Premier Alan Winde of the Western Cape Government (WCG) dedicated his recent agenda to evaluating crucial power initiatives in Stellenbosch and Saldanha Bay, underscoring the province’s commitment to energy security amidst the ongoing challenges.
In Cloetesville, the Premier visited the Aan-Het-Pad Clinic, a beneficiary of a hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) inverter installation project aimed at safeguarding essential services from load shedding disruptions. Charlene Fortuin, Operational Manager at the clinic, highlighted the system’s ability to maintain vital operations, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for residents.
Across the province, 195 health facilities now boast generator capacity to sustain operations during power cuts, with 10 hospitals granted exemptions from stage 6 load shedding. Premier Winde emphasized the importance of protecting education during his visit to Laerskool Cloetesville, where a hybrid solar PV inverter initiative, in collaboration with the University of Stellenbosch, has enabled significant energy savings for the school.
Building on collaborative efforts, the Western Cape Government initiated a project last year to distribute load shedding relief packs to indigent households, schools, and government-funded facilities. During a visit to L’Abrie De Dieu Safe House, Premier Winde and Provincial Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, commended the facility for its proactive approach in preparing for power outages.
In Saldanha Bay, Premier Winde inspected a clinic equipped with a hybrid solar PV inverter and a water treatment facility fitted with a generator, both ensuring continuity of essential services during power disruptions. Meetings with municipal officials and representatives from ArcelorMittal revealed plans for a new energy project, a 1.5GW gas-to-power initiative, indicative of ongoing efforts to explore alternative energy sources and attract investments in the Western Cape.
Premier Winde underscored the province’s commitment to becoming the first to end load shedding, emphasizing the significance of innovative energy projects in achieving this goal.