The Klipheuwel Wind Farm benefits local communities near the wind farm in many ways. This includes enterprise and socio-economic development programmes which promote access to the economy for local people; procurement and employment opportunities that contribute funds into the local area; as well as the establishment of a local community trust.
A percentage of Klipheuwel Wind Farm operational revenue is spent on these programmes, which are designed and implemented in consultation with the local municipality, community members and business leaders. Programmes are focused on communities that are located within a 50km radius of the wind farm.
Socio-economic development initiatives promote access to the economy for all people.
Enterprise development includes initiatives to assist and accelerate the sustainability of local enterprises and will initially look at the support of emerging black farmers in the area.
The socio-economic focus is on educational support and socio-economic programmes, including:
20 percent of the Klipheuwel Wind Farm is owned by Malibongwe Women Development Trust, Ikamva Labantu Empowerment Trust & The Klipheuwel Wind Farm Community Trust who form part of the corporate entity, Tundrasign. This percentage is significantly higher that the government’s minimum threshold of 2.5% local ownership which is required for all of the renewable projects in its REIPPPP Programme.
In addition, many indirect jobs were created or sustained at local manufacturers and suppliers through the wind farm and its contractor’s procurement of goods and services from the local community.
During construction, Klipheuwel Wind Farm made a commitment to employ as many people from the local community as possible. A local community liaison officer has been appointed to facilitate this process.
Now in operation, Klipheuwel Wind Farm employs a number of people to operate and maintain the wind farm.
These programmes will continue for the 20-year life of the project and will focus on local communities.
