Communities category: Funisile Zothe (Kavali Village)
Funisile Zothe, a general worker at Three Crowns Junior Secondary School in Lady Frere, Kavali Village, in the Eastern Cape, was recognised as the energy champion: communities category. Zothe is the driving force behind several innovative renewable energy efficiency projects in the area.
His school accommodates approximately 150 learners and has been involved in this special project to promote a sustainable environment for four years. Some of the initiatives that he has implemented include a biogas facility, waste water treatment, a 2kW wind/solar hybrid system, and 12 vermiculture worm farms.
He has also introduced a solar cooker consisting of a solar dish and a stand on which people can put pots to cook hot meals. Zothe says it is mothers who appreciate this cooker the most as it saves them both time and energy.
Additionally, Zothe initiated a biological waste water treatment facility where the waste water is used to water plants. The project was started by collecting cold drink bottles and recycling them to build a greenhouse. Hel teaches children about these technologies and practices to promote implementation in their homes and other areas. They also grow their own vegetables using waste water for irrigation.
The project has already been implemented in four other communities in the Chris Hani district. Zothe plans to continue to expand the projects until the schools in the district use these initiatives.
Runner-Up: Deborah Ann Schuiling (Elkanah House)