COMPLIANCE INTERVENTION TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES

November 2024, Aries Solar Power.

Aries Solar Power launched a business intervention aimed at helping local businesses in the Kenhardt community become compliant and recognised by companies offering contract work opportunities, earlier this year. This initiative followed extensive community engagement, revealing a significant need for compliance support among local SMMEs, NGOs, and enterprises. Many of these organisations were found to be non-compliant with business registrations and other requirements, making them ineligible for funding and work opportunities.

The programme has successfully been able to assist these businesses in meeting compliance standards, helping them unlock their potential to secure contracts and funding from large organisations. This initiative is part of the solar plant’s broader commitment to uplifting the local economy by providing essential support and funding to small businesses.

Collen Dajee, owner of a construction and general services company, which has been operating in Kenhardt for five years, shared his experience, saying, “Now that my papers are in order, I can apply for tenders from local companies such as the two independent power producers and Transnet and explore opportunities beyond Kenhardt as well.”

The intervention, which called for applications in May this year, attracted interest from 34 local NGOs, NPOs, and businesses in the construction, catering, and security sectors. As a result, 12 SMMEs are now fully compliant, with 17 others awaiting final documentation to confirm their compliance.

Harrisinah Theka, Economic Development Manager at Aries Solar Power, explained, “We discovered that most local business owners were unable to take advantage of work opportunities because key documents, such as COIDA, had expired. They needed assistance to be recognised by companies offering contract work.”

Following this initial compliance phase, Aries Solar Power will now invite these businesses to pitch for further support. The next stage of the programme will focus on providing equipment and resources tailored to their operational needs, enabling them to grow and thrive in their respective industries.