With a strong passion for community development and a commitment to creating meaningful social change, Kegomoditswe Makhondo has been selected for an 18-month local Social Performance Internship Programme. Funded by Waterloo Solar, this youth development initiative is aimed at equipping young professionals with practical skills while strengthening community development efforts in Vryburg and surrounding areas.
Through the internship, Kegomoditswe plays an active role in stakeholder engagement, community liaison, socio-economic development project support, data reporting, and compliance. Her work supports the effective implementation and monitoring of projects that directly benefit local communities, while also giving her invaluable, hands-on professional experience.
“What excites me most about community development and stakeholder engagement is the opportunity to work directly with communities, understand their needs, and contribute to initiatives that improve their livelihoods. I find fulfillment in building strong relationships with stakeholders and being part of projects that enable communities to grow and become self-sustaining,” said Kegomoditswe Makhondo.
Before joining the solar plant, Kegomoditswe worked with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) as a Project Support Officer, where she coordinated and monitored projects across district and local municipalities. She holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in Development Studies from North West University and an Introduction to Project Management Certificate, which has provided a strong foundation for her role in social performance and development work.
“My academic background in development studies and community development has deepened my interest in social performance, particularly in how organisations engage communities and implement socio-economic development programmes. I was especially drawn to Waterloo Solar because of its commitment to empowering local communities through sustainable development initiatives in the Vryburg area.”
She brings strong communication and organisational skills, resilience, and multilingual abilities that support inclusive engagement across diverse community groups. Her academic recognition as a Golden Key International Honour Society member reflects her commitment to excellence and continuous personal and professional growth.
“During the internship, I hope to gain practical, hands-on experience in social performance, stakeholder management, and socio-economic development project implementation. I aim to further develop my professional skills while contributing positively to the solar plant’s objective of empowering and strengthening communities,” she added.
Now in its third year, this internship programme forms part of Waterloo Solar’s broader youth development strategy. The programme provides young people with real-world experience, mentorship, and exposure to the renewable energy sector’s social impact work, highlighting the important role renewable energy companies can play in nurturing local talent and supporting long-term socio-economic development.
