WOMAN-OWNED ENTERPRISE RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM DE AAR AND DROOGFONTEIN SOLAR POWER

October 2018

De Aar Solar Power and Droogfontein Solar Power have announced their support for Phambili Basie Contracts and Projects, a local, woman-owned service provider who has successfully provided services to a number of solar plants in the Northern Cape.

In addition to being awarded a three-year service contract, De Aar Solar Power and Droogfontein Solar Power is putting their support behind helping to grow this local business.  Part of this support is the funding of two vehicles, needed for additional transport by the business as to-date they have needed to split their current fleet between Kimberley and De Aar.

“When Phambili was awarded the service contract, we committed to assisting them to grow their business through a structured Supplier Development programme. The programme includes identification of needs that will be critical in the growth and development of their business and expanding their market and client base,” said Hlengiwe Radebe, Economic Development Director for Droogfontein Solar Power and De Aar Solar Power.

Funding of the two double-cab vehicles, valued at R320 000,  forms part of the two solar plants’ Enterprise Development obligations, in terms of their Implementation Agreement with the Department of Energy, of which the development of small local businesses is a critical component.  Both plants committed to identifying local small businesses to assist through enterprise development or supplier development. “The opportunity to contract Phambili Basie Contractors and Projects came because of the end of the contract with NewTech at the end of July this year. There was clear intention to identify a black woman owned service provider and offer Supplier Development opportunity for them to grow their business beyond our two solar plants,” explained Radebe.

“Droogfontein and De Aar Solar Power’s funding and assistance, which includes two brand new bakkies and equipment, will support the growth of our business in a very tangible way, considering the vast distances that we need to traverse within the Northern Cape Province,” concluded Juliet Basie, CEO of Phambili Basie Contractors and Projects.