October 2024, Droogfontein Solar Power.
Recognising the vital role of entrepreneurs in boosting economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating jobs, Droogfontein Solar Power has inducted three new local enterprises into its enterprise development programme. This initiative is essential for uplifting communities, particularly in rural areas, by providing much-needed support to small businesses.
The programme, which offers skills, mentoring, training, and funding, aims to empower local entrepreneurs and drive sustainable development. These new beneficiaries join five existing enterprises already participating in the programme, all of which will graduate at the end of this year after completing their three-year cycle (2022 to 2024). Notably, through the support of this programme over the last three years, these small business were able to provide 34 jobs for the local community.
The three new enterprises stood out for their resilience, commitment to their respective industries, and consistent drive to innovate and grow despite facing various challenges. According to Yolanda Madyira, Economic Development Specialist at Droogfontein Solar Power, “Their determination and demonstrated track record, coupled with the targeted assistance from the programme, are likely to propel these enterprises toward long-term success and sustainability.”
Felemach, a Kimberley-based enterprise owned by Fernando Sandt and Maxston Josephs, has been provided with a vehicle through the Droogfontein Solar Power’s enterprise development programme to transport their team and equipment, a crucial resource for their growth in the construction sector. Specialising in electrical contracting and PV solar installation services, Felemach is also receiving support to enhance business systems and gain market access, helping to position the company as a sustainable SMME.
Future assistance will focus on securing their own premises and expanding their presence in the solar panel installation market, with additional support for obtaining necessary certifications all with the intention of ensuring its continued growth.
Julia Botsang Gaosekwe Trading, based in Barkly West, is a poultry farming enterprise, owned by Tshireletso Gaosekwe and Agobakwe Gaosekwe that has been running for five years. The business raises day-old chicks for sale as live or slaughtered whole chickens. Their immediate goal is to relocate operations and grow production, while their long-term objective is to increase the volume of poultry produced.
Also in Kimberley, KM Wood Designz is a manufacturing business, solely owned by Kutlo Moeketsane, producing bespoke furniture and standard built-in cupboards. Established three years ago, the company is focused on building its production capacity and skills. Their long-term goal is to expand their market presence and formalise supply contracts for mass-produced items.
All programme beneficiaries must be from neighbouring towns, including Kimberley, Riverton, Ritchie, and Barkly West. Each enterprise is assessed individually to provide tailored support that meets their specific needs, ensuring their sustainability and growth.
Droogfontein Solar Power’s Enterprise Development strategy aims to enhance the sustainability of local enterprises by investing financial resources into the local area, nurturing growth, and creating jobs within these communities.
October 2024, Soutpan Solar Power.
Soutpan Solar Power has released a new documentary showcasing the impact of its Economic Development Programmes in the Limpopo Province, particularly within the Blouberg municipal area. The documentary tells the stories of three key beneficiaries, each illustrating the different ways the programme is making a tangible difference.
The film provides an insight into the broader strategy behind these development efforts. Hlengiwe Radebe, Economic Development Director at Soutpan Solar Power, explains that their research revealed a 35% unemployment rate among young people in Blouberg. “We saw an opportunity to support small businesses run by these young people and help them grow,” Radebe says. This led to the creation of the Enterprise Development Programme, which has since supported numerous small businesses, in generating income and contributing to the local economy.
The documentary focuses on one of these enterprises, Mopi Fresh Produce, a local agricultural business that has expanded with support from the Programme. Founded by Mapula Rapholo during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, the agri-SMME received crucial assistance that enabled it to grow. Reflecting on the journey, Rapholo says, “Farming requires careful attention at every stage to ensure a successful harvest, and with the support we received, we were able to grow our business during a challenging time.”
With great humility, she adds, “You plant a seed, and you get to witness it grow from different stages and it’s like nurturing a baby. You want to make sure you don’t miss a step and you want to make sure that whatever work you put in, ensures the produce comes out the way it’s supposed to.”
Addressing the impact on education in the area, the video explains that through extensive consultations with local government and education bodies, the programme identified water and sanitation as key areas needing attention in the region. These insights guided targeted interventions in local schools and early childhood development centres.
The documentary highlights improvements at Serakalala Creche & Pre-School and Marumofase High School, made possible through the Socio-Economic Development Programme.
At Marumofase High School, the programme addressed sanitation issues, replacing outdated and unsanitary pit latrines with better facilities.
The infrastructure support at Serakalala Creche & Pre-School, is however focused on the provision of a supply of safe water at the school.
“We’ve made significant progress in improving facilities at local schools and early childhood development centres in the area,” says Harrisinah Theka, Economic Development Manager at Soutpan Solar Power.
Soutpan Solar Power’s Economic Development Programmes reflect a commitment to practical, community-driven development and through the newly released documentary it demonstrates a clear and compelling picture of the ongoing efforts to support and uplift local communities.
For those interested in seeing the full stories of these beneficiaries, the documentary is now available to watch https://vimeo.com/1017536445 .
October 2024.
The Globeleq Fund (GSF), a cornerstone of the renewable energy sector’s educational drive, has opened for 2025 applications as it celebrates a decade of fostering equal access to education. With over R24 million allocated to date, this scholarship provides support to talented Black youth.
Supported and funded by eight operational renewable energy power plants, bursaries have been awarded to almost 500 students, playing a vital role in advancing South Africa’s transformation agenda and the Just Energy Transition. By providing financial support, the aim is to remove the barriers that prevent talented individuals from accessing tertiary education.Private schol
arships such as this, are essential in South Africa, where the demand for education outpaces the resources available through state funding. Bursaries provide a critical lifeline, enabling access to quality education for those who may otherwise be excluded.
The GSF is dedicated to supporting students with targeted bursaries like the GSF Engineering Sciences bursary, which serves students across all nine provinces. Over the past four years, the Fund has exclusively awarded scholarships to 100% Black youth, with women comprising 71% of recipients since 2014. The increase in female recipients, rising from 68% in 2022 to 92% in 2023, underscores the GSF’s commitment to gender equality and enhancing the presence of women engineers in the industry and across the country.
“This scholarship fund not only supports Black and predominantly female youth but also sets an example for other sectors to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s development,” says Hlengiwe Radebe, Economic Development Director at Globeleq South Africa Management Services. “As our programme evolves, so does our commitment to expanding opportunities across the country, reaching students in all nine provinces who need financial support to realise their educational goals.”
The GSF’s holistic approach goes beyond academic performance, taking into account financial need, location, and gender, reflecting its mission to diversify the engineering sector and uplift women in STEM fields. With an annual budget of approximately R4 million, the GSF aims to nurture the skills essential for the renewable energy industry while enhancing the sustainability of the communities it serves.
About the Bursaries:
The application deadline is 31 October 2024. Interested candidates can apply online at www.globeleq.auraams.app or contact support@auraAMS.app for further details.
September 2024, Soutpan Solar Power.
A targeted and extensive three-year infrastructure development programme has transformed Serakalala Creche and Pre-School into a safe and nurturing environment for children, teachers and staff. The comprehensive support has nearly doubled the centre’s capacity, allowing it to accommodate more children from the community and employ additional staff, thereby enhancing the support system for the children. This transformation has alleviated daily stress for families, giving them peace of mind knowing their children are receiving a solid foundation in a secure and welcoming setting.
The funding and ongoing support forms part of Soutpan Solar Power’s socio-economic development programme, focused on addressing critical deficiencies, resulting in significant infrastructure improvements, for this community crèche based in Ga-Maraise Village, Bochum. In addition to the physical upgrades, skills development training for educators was provided to further enhance the quality of education, and the crèche’s governing body received specialised training to strengthen their leadership and management capacities.
Johanne Lebepe, Principal of Serakalala, highlighted the impact of the programme: “In the old building, we were suffering. During rainy seasons, the roof was leaking, and it was not safe for learning. Now, with the new building, there are no leaks, and it is safe for teaching and learning. The new toilets are much safer compared to the pit toilets, and we no longer need to stand while teaching when it rains. This is a real development for us, and the community recognises that things have changed here. The children are safe, and they can play; everything is fine.”
The three-phase project began with replacing unsafe pit toilets with modern, hygienic facilities, creating a safer environment for the children and staff. This was followed by constructing new classrooms, a waiting area, and a sick bay, reducing overcrowding and enhancing the learning experience.
The final phase added a kitchen and a hall that serves as additional classroom space, nearly doubling the centre’s capacity and allowing it to cater to 80 children compared to the previous 48 and enabled the crèche to employ two additional staff members. Furthermore, Soutpan Solar Power has assisted the ECD centre with the formulation of a fundraising strategy specifically intended to raise funds for the centre’s annual maintenance, ensuring the sustainability of the extensive infrastructure improvements.
Noluthando Mazibuko, Economic Development Specialist for Soutpan Solar Power, expressed pride in the outcomes: “The improvements at Serakalala are a clear demonstration of how targeted interventions can make a substantial difference in the community. By focusing on critical infrastructure upgrades, we have been able to enhance the learning environment, improve health and safety, and create employment opportunities. Families can now rest assured that their children are receiving education in a secure and happy setting. This project is an important part of our ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable development within the Blouberg Municipal area.”
As the project concludes, Soutpan Solar Power plans to extend its support to other ECD centres, ensuring that more children can thrive in safe and positive learning spaces.
September 2024, Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm.
Two young electricians from the Humansdorp community, Kanyisa Goveni (27) and Qaliswa Ndleleni (28), have been selected from hundreds of applicants to join the inaugural Wind Turbine Technician Training Programme launched by Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm in June this year. The programme, designed to upskill local youth and meet the growing demand for skilled technicians in South Africa’s renewable energy sector, officially commenced on 12 August.
Kanyisa Goveni, inspired by the empowerment of women in the renewable energy sector, saw the programme as a timely opportunity. “My high school teacher always encouraged me to pursue a career in engineering because of my hands-on approach and eagerness to learn,” she said. “This training aligns with my college studies in Renewable Energy Technologies and my long-standing desire to work in the green energy field.”
Qaliswa Ndleleni, who has lived in Humansdorp for 16 years and previously worked as an operator at a local dairy, is equally enthusiastic about her new path. “Seeing the wind farms around Kouga sparked my interest in renewable energy. With my background as a qualified electrician, I was eager to find opportunities to be part of these projects,” she explained.
Both Kanyisa and Qaliswa 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 hands-on experience.
Nonini Makhothe, Economic Development Specialist at Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, emphasized the programme’s importance: “As the renewable energy sector grows in South Africa, there is an increasing demand for skills, particularly in the wind sector. By aligning our development efforts with current skills gaps, we aim to provide participants with highly sought-after skills that will make them attractive to potential employers.”
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 2024, Klipheuwel Wind Farm.
Recognising the critical importance of upskilling to drive economic growth and address skills shortages in the renewable energy sector, Klipheuwel Wind Farm has launched its inaugural Wind Turbine Technician Training Programme. Among the first cohort of participants is Bonga Kosani (33) from Riviersonderend in the Overberg, one of over a hundred young electricians who applied for this opportunity. With a strong interest in engineering and renewable energy, Bonga has been working as an assistant wind turbine technician in the same region and sees this programme as a key step towards becoming fully qualified and advancing his career in the sector.
“The opportunity to train as a wind turbine service technician means that I can contribute to reducing load shedding, which is a significant challenge in our country, and play a role in producing clean energy,” said Bonga Kosani. “This course will also enhance my understanding of environmental protection within a wind farm, going beyond just electricity generation to consider the broader impacts of renewable energy production. It’s a step towards becoming a skilled technician in the years to come,” he added.
The programme, aimed at upskilling local youth and meeting the growing demand for skilled technicians in South Africa’s renewable energy sector, officially commenced last month. Bonga is part of a cohort of 12 electricians currently undertaking this full-time course, which includes both theoretical and practical learning components presented over a six-month period. The training is developed by the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC), a division of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and leads to an accredited Quality Council of Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Occupational Certificate: Wind Turbine Service Technician.
Following the initial six months of training, Bonga will engage in a two-month workplace experiential learning phase at Klipheuwel Wind Farm, providing valuable hands-on experience.
Nonini Makhothe, Economic Development Specialist at Klipheuwel Wind Farm, highlighted the significance of the programme: “As the renewable energy sector grows in South Africa, the demand for skilled technicians, particularly in the wind sector, continues to rise. By aligning our development efforts with current skills gaps, we aim to equip participants with highly sought-after skills, enhancing their employability.”
The Wind Turbine Technician Training Programme is open to applicants from communities surrounding Klipheuwel Wind Farm, including Botriver, Caledon, Grabouw, Gardendale, Tesselaarsdal, Riviersonderend, and Villiersdorp. Applicants are required to have 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.
