Harrisinah Theka, the economic development manager at De Aar Solar Power, addressing community members at one of the roadshow events.
Highlighting the benefits of collaboration for the upliftment of communities within the Pixley ka Seme Municipal District, a consortium of Northern Cape Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and community trust companies embarked on their second annual roadshow.
This initiative, which was extended to include a fourth day this year, aimed to create awareness of the impacts of the IPPs’ economic development programmes on beneficiaries across a number of the district’s communities.
Following last year’s successful inaugural event, the roadshow saw enhanced participation from local government stakeholders and the Department of Minerals and Energy’s Independent Power Producers Office (IPPO), spearheaded by Lazarus Mahlangu of the Economic Development Department.
The delegation visited community beneficiaries in Britstown, Hanover, Philipstown, and De Aar, demonstrating the tangible benefits of these programmes.
De Aar Solar Power showcased its contributions by taking the IPPO representative to the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (Farr) in Britstown and Garden Cottage, a bed and breakfast establishment in De Aar.
A visit by the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) office representatives to the community organisation, the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (Farr) which is supported by the De Aar Solar Power’s economic development programme. From the left are Lazarus Mahlangu (economic development manager, IPP office), Meryll Smit (project co-ordinator Farr Britstown), Eldene Kok (community worker Farr Britstown), Zandile Mahlangu (economic development intern, De Aar Solar Power), Harrisinah Theka (economic development manager, De Aar Solar Power) and Benjamin Shunilal (IPP office).
Farr, a notable socio-economic development beneficiary, and Garden Cottage, an enterprise development beneficiary, exemplified the substantial support provided by the solar plant, including significant refurbishments.
Having taken place from 23 to 26 April, the roadshow aimed to inform attendees about the economic development strategies set for the remainder of 2024 and early 2025.
Attracting close on 500 participants, the event featured multiple sessions that detailed the funding process and illustrated the collaborative efforts of the IPPs’ to foster socio-economic growth within the district.
The roadshow’s comprehensive engagement and direct community interactions, facilitated by the physical presence of the IPPO representative, underscored a commitment to transparency and community engagement.
Alongside De Aar Solar Power, Solar Capital De Aar 1, Lilitha Solar, Mulilo, and the Noupoort Wind Farm participated, with four community trusts also involved: the Sibona Ilanga Community Trust, Wind and Solar Mulilo Community Trust, Solar Capital De Aar 1 Community Trust, and Solar Capital De Aar 3 Community Trust.
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