CENNERGI IMPACTS COMMUNITIES THROUGH EDUCATION
Our renewable energy solutions business, Cennergi is helping to empower communities through a range of impactful educational initiatives, which aim to create a brighter future for young learners and foster socio-economic development in the regions it operates.
Cennergi’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme started in 2021 when Cennergi teamed up with Early Inspiration, a specialised early childhood development organisation, to enhance the quality of education within a 50 km radius of the Tsitsikamma Community Wind Farm. The programme ensures efficient centre management, curriculum development, practitioner training and since 2023, includes a focus on improving literacy. To date, Cennergi has invested R3.3 million in this programme, benefitting 225 learners from Clarkson primary school, 176 children across six ECD centres and 37 jobs created. The Amakhala Emoyeni Community Fund Trust (AECFT) has invested R5.5m towards the construction of new Nceduluntu ECD in Adelaide, benefiting 4 local SMMEs, 43 learners and created 95 temporary jobs.
Cennergi is committed to impactful skills development through collaboration. The three Amakhala Emoyeni Trusts (i.e., Amakhala Emoyeni Community Fund Trust, Amakhala Emoyeni Bedford Community Trust, Amakhala Emoyeni Cookhouse Community Trust) have partnered with the Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA) towards manufacturing of washing powder, liquid soap, pine gel, Etc. In March 2023, the Amakhala Emoyeni Trusts celebrated the handover of raw manufacturing equipment. CHIETA contributed R700 000, while the Amakhala Emoyeni Trusts contributed R1.3 million to this programme.
Cennergi’s bursary funding programmes supports financially deserving students from rural communities to pursue higher education. Cennergi, through the Tsitsikamma Wind Farm Trust (TWFT) and the Amakhala Emoyeni Community Fund Trust, has invested R5.5m and R3.1m respectively. To date, 25 students have benefitted from the bursaries, with 13 having successfully graduated.
Cennergi’s commitment to community development extends to the Bedford Chef School, a partnership between the Amakhala Emoyeni Bedford Community Trust and the Kempston Group. The Chef Apprenticeship training centre, funded by the Kempston Group and consumables provided by the Amakhala Emoyeni Bedford Trust, addresses the shortage of specialised skills in the Bedford community, helping to reduce unemployment and invest in youth development.
Cennergi’s bursary funding
programme recipients.
The Hope Factory hands
over raw materials to small
businesses in Bedford.
Jessica Bobo, a recipient of the
Impact Bursary Programme, now
working as a news reporter.
Bedford Chef School
apprentices.
“We are incredibly proud of the educational initiatives and projects that Cennergi, in collaboration with our partners, has undertaken. We will continue to invest in educational initiatives that uplift and empower our communities,” said a proud Leon Groenewald, Managing Director of Energy.
BELFAST MINE EMPOWERS
17 EMAKHAZENI SCHOOLS
Our Belfast mine recently donated school shoes and stationery, to the value of R96 000, to 17 schools within the Emakhazeni Local Municipality, helping to support disadvantaged learners.
Many of the local schools in the Emakhazeni Municipality cater to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, who struggle to afford essential stationery items and school uniforms.
“This is one of the many projects that Exxaro assists us with, and we value all the support provided. It is now on us to ensure that we improve the performance of our schools,” said Majama Sindane, Emakhazeni Circuit Manager.
Exxaro collaborated with the Provincial Department of Education to ensure exceptional academic outcomes and enable students to pursue higher education, ultimately empowering them to achieve success in life.
“Belfast mine’s generosity and commitment to empowering the community by positively impacting local education is commendable,” says Business Unit Manager, Musa Mabasa.
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