The 60 000 ℓ district heating project at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Junction student residence continues to exemplify the success of a solar co-generation project, and how a relationship with Austria is being developed through a partnership facilitated by the South African Solar Thermal Training and Demonstration Initiative (Soltrain). Soltrain is funded by the Austrian Development Agency and co-funded by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ Fund for International Development, and is a regional initiative aimed at building capacity and demonstrating the potential of solar thermal systems in the South African Development Community (SADC) region.