The world is moving towards cleaner, more environmentally friendly sources of energy as more people are becoming aware of the impact we’ve had on our earth. Climate change and the depletion of natural resources are worrying evidence of this. Those considered to be first-world nations have the means to achieve and maintain renewable sources of energy. But is sustainable energy a long-term, solution for third world countries – such as South Africa?
The answer is a resounding: Yes!
According to an article by All Africa, “developing nations are moving toward cleaner power but not nearly fast enough to limit global CO2 emissions or the consequences of climate change”. What may surprise many is that in the past few years, the growth of renewable energy investment in developing countries actually overtook that of developed countries. Wind farms, for example, became a popular source of energy especially in third world countries because of their sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Kenya, for instance, which also falls under the title of developing country, was ranked fifth in the world on the Climatescope survey. In the same article, it states that “Kenya recorded its highest ever clean energy investment with US$1.4 billion attracted for geothermal, wind and solar plants” after President Uhuru Kenyatta’s statement to achieve 100% green energy consumption status by 2020. Since then, Kenya has been “gradually increasing its non-large hydro renewables”.
Luckily, our country is not far behind, as “Vietnam, South Africa, Mexico and Morocco led the rankings with a combined investment of US $16 billion in 2018”, which can hopefully continue to push us in the right direction.
A sustainable future – for all
Third world countries can, therefore, sustain renewable sources of energy such as practiced at Dorper Wind Farm. What is key is that we all realise our interconnection with others and our community. As Cesar Chavez said: “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community… Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.”
Dorper Wind Farm understands that in order to move forward as a nation, we must give back to the community. Consequently, we are actively involved in the schools surrounding our farm by implementing bursary schemes and initiatives to further develop the young minds of our country. Since 2015, Dorper Wind Farm has assisted in benefitting 7 530 health care patients, 1 659 pre-primary learners, 10 027 primary school learners, 4 671 high school learners, 18 tertiary students and 78 educators in total.
Empowering through education and entrepreneurship
In terms of education, which is vital for the empowerment of youth, we assist communities by creating safe, quality learning environments for all learners, beginning with play-based learning methodologies at a pre-primary level, which are aimed at developing critical thinking skills from a young age. We also manage the Inkqwithelo Zoshintsho Bursary Scheme for Molteno and Sterkstroom youth matriculants, providing full bursaries to a selected group of post-school students. By supporting our education system, Dorper Wind Farm has become dynamically involved the progression of South Africa towards a more developed country.
Not only do we believe in the power of education, but entrepreneurship, too. This is why we also support local businesses with business management training, as well as maintenance and infrastructural development. From 2015, we have assisted 6 056 individuals with infrastructural development, 7 811 with operational support, 18 with enterprise development, and 3 800 with programmes catered to their needs. We start by looking at recipients’ finances, resources, and operational needs to identify where the most urgent needs are. Beneficiaries also have the opportunity to later partake in courses involving Entrepreneurial Readiness up to and including the start-up of the business. With this approach, we ensure that long-term solutions are put in place to empower those who want to build a brighter future for themselves.
We believe that improving the livelihoods of individuals in our community directly improves the way in which we as a country use and maintain our resources. Working together as South Africans to protect our environment, uplift our communities, and empowering the previously disadvantaged is critical to ensure that the next generation is proud to inherit our legacy.
For more information about Dorper Wind Farm, visit our website at www. dorperwindfarm.co.za and follow our company LinkedIn page by clicking here. You can also call us on +27 11 783 5251 or send an e-mail to info@dorperwindfarm.co.za
