction, and greywater recycling. 50% fresh food independence through integrated agricultural production. Zero waste through closed-loop processing.
Training 208 certified renewable energy professionals annually using live operational community systems. Four-tier vocational program from foundation certificates through community systems specialists, directly addressing South Africa's critical shortage of 275,000 green energy workers by 2030.
Forty-plus local employment opportunities in traditional crafts, food production, hospitality, and modern services. Community bakery, artisan butchery, microbrewery, carpentry workshop, metalworking forge, digital services hub, and restaurant creating ZAR 2.75 million annually while preserving South African cultural heritage.
Authentic African community philosophy—"I am because we are"—guides all governance, conflict resolution, and resource allocation. Ubuntu Council representing all household types and abilities ensures inclusive decision-making, cultural integration, and mutual economic support.
Every home, facility, and system designed for participation by all abilities. Zero-step entries, wide doorways, accessible bathrooms, adaptive technologies, and inclusive employment opportunities ensure complete accessibility across the entire 50-hectare development.
NAU achieves complete energy and water independence through proven, professional-grade systems designed for community-scale reliability. Our approach combines renewable energy generation with comprehensive water security through multiple complementary sources.
Ubuntu philosophy forms NAU's foundation, recognizing that true independence comes through authentic community relationships, cultural preservation, and mutual economic support. Every system, space, and enterprise demonstrates that working together creates affordability while building stronger relationships and preserving cultural heritage accessible to all abilities.
Seven elected residents representing all household types, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. Traditional decision-making seeking community harmony through accessible participation. All residents commit to learning represented languages and participating in multicultural celebrations.
Multicultural celebration preserving and sharing South African cultural traditions. Language diversity respected through accommodation for all languages spoken. Traditional knowledge integrated with modern systems. Spiritual practices protected across diverse religious traditions.
Existing residents maintain complete control over community membership decisions. Prospective residents evaluated on Ubuntu philosophy understanding, cooperative spirit, and cultural respect. Six-month trial residence with mentorship before full community acceptance.
Community enterprises providing employment and services strengthening collective prosperity. Shared decision-making through Ubuntu principles. Experienced artisans mentoring newcomers and supporting during challenges. Community priority for local needs before external sales.
NAU targets South Africa's crisis-aware middle class who recognize that traditional municipal services are failing but cannot afford luxury off-grid solutions. Our comprehensive independence systems and strategic cost optimizations make complete independence accessible at middle-class price points.
Cape Town households actively seeking independence solutions but priced out of current alternatives until now
Total Monthly Cost: ZAR 8,000 to 14,000
Total Monthly Cost: ZAR 4,350
These savings immediately offset any higher purchase price compared to traditional housing while providing complete protection from utility cost inflation and infrastructure failures.
Direct purchase payments and rent-to-own deposits providing fastest capital deployment with no repayment obligation.
Patient capital with social impact focus from DBSA Green Fund, IDC Economic Empowerment, and NEF Strategic Projects.
Family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and social impact funds with medium-term investment horizon seeking measurable social outcomes.
Cleantech venture capital, strategic equipment partnerships, and international innovation funds with technology licensing upside potential.
We are currently seeking strategic investment partners who share our vision for accessible independence, community empowerment, and sustainable development.
Project Developer: Peter Jacops
Contact: 071 276 5502
Email: p.jacops@gmail.com
Peter Jacops
Mobile: 071 276 5502
Email: p.jacops@gmail.com
Email: info@nauintentionalcommunity.co.za
Melkbos Region
Near Cape Town, South Africa
50 Hectares