A community-focused internship programme is helping connect graduates with industry opportunities in the John Taolo Gaetsewe region, supporting young people to build skills, confidence and pathways into meaningful careers.
Launched in 2024, the Kathu Solar Park internship programme has welcomed 13 graduates from communities across the region, including Kuruman, Kathu and Deben. Now in its second intake, the programme attracted more than 500 applications, highlighting both the strong demand for opportunity and the growing recognition of the initiative within local communities.
“This internship is an opportunity to turn my academic knowledge into real impact for my community. With my background in Psychology and Sociology, I’m passionate about ensuring that economic development initiatives don’t just look good on paper but genuinely improve quality of life. I’m excited to learn how large-scale community projects are implemented and how they can create long-term opportunities for the people in my community,” said Tshepiso Wapad, a Kuruman local and this cohort’s Economic Development Intern.
Through this programme, internship participants gain hands-on workplace experience, professional mentorship, and exposure to both plant operations and community development initiatives.
Now employed full-time at Red Rocket as an Economic Development and Community Coordinator, Tlotlo Wildebees, reflects on his internship experience last year, “This internship programme truly changed the course of my life. Through the support of Kathu Solar Park and StudyTrust, I was able to complete my university studies and gain valuable work experience, which ultimately led to permanent employment. The programme not only helped me build practical skills and confidence in the workplace, but also connected me with mentors who believed in my potential and supported my growth.”
The nine new interns started their internship at the beginning of this month and will be officially welcomed at an event on-site next month.
“Supporting young people from our surrounding communities to gain skills and work experience is an important part of what we do. Through this internship programme, local graduates are allowed to develop their careers and be part of South Africa’s growing renewable energy sector,” added Sandisiwe Mntonintshi, SED Manager at Kathu Solar Park.
