Entrepreneurs and SMMEs in the Witzenberg Municipality have benefited from targeted training aimed at boosting competitiveness and resilience. This investment is designed to help stimulate economic activity, create employment opportunities, and nurture a culture of entrepreneurship in the surrounding communities.
The programme, funded by Perdekraal East Wind Farm, was structured around two key focus areas: supplier development and SMME development, both aimed at building local capacity and fostering economic growth.
“This initiative forms part of our broader commitment to uplifting communities not only economically, but also socially and educationally, with a strong emphasis on long-term sustainability and empowerment,” said Gwynne-Lee Borcherds, Economic Development Manager for Perdekraal East Wind Farm.
Eleven local suppliers benefited from in-person supplier development training sessions aimed at improving compliance and safety standards. The training focused on topics such as the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, and the management of hazardous chemicals in the workplace, empowering suppliers to meet industry standards, reduce operational risks, and improve product quality.
Additionally, six local small businesses participated in the SMME development training, which addressed essential business fundamentals, including Basic Bookkeeping, Financial Management, and Human Resource Principles. These sessions aimed to close critical knowledge gaps, empowering local entrepreneurs to run sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
“My mission has always been to serve the Bella Vista community through innovation, skills development, and meaningful job creation. Thanks to Perdekraal East Wind Farm’s training programme, we’ve gained vital knowledge in HR and bookkeeping, tools that are now helping us build a stronger, more sustainable business. Our goal is to continue growing, creating opportunities, and developing solutions that uplift our people and drive long-term impact,” Clinton Dimitr Fienies, Founder of 4REAL Verkkeling and Electronic Products, and one of the programme participants.
A notable outcome of this sustained approach to developing local enterprises is Perdekraal East Wind Farm’s improved BBBEE rating, which rose from Level 8 in 2023 to Level 6 in 2024. This advancement directly reflects the impact of its economic development initiatives and underscores a strong commitment to inclusive growth and the empowerment of local enterprises.
