Community

De Wildt Solar is focused on empowering and strengthening the local communities in and around the Madibeng Local Municipality area in the North West Province, namely Brits, Mmakau, Mothotlung, Lethlabile, Garankwa and surrounding areas within a 50km radius.

The aim is to empower and build capacity of targeted communities through the funding of various socio-economic development programmes that positively address local skills gaps and needs, and to empower the communities to be economically independent and take ownership of their future.

The approach is characterised by continuous engagement, the sharing of knowledge and experiences, and a focus on relevance and practicality of projects supported. All of De Wildt Solar’s local economic development programmes are results and impact-driven; designed to be sustainable and make a lasting difference in communities within which the company operates.

The beneficiary communities will benefit directly from the economic development programmes, for the duration of the solar plant’s twenty-year operation period, in accordance with the plant operating agreement.

SED FLAGSHIP PROJECTS

The focus of De Wildt Solar’s Socio-Economic Development (SED) Projects will be on Education, Youth Development, Enterprise Development, and Welfare. The programmes have been chosen following research and engagement to ensure they are well informed.
De Wildt Solar, in implementing its SED and EnD projects, will commit 80% of the obligation to Flagship Projects and 20% to smaller initiatives (Goodwill Projects).

Education

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Provision of Education Resources and Play Equipment

Early Childhood Development (ECD) for children between the ages of 0 and 6 years is critical in determining the success of the child in his/her academic career at school. De Wildt Solar will prioritise ECD Centres requiring educational resources and play equipment, both of which are vital for development.

Minor repairs at ECD Centres

Following the full assessment of condition of the ECD Centres in the Madibeng Local Municipality, De Wildt Solar will appoint local service providers to conduct the repairs and/or maintenance.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

A number of initiatives supporting young people in the development of skills to deal with the pressures of adolescence, to secure job opportunities; to create entrepreneurs; and to ensure the overall well-being of young people, will be implemented.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Access to tertiary studies is a high priority, with full Scholarships being made available to qualifying learners, to attend Universities and other Tertiary institutions.

GOODWILL PROJECTS

A small percentage of the SED Budget will be made available for the implementation and support of our ‘Hearts and Minds Initiatives’. These projects will be supported according to merit.

WATER AND SANITATION

One of the greatest needs noted by the community and Local Municipality is the need for reliable water supply within the beneficiary communities.

Enterprise Development

A percentage of the revenue generated each year will be committed to implementing Enterprise Development (EnD) initiatives, to build resilience and accelerate the growth and success of entrepreneurial businesses, ultimately stimulating the local economic growth and creating opportunities for the economic participation of previously disadvantaged groups.

The main goal is to assist in the acceleration and growth of businesses from various sectors, aimed at youth-owned and run business. The purpose of the programme will be to provide support in the form of training and mentoring to the SMMEs and where possible create Access to Market opportunities through Expos and networking sessions.

SMMEs are assisted with compliance and registration; business development support; as well as mentoring and coaching.