June 2025.
Benefiting from a sector-specific skills development programme aimed at growing the country’s pool of young wind turbine technicians, Bonga Kosani (33), from Riviersonderend, has graduated as one of this year’s successful trainees. Having completed his training at Klipheuwel Wind Farm in Caledon, following the 2-month workplace experiential component of the programme, he is now a certified Wind Turbine Service Technician—well-positioned to pursue a career in the rapidly growing wind energy sector, which faces a strong demand for skilled technical professionals.
“We embrace our responsibility to contribute to stronger, more resilient communities. Alongside our various economic development projects, we are pleased to be able to help provide skills training opportunities, enabling access to the renewable energy workforce as well,” said Nonini Makhothe, Economic Development Specialist for Klipheuwel Wind Farm.
With a background in electrical work and hands-on experience as an assistant wind turbine technician, Bonga joined the programme with a clear career vision – to advance his skills, earn formal recognition and certification, and position himself to pursue new opportunities within the growing renewable energy sector.
“Bonga entered the programme with practical knowledge and left with a formal qualification that now enables him to confidently compete for advanced roles within the industry,” added Makhothe.
The comprehensive curriculum combined six months of theoretical and practical training with two months of workplace-based experience, which Bonga completed on-site at Klipheuwel Wind Farm.
“It’s been a challenging and rewarding journey, and I feel well-prepared to start contributing to the renewable energy industry. I’m looking forward to getting out in the field, continuing to learn, and being part of something that makes a real difference,” said Bonga Kosani.
Having supported this programme for the last 2 years running, the 2025/6 intake has confirmed three new trainees from the nearby communities, namely: Nomabathu Siyasanga and Neoentle Maqetela, both from Caledon, and Nozuko Mjeje from Grabouw.
Reflecting on his time on site at Klipheuwel Wind Farm, Bonga added, “I enjoyed my time at Klipheuwel Wind Farm. The technicians were amazing to work with – they were always ready to show me the wind turbine operations and answer all my questions. It was inspiring to learn from such experienced technicians.”
Klipheuwel Wind Farm’s investment in technical training forms part of its broader commitment to local economic development. The programme specifically targets youth from surrounding communities, including Botrivier, Caledon, Grabouw, Genadendal, Tesselaarsdal, Riviersonderend, and Villiersdorp.
