A community-focused internship programme in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, serving the communities of Kathu, Kuruman, and Deben, is celebrating the successful completion of its first cycle while also announcing that applications for the second intake are now open.
Ten local graduates have successfully completed the Kathu Solar Park Internship Programme, with three already securing permanent employment opportunities elsewhere. This outcome highlights the value of the practical experience and skills gained during their time on site.
Among the graduates was Olorato Setlholoeng, who served as a Chemical Engineering Intern at Kathu Solar Park under Kathu Operations (KOPS). Reflecting on her journey, she said: “The internship gave me the chance to apply what I had learnt in a real working environment. I’ve gained confidence, practical skills, and a clearer sense of the career path I want to follow. It has made a big difference not only for me, but also for my family, who are very proud.”
The programme provides meaningful opportunities for technical and socio-economic development interns alike. Technical interns for example participate in a major steam turbine maintenance outage, gaining practical problem-solving experience and a deeper understanding of plant operations. At the same time, socio-economic development interns lead community-focused projects, building skills in performance reporting and strategic planning with tangible local impact.
Socio-Economic Development Manager for KSP, Sandisiwe Mntonintshi, emphasised the value of the programme’s first cycle and the reasons behind its expansion. “The impact of the initial pilot cohort has been carefully assessed, leading to the decision to broaden the programme and increase participant numbers. This decision underscores our dedication to community growth and our vision for a sustainable future driven by skilled local talent. We are proud to be offering both rigorous technical training and personal development opportunities, ensuring that graduates leave better prepared to contribute to their communities and to the renewable energy sector as a whole.”
Investing in local talent creates a lasting foundation for both the sector and the surrounding communities. For the sector, it helps to build a skilled workforce that understands the local context, reducing reliance on external expertise and ensuring projects can be maintained and expanded over time.
For communities, it opens pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and skills development, which stimulate the local economy and uplift households. Over the long term, this approach fosters shared value: the sector benefits from stability, efficiency, and community support, while communities gain opportunities for growth, resilience, and ownership in the energy transition.
Nine placements are available—eight with KOPS and one with the KSP Socio-Economic Development team. Local graduates are encouraged to apply to gain workplace experience, build their careers, and contribute to South Africa’s renewable energy sector.
“The programme is not just about getting work experience, it’s about growth, learning, and opening doors to future opportunities. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone, ask questions, and make the most of the mentorship and resources available. Even if you don’t have all the answers, what matters most is your willingness to learn and your attitude. It’s an opportunity to gain skills, build networks, and discover what you’re capable of,” concluded Mntonintshi.
