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November 2024. A informative career day event aiming to expose Grade 9 and 11 learners from local high schools to an array of career paths, was held recently. Funded in collaboration with Perdekraal East Wind Farm, the Cape Career Exhibition Association, and the Cape Winelands District, the event provided learners
October 2024 Bella Vista High School recently hosted a special celebration to honour their local hero and Olympian, Adrian Wildschut. As the only South African athlete to qualify for the men’s 10,000-meter race at the recent Olympics, Adrian has become an inspiration to many in both his hometown and across
October 2024. As part of an ongoing commitment to community upliftment, a local wind farm recently provided comfort packs to mothers facing extended stays at the community hospital in Ceres. This act of care not only brought much-needed relief to these mothers but also underscored the broader societal conversation around
This year’s Witzenberg Entrepreneur Day, expanded into a two-day event to engage the broader Bella Vista and Nduli communities, demonstrated a strong commitment to local economic development. Driven by Perdekraal East Wind Farm, the event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders and local entrepreneurs to explore key topics such
July 2024. Primary school learners from the Witzenburg area recently enjoyed an educational programme celebrating Global Wind Day. Held at Morrisdale Primary School and Mooi Uitsig Primary School, this event aimed to increase awareness about the significance of wind energy and its vital role in combating climate change. Astrid Booysen,
July 2024. Khaya Toti, the owner of the only wood-fired pizzeria in Ceres, has grown his local pizza venture into a bustling community hub with the support of the local SMME stimulation initiative. Khaya, along with 14 other local entrepreneurs, has reaped the benefits of this Asset Based Community Development
June 2024. A biodiversity programme, aiming to protect and conserve the area surrounding the Ceres Mountain Fynbos Nature Reserve has been established. This initiative, funded by Perderkraal East Wind Farm in partnership with the Witzenberg Municipality, not only focuses on environmental conservation but also aims to uplift the local youth
March 2024. Two students from the Witzenberg area have recently celebrated completing their qualifications, a significant achievement supported by a local bursary programme dedicated to educational advancement. This initiative enables students from local high schools to pursue accredited bachelor’s degrees at recognised universities, highlighting a commitment to empowering youth and
February 2024. Witzenberg enjoyed its annual two-day market, attracting both residents and visitors. This beloved event provided a space for small businesses and entrepreneurs to present their products and services, encouraging community spirit within Ceres, Bella Vista, Nduli, Prince Alfred Hamlet and nearby areas, and helping to boost local tourism.
November 2023. Eight community members hailing from the Witzenberg area have recently reaped the rewards of a Supplier Development Programme. This initiative, conducted over the course of one week in August 2023, was designed to empower local entrepreneurs. Through this programme, participants acquired vital skills and training, focusing on workplace
September 2023. Hundreds of learners from across schools in the Witzenberg communities are now better equipped to make well-informed career and subject choices, thanks to a guidance programme for youth grappling with choices that will inevitably shape their futures. The Career Day for grades 9, 11 and 12 was recently
August 2023. The spirit of unity and community engagement came alive as stakeholders from the Department of Health and Social Development joined hands for a memorable Mandela Day celebration at the Tankwa Karoo Padstal. The event was a huge success, fostering connections and providing crucial services to the Karoo community.
July 2023. A highly successful Youth Day Summit focused on empowering young people and highlighting the positive impact they can have within their respective communities, was held on 28 June 2023. Led by the Witzenberg Local Municipality in collaboration with Perdekraal East Wind Farm, the event addressed the challenges faced
June 2023. Over 100 local entrepreneurs gathered at the Bella Vista Community Hall, in Witzenberg, for the annual Entrepreneurship Day event, aimed at educating local SMMEs about compliance, governance, available funding opportunities, as well as engagement with key government department stakeholders. Held on 8 June 2023, this event was funded
Read our 2022 Newsletter on the link below: English and Afrikaans Newsletter
June 2023. Over 300 community learners across 18 primary and high schools within the Witzenberg Local Municipality area have received a donation of much-needed school uniforms. Funded by Perdekraal East Wind Farm, this project seeks to empower learners by fostering a sense of unity and equality within the schools, enabling
May 2023. The annual Food Garden Project, which aims to support no fewer than 50 beneficiaries in the Witzenberg area, kicked off in April. The aim of the project is to promote a healthy lifestyle and restore human dignity by benefitting schools, crèches, old age homes, night shelters, and home
March 2023. Nduli Primary School in Ceres, Western Cape, recently celebrated the launch of a container library, with representatives from the school joined by community members and key local stakeholders. Funded by Perdekraal East Wind Farm in partnership with the school’s business partners, the support also included books, two computers,
March 2023. To showcase the local talent and budding local businesses within the Witzenberg community, a two-day annual market event was held, which provided an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate their shared culture and creativity. SMME’s from local and outside traded with over 2 000 people,
March 2023. Ikamvalethu Tunnel Farming, a local agri-enterprise based in Nduli, Western Cape has received a much-needed financial boost to assist in restoring its infrastructure and purchase necessary equipment. This support has also helped generate employment opportunities for fifteen locals during the restoration of the tunnels, which lasted for two
The South Africa Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) in partnership with Perdekraal Wind Farm, is excited to announce that Wind Industry Internship Programme (WIIP) will be running for the second time in 2023. WIIP first launched in 2022 January, where 15 interns were placed and mentored by SAWEA member organisations for
October 2022. The 2022 EnergyDrive, which is designed to be interactive, enticing and educational, has kicked off and will be visiting 120 learners across three local schools within the Witzenberg Municipal area, during this last week of October. “I believe the programme adds value to learning and learners get an
September 2022. Twelve students from communities within the Witzenberg area are direct recipients of a localised scholarship programme, funded by the area’s wind farm which aims to stimulate social change. The programme, which currently funds a total of nine students, has awarded bursaries to seven new recipients from this area,
August 2022. Community-Oriented Primary Care (COPC) is now a reality for community members in the Witzenberg area. There was much excitement around the delivery of a new mobile clinic that arrived in the Witzenberg area, as it means that community members in this area will receive free primary healthcare from
July 2022. Welgemoed Primary School, a tiny farm school close to Ceres was alive with activity this Mandela Day, to give the 48 learners a fresh new building. Parents, members of the governing body, and a team from Perdekraal East Wind Farm and Mainstream Renewable Power, spent their 67 minutes
June 2022. The arts hold a significant creative and cultural value within communities and can act as an important and effective tool to engage the youth. It is for this reason Perdekraal East Wind Farm is supporting a drama programme, aimed at unlocking the talents of the youth and high
June 2022. A group of twelve students, drawn from the Witzenberg area, recently graduated from a six-month Care Workers Training Programme, designed to develop youth employment opportunities in home-based care. Whatsmore, seven of the students have since been offered permanent work placements at local schools and hospices. Funded by Perdekraal
April 2022. Matjiesrivier NGK Primary School is celebrating the expansion of its infrastructure and classroom facilities. This small Karoo school recently received a newly built admin office, funded by Perdekraal East Wind farm, which is enabling the school to conduct administrative tasks and safely store records. Furthermore, the old admin
Perdekraal East Wind Farm is hosting an Entrepreneurial Day for all existing local SMME’s and individuals who are planning on starting their own businesses. The session will cover Compliance Information & Funding Opportunities presented by various government departments and private sectors. Venue: Bella Vista Community Hall Date: 8 APRIL 2022
March 2022. Ceres Secondary School learners and teachers are delighted to have a new dedicated kitchen, which was handed over to the school last month, 15 February 2022. With this fully equipped kitchen, the school can now provide learners with two nutritional meals per day in a safer and more
February 2022. The learners and teachers at Laastedrif NGK Primary School were thrilled to start the 2022 academic year in their newly renovated classrooms. The construction project, which was initiated by the school’s principal and commenced late last year, replaced asbestos class structures to make way for newly built brick
Applications are open: https://pewf.auraams.app/ WHO CAN APPLY 1-South African citizens. 2-From Western Cape towns within Witzenberg municipality: Ceres, Prince Alfred Hamlet, Ntuli, Vredebes, Bellavista, and farms in Ward 12. 3-Studying any full-time degree or diploma in 2022. 4-Currently enrolled at a public or private accredited institution in South Africa. 5-Pursuing
Choosing a career can be overwhelming and feel challenging when you are still in school. You have to decide to play an active role in choosing your career. If you put enough thought and effort into it, your chances of being successful will grow. Please see links below to a
September 2021. The custom-built EnergyDRIVE truck will spend three days, hosted by in the beautiful Witzenberg area, to teach high school learners from Ceres and its neighbouring communities of Nduli and Bella Vista, about the benefits of renewable energy technologies. Funded by Perdekraal East Wind Farm, learners will also have
July 2021. School learners across South Africa’s green energy map are getting ready to welcome the EnergyDRIVE, a partnership between the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) and the Durban University of Technology (DUT). Considering that high school learners are the leaders and decisions makers of tomorrow, the programme promotes
Perdekraal East Wind Farm is inviting youth in Ceres, Prince Alfred Hamlet, Nduli and Bella Vista to apply for the training opportunity in September/October 2021. The training includes: ➢ Basic Safety Training ➢ Basic Technical Training ➢ Bolt Tensioning Training – Preference will be given to unemployed youth between the
July 2021. A CAPS-aligned learner and teacher web-based platform is being implemented across nine schools, in Cape Winelands District. This Mathematics and Physical Science support programme is funded by Perdekraal East Wind Farm, in collaboration with the Western Cape Education Department to support over 6 000 learners and 120 teachers
Our ED project office is closed. Re-opening date will be communicated after 16 July 2021. Virtual meetings can be scheduled through Beauty Theto on 083 792 8286. No visits to staff houses are permitted.
June 2021. In celebration and honour of Youth Day 2021, four local NPOs, in partnership with Perdekraal East Wind Farm and a broad stakeholder’s corpus, bolstered youth communities across the Witzenberg area in an environmental clean-up initiative. The satellite events that took place across this winelands district included motivational speakers,
15 June 2021. In celebration of Global Wind Day 2021 (#GWD2021), Perdekraal East Wind Farm launched a wind power focus competition, at two local community high schools. Under the theme “CONSTRUCT A WIND TURBINE POWER PLANT MODEL”, Bella Vista High and Lingcinga Zethu High School, participated in this Global Wind
June 2021. Four hundred schools girls, most in need of assistance, were successfully identified and have received eco-friendly re-usable sanitary wear, a dignity to which all girls should have access. This is part of a Perdekraal East Wind Farm collaborative initiative that included the Western Cape Department of Education, school
May 2021. Perdekraal East Wind Farm has announced its support of a collaborative education leadership programme, together with the Western Cape Education Department (Cape Winelands District) to help support school principals at a time when leadership is vital. This one year programme, which launches in May 2021, is aptly named
15 June 2021. In celebration of Global Wind Day 2021 (#GWD2021), Perdekraal East Wind Farm launched a wind power focus competition, at three local community high schools. Under the theme “CONSTRUCT A WIND TURBINE POWER PLANT MODEL” Ceres Secondary, Bella Vista High and Iingcinga Zethu High School are participating in
April 2021. Oppie Koppie Crèche in Prince Alfred Hamlet is one of eleven community food garden programme beneficiaries, which kicked off six months ago. The Crèche has successfully incorporated the food garden programme into their curriculum, allowing the young children in the community to learn and reap enjoyment from their
PERDEKRAAL EAST WIND FARM BURSARY APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN Please read these notes and instructions carefully before completing the form. Be sure to read every section and that the information you provide is accurate. Closing Date: Sunday, May 2, 2021 Application Form
March 2021. Hundreds of children in the Witzenberg area, have received back-to-school packs as part of another collaboration between local NGO’s and stakeholders who continue to work together to support local communities. ‘The pandemic hit us all hard, many still suffer from the “after-shocks” and many households in our community
February 2021 A shared vision to bring smiles to over 1 000 children in the Witzenberg area warmed the hearts of community members, local NGOs, and other partners alike who believe that a hungry child can’t thrive. Perdekraal East Wind Farm’s ‘1000 Smiles’ campaign, was the brainchild of one of
December 2020. In a Public-Private-Partnership, Perdekraal East Wind Farm has announced its’ funding of eleven sustainable food gardens, in support of the Department of Agriculture’s drive to increase food security in the area. The food gardens are being established in partner communities in the Witzenberg Municipality, and gardens at a
November 2020. In a collaboration with Breadline Africa, Perdekraal East Wind Farm co-funded the construction of a special-needs classroom, at Vrolike Vinkies ECD Centre, in Ceres. The launch took place on 6 November 2020, when 20 children were be welcomed into their new classroom for the first time. Previously, this
Oktober 2020. Perdekraal East Wind Farm wil die stigting van die Perdekraal East Trust vir Hernubare Energiesake finaliseer deur ‘n Raad van Trustees te kies. Belangstellende en kwalifiserende lede van die gemeenskap kan aansoek doen om die rol van Trustee. Navrae en vrae: middagete op Donderdag 29 Oktober 2020 (per
October 2020. Perdekraal East Wind Farm is looking to finalise the establishment of the Perdekraal East Renewable Energy Community Trust by selecting a Board of Trustees. Interested and qualifying community members can apply for the role of Trustee. Submission of Questions and Queries – no later than midday on Thursday
The 110MW Perdekraal East Wind Farm, outside of the Western Cape’s picturesque town of Ceres, commenced its 20-year Commercial Operations period (8 October 2020). This mega-utility scale wind farm is set to make an impact on South Africa’s national grid, whilst continuing to grow the social resilience of the surrounding
October 2020. South Africa’s first bid window four wind farm, part of government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), has announced its Commercial Operations Date, leading the way for a further eleven wind farms to come on stream. Collectively, 1.3 GW of new wind power capacity, will be
1 October 2020. Almost two years after construction commenced on Perdekraal East Wind Farm, in the Western Cape’s Witzenberg Municipality, this project has completed its Grid Code Tests, the final milestone before achieving its Commercial Operations Date (COD), which is earmarked for the coming weeks. “We are pleased to be
September 2020 Perdekraal East Wind Farm welcomed Minister David Maynier, Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities to site last week . In a statement issued by the Minister’s office, he said, “My visit to the Perdekraal East Wind Farm reiterated the importance of the call made 11
September 2020. As the bitterly cold weather sweeps across the Western Cape, bringing widespread rains and snowfalls on the Ceres mountains, the communities of Bella Vista, Nduli including Vredebes, Prince Alfred Hamlet and Ceres are grateful for the promise of a warm meal each day. With funding from the Perdekraal
August 2020 The Perdekraal East Wind Farm is inviting community members in the Partner Communities (Ceres, Prince Alfred Hamlet, Nduli and Bella Vista) who have existing food gardens and start-ups to submit applications for funding. Closing Date: 28 August 2020, 16H00 RFP Food Gardens
July 2020 Mandela Day 2020 was celebrated amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, serving as a reminder that we all need to work together and contribute to building better and safer communities throughout our country. With this in mind, Perdekraal East Wind Farm has put their support behind the local NPO, Witz
July 2020 This year’s National Arts Festival was a virtual celebration of the South African arts and featured local Ceres band, Basic Aim, who joined performing artists from around the country on the online platform. With funding from Perdekraal East Wind Farm this group of talented musicians, were able to
June 2020 Perdekraal East Wind Farm, in the Western Cape’s Witzenberg Municipality, has received its main transformer, via road transportation from Pretoria, marking another important milestone in its construction process. This 500MVA mega transformer was locally manufactured in South Africa, which has added to Perdekraal East Wind Farm’s already very
June 2020 As South Africa enters Level 3 lockdown, sectors across the country, including wind power construction teams, are facing more stringent health and safety regulations than ever before, due to the very real threat presented by COVID-19 to workers, businesses, and the broader community of people. “Health & Safety
May 2020 Ceres, Prince Alfred Hamlet, Nduli and Bella Vista SMMEs are invited to apply to manufacture non-medical masks for the community. More details and criteria to apply can be found here: Ceres, Prince Alfred Hamlet, Nduli and Bella Vista SMME’s word uitgenooi om aansoek te doen om nie-mediese maskers vir die
April 2020 Marinda Mankapan, a local seamstress from the small Witzenberg town of Ceres, has successfully registered a small business to make protective masks. She started producing cloth masks to help local community members last month and has now increased her production to supply a factory in the Agriculture sector,
March 2020 Perdekraal East Wind Farm announced the installation of its 48th wind turbine, two weeks ahead of schedule, on 24 March 2020. The final lifting was a celebratory moment for the largely South African crew, who have since left the construction site, in compliance with the COVID-19 regulations, which
25 March 2020: Community Office Closure – Covid-19 Our offices have been closed, in compliance with South Africa’s national state of disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act, implemented 15 March 2020. For any enquiries, the Project Officer, Beauty Theto can be reached on 083 792 8286 or
March 2020 Following the successful CHANGEMAKER workshops, Perdekraal East Wind Farm is inviting community heroes back for a second session. Read more here: Perdekraal_Follow up Workshop
26 February 2020 Perdekraal East Wind Farm has announced the successful completion of the transportation of all 480 turbine components. The final loads arrived on site on 21st February having traversed the country from the West Coast of Cape Town. “This massive logistical undertaking saw these 480 loads safely covering
Perdekraal East Wind Farm has announced that it has achieved over a million hours without a single lost-time-incident, a health and safety highlight in this renewable energy project’s construction programme. The millionth hour was achieved on 19 November 2019 at 17:00. The spotless record has continued and is now closer
November 2019 2020 promises to be an exciting year for Perdekraal East Wind Farm as it heads into its final six months of construction. The last of the 480 wind turbine components will reach the wind farm’s construction site early February 2020 and all 48 turbines are expected to be
November 2019 Perdekraal East Wind Farm, which is currently under construction, has launched a secondary school awareness programme, aimed at exposing learners to the basics of renewable energy. The programme targets almost high school learners to not only provide information about producing clean power, but also to let the youth
September 2019 Perdekraal East Wind Farm celebrated the erection of its first wind turbine, a pivotal point in the construction process and one that has been successfully undertaken by a South African dominant team. “We are very proud that both specialist crane operators are South Africans, an indication that our
August 2019 We are having Community Meetings in our beneficiary communities. You are invited to attend in your community on the following dates:- Nduli: Nduli Community Hall, 26 August 2019 at 6pm Ceres: Town Hall, 29 August 2019 at 6pm Bella Vista: Bella Vista Community Hall, 2 September 2019 at
August 2019 Gender equality in the construction and energy sectors is an important component of South Africa’s energy transformation agenda. Perdekraal East Wind Farm, one of the Western Cape’s largest wind farms currently in construction, supports this agenda, with women taking up a number of key roles in the team.
In a collaborative effort, Perdekraal East Wind Farm’s team worked alongside local organisations, to commemorate Mandela Day, by hosting soup kitchens in four local communities. Despite being bitterly cold, community members from of Ceres, Nduli, Bella Vista and Prince Alfred Hamlet joined in. Working together with the Ceres Night Shelter,
June 2019 Perdekraal East Wind Farm has announced the completion of all 48 of its wind turbine foundations. The final foundation was completed on 17 June 2019, a full three weeks ahead of schedule. The majority of the labour is employed from the local communities of Ceres, Nduli, Bella Vista
June 2019 Hundreds of wind turbine components are making their way from the West Coast’s Port of Saldanha and Atlantis, destined for the 110MW Perdekraal East Wind Farm, situated in the Witzenberg Local Municipality, northeast of Ceres, just two hours from Cape Town. The first tower sections departed from Atlantis,
January 2019. Perdekraal East Wind Farm announced the successful completion of its first foundation, which boasts a massive carbon footprint saving. Perdekraal East Wind Farm poured the first of its foundations on 22 November 2018, followed by a 28-day strength test to ensure that the foundations achieved the required design
November 2018 Perdekraal East Wind Farm, in the Western Cape, is home to no less than sixteen different species of snakes, four of which are highly venomous. Hence, Environmental Site Officer, Chandré Kok has recently undergone additional training to ensure that she is equipped with the adequate skills to manage
September 2018 Perdekraal East Wind Farm, situated within the Witzenberg Local Municipality, is preparing the way to begin major construction activity on the Western Cape’s largest BW4 wind farm. Since achieving financial closure in June this year, the construction team has been working on establishing on site infrastructure, clearing and
June 2018. Circa 6.6 billion Rand investment with construction of wind farm due to start in June 2018 Global wind and solar company Mainstream Renewable Power today announces the successful completion of financial close for two wind farms in South Africa with a combined capacity of 250 megawatts (MW). A
Perdekraal Clean Energy Flyer – Afrikaans
Energy Fact #4
Growing
Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity worldwide.
Enough to power approximately