Sefcovic’s visit followed the launch of the commission’s renewable energy and climate change project for the sustainable use of resources to improve resilience in South Africa. The project is sponsored by the European Commission in partnership with Oxfam, an international aid and development charity.
The project supplied Khangezile Primary School with solar panels, biogas digesters, food gardens and water harvesters hoping to teach the community how to use natural energy to sustain themselves daily. The project also aims to uplift women by teaching them farming techniques.
The school also has a vegetable garden run by local women, which benefits the school’s feeding scheme and women within the community.
Since the installation of the solar panels and biogas digesters at the school, the school has been able to significantly reduce its electricity consumption.
School principal George Skakhane explained that the solar panels have not only cut their electricity consumption, but also helps when the area experiences load shedding.
“We are fortunate to be one of the schools sponsored for such an enriching programme and I hope more will be done to enrich the community,” said Skakhane
Ward councillor Ivy Nkosi said she is impressed with the project and the way in which it has benefited the school and women in the community.
