South African Couple Lives Off the Grid and Mzansi Is Invested in Their Lifestyle

• Living off the grid in South Africa isn't new; many rural communities have lived this way for generations, and now, more South Africans are embracing the lifestyle
• A couple in Cederburg is creating their own sustainable way of life, living off portable power stations on their homestead
• Going off-grid is more than just hard work; it also takes a huge investment, and future homesteaders should be prepared for the costs and ongoing maintenance of these systems

An Instagram post by a couple living off the grid in South Africa has gone viral. South Africans are impressed and also a bit terrified by living in the middle of nowhere.

While the rest of the country is stressing over Eskom, here's a couple who laughed it off and said, "We'll build our own system, thanks." The Instagram video was posted on 11 September 2025 by @wanderers_and_whiskers. This couple lives off the grid by choice in the Cederberg mountains near Cape Town by using solar power and a portable power station.

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A tradition rooted in SA's rural communities

Living off the grid in South Africa is not a new thing; this is something people have done for generations without thinking about it. Many South Africans have grown up in rural areas or villages, cooking on an outside fire, with no electricity, no running water besides rivers or communal taps placed by the government and eating off the land.

But for people who don't know how to live off the grid, you need to be willing to invest and adapt. RE/MAX reported that you need a good piece of land with lots of sunlight, access to water and space to have a fruit and vegetable garden. A place like Cederburg is a popular choice because of its natural resources and good climate for off-grid living.

Solar power, water management and self-sufficiency

When you own land, creating a reliable energy source is vital. Solar power is the best option in South Africa. An off-grid solar system, including solar panels, batteries and inverters, costs anywhere from R150 000 to R350 000, depending on the household's electrical needs.

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Homesteaders will also need water management systems, like collecting rainwater and reusing water for watering plants. All of these systems need regular upkeep and a forward-thinking approach to sustainability.

As more of Mzansi face the challenges of loadshedding, off-grid living is becoming an attractive choice. For this couple, it's not just about power cuts but living independently. While going off the grid needs a good investment and some hard work, it shows that with the right planning, it's possible to live outside of the norm. Whether in Cederburg or anywhere else, this story is a reminder that even in tough times, there is always room for new ways to live and adapt.

South Africa's take below.

blairjasmine said:

"Can't wait to visit ❤️"

abbiie04 wrote:

"OMG!!!!!🔥❤️this is wonderful!!!!"

_bun._ commented:

"Are you guys safe up there? Love what you doing but stay safe please . Too much tokolosies in South Africa."

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ingeanker wrote:

"What do you do for work? Cousin I'm loving this idea of off grid."

lilli3lilli said:

"Haibo! Best life!🙌"

smaseko commented:

"This is like a dream for me."

Watch the Instagram video below:

3 More Briefly News off-grid stories

• An Eastern Cape woman showed the real cost breakdown of living off the grid and shared how expensive it is to start.
• South Africans can benefit from 6 gadgets that will not break the bank to deal with the next unexpected loadshedding stage.
• Portable power stations are the must-have appliance for loadshedding. The EcoFlow's power stations are noise-free and are great for family use.

Source: Briefly News