February 2021.

Local SMME’s, non-profit companies and a non-profit organisation have been selected to receive business funding as part of Noupoort Wind Farm’s socio-economic and enterprise development programme, following a series of workshops that mobilised the community, intent on driving positive change within the community.

All businesses, barring one, are receiving funding to be used for various needs applicable to their businesses. Each grantee will also receive mandatory financial management training, to help improve positive outcomes from the support.

One of the beneficiaries, Michelle Van Wyngaard, owner of a steel business, is using the finance to acquire equipment and materials that will kick-start her business whilst providing local employment. Van Wyngaard believes that with this funding her business can make a positive impact on the community by supporting skills development locally through training. “My hope is for the youth to be well trained, focussed and willing to stand on their own, as well as encouraging them to become entrepreneurs for themselves.”

“Our workshops were very well received and drew up to seventy locals that are community change activists, so we were well prepared for a good number of applicants with solid proposals,” explained Sandisiwe Mntonintshi, Economic Development Manager of Noupoort Wind Farm.

Research shows that by mobilising communities to gain control over their lives is far more impactful and effective. Hence, the wind farm views its purpose as supportive and an enabler of sustainable development.

“This community development programme focuses on initiatives that are wanted and needed in the community, which will ultimately increase the impact and drive change exponentially,” concluded Mntonintshi.