Community

Empowering and strengthening the local communities through capacity building, skills transfer and funding of various beneficiary programmes in the surrounding areas.

The Beneficiary Communities, situated within the 50km radius of the wind farm, have been identified through a Needs Analysis programme.

These communities include Hopefield, Saldanha, Vredenburg, Velddrif, Moorreessburg, Aurora  and Piketberg.

The aim is to empower and to build capacity of these communities through the funding of various socio-economic and enterprise development programmes that positively address local skills gaps and needs, and empower the communities to be economically independent and take ownership of their future.

The approach is holistic and is characterised by continuous engagement, the sharing of knowledge and experience, and a focus on relevance and practicality supported projects. All of Umoya Energy Wind Farm’s local economic development programmes are results and impact-driven; designed to be sustainable and to make a lasting difference in the communities within which the company operates.

Education

Umoya Energy’s education development programmes include funding of ECD (Early Childhood Development)) Practitioners’ Training, capacity-building programmes, educator salaries, scholarship programme, and School-based Social Services Support Programme.

The programme has had a profound impact on both the practitioners and the children they serve. It significantly increased the confidence and capacity of the 18 ECD practitioners, many of whom have since taken on leadership roles or opened their own early learning centres. The quality of care and education provided to nearly 900 children has noticeably improved, ensuring better school readiness and stronger developmental outcomes. Beyond its direct educational benefits, the initiative also strengthened the reputation of participating centres and reinforced Umoya Energy’s commitment to empowering communities through sustainable investment in early childhood education.

SCHOOL-BASED SOCIAL SERVICES SUPPORT PROGRAMME

The school-based Social Support Programme at Hopefield Primary commenced in 2025 and will continue during 2026. The programme focuses on several interventions targeting learner well-being and behaviour.  A local social worker has been appointed to implement the programme.

TOY LIBRARY

The intended outcome of this investment is to support Early Childhood Development by providing educational toys, resources and games to foster play-based learning. The tools provided will enhance various forms of learning and promote inclusive education. Children of all backgrounds with diverse needs will be able to come together, learn and grow through play. This will enhance their social skills, sense of empathy and foster unity and a sense of belonging.

SANITARY PAD VENDING MACHINE PROGRAMME

Since 2023, the partnership between Umoya Energy and Menstruation Foundation ensures that girls have access to free sanitary products throughout the schooling year so that they have equal teaching opportunities to enhance work productivity, to manage their menstruation with dignity and to create an environment where students feel supported and empowered. To date, seven (7) sanitary pad vending machines have been installed at schools within a 50km radius.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

The leadership programme, implemented by Columba Leadership and proudly funded by Umoya Energy, aims to improve school completion and pass rates among learners from under-resourced communities by fostering values-based leadership. So far, four (4) schools have been part of this inspiring journey where both learners and educators build confidence and recognise their ability to drive positive change within their schools and communities. Through practical leadership experiences that address real-life challenges, the programme develops essential 21st-century skills and prepares youth for life beyond school. Additionally, it supports a smoother transition from school to further studies or economic opportunities, with many participants continuing to make a positive impact through Columba’s post-matric alumni network.

FUNDING OF EDUCATOR SALARIES

Umoya Energy responds to the needs of the local schools in the surrounding area through funding of educator salaries, educational excursions and events.

Since 2014, Umoya Energy has provided funding to:

• Holvlei Primary
• Hopefield Primary School
• Langebaan Primary School
• Middel- Pos Primary School
• New Vredenburg High School
• Velddrif High School

THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

Umoya Energy identified various skill shortages in the local communities of the surrounding area. To address these skills gaps and help to create marketable skills within the young men and women of the area, Umoya Energy has a Scholarship programme.

The Umoya Scholarship Programme provides tertiary education funding for young students from designated groups living within a 50km radius of the wind farm. The fields of study include engineering, science, technology and nursing. To date, we have funded 19 students, of whom 12 have graduated.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

Launched in 2023, Umoya’s 18-month Internship Programme became a dynamic initiative designed to empower young people from the West Coast by providing meaningful work experience, mentorship,  training and development to prepare the incumbent to achieve certain skills and a deeper understanding related to social performance previously named Community Development Operations.  In 2025, the programme expanded to include a technical intern to broaden the scope of opportunity for youth with technical aspirations.

Infrastructure

The multifaceted Hopefield Home Improvement Project included skills training, employment creation, and enterprise development. The programme, which was implemented in two phases, was completed February 2020. Hundreds of families in the Hopefield community benefited from home improvements such as plumbing, carpentry works, the installation of solar water geysers, the insulation of ceilings and electrical reticulation.

The impact across the two phases:

– 591 homes Phase 1

– 263 homes Phase 2 were completed for HIP P2 as at February 2020

Hopefield Home Improvement Project also included community development programmes. Previously unemployed residents were trained to work as artisans making improvements to homes in this small town.

The programme also included fixed term contracts with local businesses, all of which received business support, training and mentorship. These businesses employed local people.

Enterprise Development

Umoya Energy’s SMME Development programme equips startup businesses with EnD master classes (skills such as costing, business proposal writing, including mentoring and coaching, etc.) to help entrepreneurs unlock their potential and build sustainable businesses that contribute to local economic growth, enhanced by psycho-social support to strengthen entrepreneur wellbeing and resilience.

There is also a grant funding element as part of our exit strategy to support business growth, equipment, compliance, or operational needs.

Welfare

Welfare

Since 2015 Hopefield Wind Farm/Umoya Energy has provided funding to:

Hopefield SAPS – Victim friendly room

West Coast Disability Forum

Aurora High School – Hostel

IRI – Saldanha West Coast

Mfesane Risiha – Hopefield

Eskom Science Expo – Saldanha bay

West Coast Career Expo – Saldanha Bay

Silwerblare Bejaarde Klub – Hopefield

Mfesane NPC – Vredenburg