Partnership brings renewable energy skills training to youth in vulnerable community in Bronkhorstspruit

Bio2Watt Energy Holdings and Knowledge Pele have combined forces to offer the Renewable Energy Technologies (RET) skills programme to 10 participants of the community of Kanana, located in Bronkhorstspruit.

Off-the-grid, renewable energy is desperately needed in this informal settlement with its population of 3 000 people. They are located far away from grid-connected infrastructure such as water and electricity.

This Energy and Water SETA (EWSETA) accredited programme which commenced in August will ensure that participants will receive credits towards achieving their certificate in Electrical Engineering NQF4, as well as being exposed to the world of work in RET.

This same programme is being rolled out in two other communities, namely Touwsrivier in the Western Cape and Prieska in the Northern Cape.

EWSETA CEO, Mpho Mookapele, said: “We need more strategic partners like Knowledge Pele, whose focus is on the most at-risk communities and especially they young, often overlooked learners, who if given the appropriate skills can make a valuable contribution towards this country’s growth and development.

“As we move towards a Just Energy Transition, it must be our collective responsibility to not leave these vulnerable communities behind.”

The partnership was set underway in July and funded by Climate InvestorTwo, a fund managed by Climate Fund Managers (CFM) from the Netherlands.

The training programme offers bursaries for students, internships, small business development and SETA-accredited critical skills courses specifically hauled towards enhancing human competencies (skills, knowledge and abilities) in vulnerable communities across the country.

Head of Knowledge Pele’s Development Programmes, Richard Setati, explained that the mission of the Knowledge Pele Development Institute is to focus on developing the skills, knowledge, attributes and abilities of people, particularly the youth, from vulnerable communities.

“By partnering with the Energy and Water SETA we ensure that accredited courses are rolled out so that individuals can secure nationally recognised qualifications.”

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Setati emphasised that it is vitally important that the youth are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to solve challenges within their communities and the country. Our courses will empower them to do just that.

“Bronkhorstspruit Biogas Plant, a subsidiary of Bio2Watt Energy Holdings (Pty) Ltd, is excited to be afforded the opportunity together with CFM, to be able to fund a Solar PV Skills Programme in the community in which it operates,” said Keziah Jooste, Director of Bio2Watt Energy Holdings.

“We are pleased to embark on this journey of education, discovery and empowerment with the local youth of Kanana in the renewable energy sector.”

Clair Cummins from Climate Fund Managers added, “Education is key to economic and social progress, and to sustainable development. Globally, we need the next generation to have the knowledge and skills to tackle climate change.

“Contributing to local community development is core to CFM’s impact strategy, and on behalf of Climate Investor Two, CFM is delighted to support such an important and transformative initiative.”