October 2025, Klipheuwel Wind Farm.
A most recent intake of local talent from communities across the Overberg for a wind turbine technician training programme, aimed at equipping young people with the skills needed to support economic growth and address the shortage of technical expertise in the renewable energy sector, are set to commence their practical training at Klipheuwel Wind Farm this month.
The fact that the three trainees were selected from a pool of more than 150 applicants — all of whom held relevant NQF Level 4 qualifications or National Diplomas in fields such as Electrical, Mechatronics, and Fitters and Turners — highlights the depth of talent and potential among local youth in the area.
This year’s trainees who are the programme’s second intake, include Nomabathu Siyasanga (32), and Neoentle Maqetela (22), both from Caledon, along with Nozuko Mjeje (35) from Grabouw. Having completed the intensive six-month theoretical component of the course, they already recognise the value of the training. “This has been a game-changer for me. I’ve learned so much about renewable energy systems and the importance of safety and efficiency in wind turbine design. The course has given me valuable insights into the complex engineering behind harnessing wind energy. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned in real-world situations and to contribute to a more sustainable future,” shared one of the trainees.
Trainees will receive an accredited Quality Council of Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Occupational Certificate: Wind Turbine Service Technician upon completion of the programme. The training, developed by the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC), a division of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), includes both theoretical and practical components.
The six-month course is followed by a two-month workplace experiential learning phase, taking place on site at Klipheuwel Wind Farm, providing these young electricians with real world experience.
Nonini Makhothe, Economic Development Specialist at Kliphuewel Wind Farm, highlighted the strong potential within the surrounding communities and the wind farm’s commitment to supporting more local technicians, commenting: “The success of the programme’s first year has shown us the incredible potential within our communities and the capability of our young people. What is even more encouraging is the strong number of applicants this year, which demonstrates their determination to be part of the renewable energy sector. Their achievements are truly inspiring, and we remain committed to this impactful programme, which is helping local technicians gain valuable skills, access opportunities, and build secure futures in the industry.”
The programme is open to applicants from the communities surrounding the wind farm, including Botrivier, Caledon, Grabouw, Genadendal, Tesselaarsdal, Riviersonderend, and Villiersdorp. All participants require prior qualifications, such as an NQF Level 4 in Electrician (Light Voltage, Medium Voltage, High Voltage), Mechatronics, Millwright, Fitters and Turners, or a National Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics.
September 2025, Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm.
Building on the success of a local wind turbine technician training programme, which launched in June last year, four new young trainees have completed the theory portion of their training, with their two months of practical on site training commencing this week.
Now in its second year, the programme has welcomed four young electricians: Simanyene Blouw (24), Lungelwa Magobiyana (30), and Siyamthanda Ngculu (31) from Humansdorp, together with Chuma Lugogwana (29) from Jeffreys Bay. Selected from more than 300 applicants, they are part of the initiative funded by Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm.
Siyamthanda Ngculu, one of the three female trainees, explained how the programme combines electrical, mechanical and hydraulic theory she has learned in the classroom, to a real life environment, “This training combines my classroom knowledge with hands-on practice in troubleshooting and servicing electrical systems. I look forward to the opportunity to learn how turbines operate, practice maintenance on real components, and develop essential safety skills such as working at heights and performing emergency rescues.”
Trainees will receive an accredited Quality Council of Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Occupational Certificate: Wind Turbine Service Technician upon completion of the programme. The training, developed by the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC), a division of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), includes both theoretical and practical components. The six-month course is followed by a two-month workplace experiential learning phase, which will take place on site at Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, providing these young electricians with real world experience.
Nonini Makhothe, Economic Development Specialist at Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, highlighted the strong potential within the surrounding communities and the wind farm’s commitment to supporting more local technicians, commenting: “The success of this programme’s first year has shown us just how much potential there is within our communities, and just how capable our young people are. Even more encouraging is the number of young people who applied this year, demonstrating their determination to be part of the renewable energy sector. Their success has inspired us to keep expanding the programme, so that even more local technicians can gain skills, find opportunities, and secure futures in this industry.”
The year’s group follow on from last year’s intake, which included two female electricians, both from Humansdorp community. They recently graduated and are hopeful to take up positions in the industry, carrying this additional qualification with them as they build their careers
The Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm’s Wind Turbine Technician Training Programme is open to applicants from the communities surrounding the wind farm, including Thornhill, Jeffreys Bay, Humansdorp, Hankey, Patensie, and Lourie. All participants require prior qualifications, such as an NQF Level 4 in Electrician (Light Voltage, Medium Voltage, High Voltage), Mechatronics, Millwright, Fitters and Turners, or a National Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics.
September 2025, Aries Solar Power.
In the ZF Mgcawu district of the Northern Cape, where the need for more educators remains pressing, initiatives that invest in educator development are creating real opportunities for change. One such initiative is a community bursary programme that is supporting 19-year-old Aaliyah Selborne in pursuing her studies, equipping her with the skills she needs to one day strengthen education in her hometown of Kenhardt.
As one of more than 12 local youth supported by this bursary to date, Aaliyah is in her first year of studying for a Bachelor of Education (Intermediate Phase) through the University of South Africa. Inspired by her grandmother and aunts, who have been educators for over 20 years, she developed a passion for teaching and recognised how valuable education is to bringing positive change in her community.
“Once I have completed my studies, I look forward to being a passionate educator, providing a strong foundation of educational support in my hometown. I attended both Kenhardt Primary School and Kenhardt High School and would love to see myself back in those classrooms,” shared Aaliyah when asked about her vision for the next five years.
The Aries Solar Power bursary programme covers Aaliyah’s tuition fees, book allowances, travel and accommodation costs, as well as day-to-day expenses through a stipend, which is particularly valuable as she is studying full-time. “The bursary has eased any financial burden, but most importantly, it has allowed me to follow in my family’s footsteps,” added Aaliyah.
“We are encouraged to see young, passionate students like Aaliyah taking the initiative to apply for bursary funding. Especially when she not only learned about the programme through her own research but also through the experiences of past beneficiaries and community engagements. This shows how the support we provide continues to reach and motivate local youth to pursue tertiary education,” commented Harrisinah Theka, Economic Development Manager at Aries Solar Power.
Since its launch over five years ago, this bursary programme has been an important resource for students from the Kenhardt area, investing in their educational journeys and helping to shape a brighter future for local families.
September 2025
Audrey Molalakgotla, owner of Lala’s Poultry in Senwabarwana Village, has grown her business through grit and determination, drawing on her formal training in agricultural management. Despite challenging economic conditions, she operated from an informal setup for five years before successfully relocating to a nearby 1-hectare stand with support from a local enterprise development programme. The move enables increased egg production to meet rising demand and creates a foundation for future expansion, product diversification, and job creation.
“The business shows strong growth potential and is positioned to create both permanent and seasonal employment in the area. This is exactly the kind of operation we aim to support through our programme, which offers a holistic approach to small business development,” commented Noluthando Mazibuko, Economic Development Specialist for Soutpan Solar Power, one of the four partners collaborating on this programme.
Support provided to Lala’s Poultry, in addition to securing suitable land, includes the installation of a borehole for reliable water access, building of a poultry house, and fencing to keep the property secure – all essential for sustainable, disease-free poultry farming.
“Without a reliable water supply, it’s nearly impossible to run a poultry business—especially in such a hot area. Water is critical for the birds’ hydration and hygiene. Thanks to the borehole, I can now maintain steady egg production, improve the sustainability of my business, and work towards supplying local supermarkets,” said Audrey Molalakgotla.
Audrey’s National Diploma in Agricultural Management has shaped the way she runs Lala’s Poultry, enabling her to operate more professionally and sustainably. She plans to build on this foundation with further management training later this year, supporting her vision to expand the business with additional hatcheries and an abattoir.
“Lala’s Poultry is driven by a motivated and dedicated entrepreneur who has shown resilience in difficult economic conditions. With the potential to create up to 10 new jobs, this business exemplifies how targeted support can unlock true economic development in communities,” added Mazibuko.
Audrey is one of 17 beneficiaries of Soutpan Solar Power’s collaborative Youth Entreprenuership Development Programme. The programme is delivered in partnership with Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Department of Rural Development, and Blouberg Local Municipality.
September 2025.
Newly published research on early childhood development (ECD) performance in the Northern Cape, paints a markedly improved picture compared to findings from the past three years. Commissioned by two solar plants in Kimberley and De Aar, the study assessed a sample of children aged four to five, and its encouraging results have earned formal commendation from the Northern Cape Department of Basic Education (NCDOE).
“We greatly appreciate and welcome the contribution that these two solar plants have made, in continuing to seek ways to strengthen early learning, with a special focus on ECD, in the Northern Cape Province. Research initiatives of this nature can only strengthen ECD services through quality assurance and identification of gaps in the sector,” shared NCDOE Directors, Basie Mathane and Mercia Fanie.
Using the Early Learning Outcome Measure, the study assessed children across five developmental domains, with the following results: Gross Motor Development, 89% are on track; Emergent Literacy and Language, 88% are on track; Cognitive & Executive Functioning, 82% are on track; Emergent Numeracy & Mathematics, 77% are on track and Fine Motor Co-ordination & Visual Motor Integration, 60% are on track.
Commenting on the results, Tandaza Teka, Economic Development Specialist for both Droogfontein Solar Power and De Aar Solar Power, said, “The 2022 ‘Thrive by 5 Index’ reported that only 37.4% of children in the Northern Cape were developmentally on track, with the remainder either behind or far behind. The results of our research study are encouraging for the future, considering that we’ve managed to achieve an over 40% overall increase in only three years.”
The solar plants’ ECD programmes form part of their broader socio-economic development commitment to prioritising quality education, particularly in early learning, as a foundation for long-term success.
Adding to the impact of this investment into ECD in the province, the NCDOE noted, “This initiative also contributes towards the attainment of universal access to quality ECD, prioritising the most vulnerable children, as proposed by the South African Government in its vision and impact statement for 2030.”
These ECD performance assessments were conducted across several months in 2024 by accredited and independent assessors, and facilitated by Custoda Trust, a registered and accredited training and development service provider. The full reports are available on the plant websites here: https://deaarsolar.co.za/childrens-readiness-report/ and https://droogfonteinsolar.co.za/childrens-readiness-report/
Request for quotations | Supplier Development, Northern Cape
Our Red Sands project in !Kheis Local Municipality, Northern Cape invites qualified and experienced service providers to submit proposals for the development and implementation of a supplier development programme.
RFQ’s should be submitted on or before 29 August 2025 at 16:00 pm.
RFQ’s should be sent to: glen.berkat@globeleq.co.za and copy to nonini.makhothe@globeleq.co.za
August 2025, Konkoonsies Solar Power.
Over 500 learners from communities across the Khai-Ma municipal area were given access to professionals, tertiary institutions, and structured future-planning activities at an event held 31 July 2021 in Aggeneys, designed help guide their academic and future career aspirations.
Initiated by a group of solar power plants that support local communities through their overarching socio-economic development programmes, the career expo was further strengthened through collaboration with key stakeholder groups including tertiary institutions, NGOs and industry professionals.
Hosting three local schools and reaching learners from Grade 9 to 12, this annual event once again sought to provide learners with direct exposure to a wide range of career paths, tertiary study opportunities, and structured guidance—helping them make informed decisions that will influence their futures.
“Learners in rural areas like ours often have limited access to real-world career exposure and post-school information. This often leads to low motivation, uncertainty about academic purpose, and high drop-out rates, which is why initiatives like this expo are so critical” explained Harrisinah Theka, Economic Development Manager at Konkoonsies Solar Power, one of the initiatives five funders.
Commenting further on the importance of the expo, she added, “The career expo is not only about sharing information, but also offers tangible tools, role models, and experiences that help learners connect their academic journey to a meaningful future.”
New to this year’s expo was a Vision Board Station where learners were encouraged to creatively express their values, dreams, and goals, helping to internalise their career ambitions in a personal and visual way.
“We are deeply grateful for this annual career expo. It offers our learners hope, vision, and real guidance. When they see professionals and universities engaging with them directly, they begin to believe in their potential,” commented Mr. Muller, Principal of Boesmanland High School.
August 2025, Boshof Solar Power.
An entrepreneurship development programme is currently underway in the Boshof and Hertzogville communities, aiming to revitalise and strengthen local businesses. The programme is scheduled to launch in July through a collaboration between five public and private partners, although training has commenced. The Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP) is supporting over 30 small businesses with practical knowledge and skills across key business areas.
“Multi-stakeholder partnerships are essential in driving entrepreneurship support. Each partner brings unique expertise, resources, and networks,” said Noluthando Mazibuko, Economic Development Specialist at Boshof Solar Power, which initiated the programme and is providing funding and key resources. “By combining our efforts, we’re able to create a more holistic and sustainable support system—one that continues to uplift entrepreneurs long after the programme ends,” she added.
Following extensive engagement with stakeholders, key barriers facing entrepreneurs in the region were identified as limited access to funding, non-compliance with regulatory requirements, poor market access, weak operational systems, and lack of exposure to formal mentorship. TREP has been carefully designed to address each of these challenges in a structured and targeted manner.
The programme prioritises early-stage and growth-oriented enterprises, with a long-term goal of building sustainable economic capacity within the local community—particularly among youth, women, and entrepreneurs living with disabilities.
Each of the programme partners plays a vital role in the TREP’s implementation, significantly the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), which is facilitating life skills training, market access, and providing funding.
Additionally, the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) is aligning the programme with provincial priorities, assessing shortlisted SMMEs, and contributing funding, to help ensure long term sustainability.
The Small Enterprise Development and Funding Agency (SEDFA) plays an important role in coordinating training, compliance, and participation certificates, whilst the Tokologo Local Municipality has supported mobilisation, applications, and ongoing logistics.
“Based on the outcomes and learnings from this pilot phase, which concludes at the end of the year, we’re optimistic about the potential to expand the programme,” Mazibuko emphasised. “With continued partnerships and additional funding, we can help more businesses become stable, compliant, and growth-oriented—continuing to drive job creation and boost local economic activity.”
Cape Town, 1 August 2025
Globeleq South Africa Management Services (GSAMS) has announced the appointment of Willie van Niekerk as its new General Manager, bringing over a decade of experience within the organisation to this leadership role.
Willie, who first joined GSAMS in 2013 as Commercial Director, has since held several key positions. In 2019 he was appointed Asset Director for the Springbok Cluster, responsible for the Aries, Boshof, Konkoonsies, and Soutpan solar plants. Most recently, he served as Operations Chief of Staff for Globeleq Group, providing strategic support across the company’s operational portfolio across Africa.
Reflecting on his new role, he said, “Having been with GSAMS for 12 years, I have gained a deep understanding of the business. This experience allows me to step into the General Manager position with confidence, making the transition smooth and the adjustment period relatively brief.”
Looking ahead, he is eager to spend more time at the renewable energy plants. “Getting out from behind the desk gives me the opportunity to connect with our teams on the ground and with the surrounding communities that our plants support through economic development programmes,” he explained.
“I have been fortunate to choose a career in this industry. It means a great deal to me to work in a sector that produces clean energy and contributes to South Africa’s energy transition. Having grown up in a mining community, renewable energy feels like the right side of history for me.”
In his new capacity, Willie will oversee GSAMS’ operations across eight renewable energy projects, including both solar and wind power plants developed under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
Holding a dual major BComm and LLB, with a background in law and finance, Willie brings a strong commercial and operational perspective to GSAMS as the company continues to focus on delivering reliable renewable power and supporting the country’s energy transition.
July 2025, Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm.
The trails may have changed, but the spirit of the J-Bay Wind Farm MTB Classic & Trail Run remained as strong as ever this past Saturday, 19 July 2025, as over 500 athletes took to the rugged beauty of the Eastern Cape. Set against the backdrop of the iconic JBay Surf Festival, this tenth edition once again proved why the event remains a firm favourite on the calendar.
This year’s route was adapted to support local farming communities and safeguard livestock amid ongoing precautions around Foot and Mouth Disease. While the course avoided direct access to Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, it still offered the sweeping views and natural beauty that have become synonymous with the event.
In the women’s 60km mountain bike race, Kelsey van Schoor delivered another commanding performance to secure first place—repeating her 2023 win. Seventeen-year-old Storm Semple took top honours in the men’s race with an impressive time of 2 hours and 7 seconds, marking a standout performance for the young rider.
In the trail running category, Marike van Renssen and Divan du Plooy crossed the line first in the 10km women’s and men’s divisions respectively, navigating the terrain with skill and determination.
Speaking on behalf of the event’s long-standing sponsor, Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, Site Manager Otto Fourie said, “It’s always a privilege to support this event, which brings people together through sport and shared values. While we couldn’t welcome participants onto the wind farm this year, we fully support the necessary steps taken to protect the region’s agricultural livelihoods. The turnout and enthusiasm we saw on the day speaks volumes about the strength and unity of this community.”
As the dust settles on another successful edition, the J-Bay Wind Farm MTB Classic & Trail Run continues to highlight what makes the region—and its people—so special: resilience, connection, and a deep appreciation for nature and community.
