Sasol is increasing its investment in community energy centres by R8-million, bringing the total to R23-million, the company said on Thursday.
Sasol, in partnership with the Department of Minerals and Energy, has already launched three centres, and two more will now follow in Mafikeng and Qunu.
The project aims to provide a range of services in areas identified as poverty nodes — where the need for development is greatest.
The programme links the provision of wider energy choices with other infrastructure and development initiatives, such as water supply and new schools and clinics.
Built on a community cooperative model, integrated energy centres provide a sales outlet for energy products, such as paraffin, gas, petrol, diesel and energy efficient appliances.
The facility also provides for a spaza shop selling basic foodstuffs, as well as pension payout points.
Sasol CEO Pat Davies said apart from the access these centres provide to clean energy, people also benefited from the introduction of other services and technologies previously not available in their community.
”Access to telephones, electricity, banking services and the internet and e-mail contributes significantly to the socio-economic development of the area,” Davies said.
Underlying the project is a strong focus on skills development, job creation and sustainable development.
Community members are involved throughout the entire process, from inception to ongoing management and maintenance of the centres.
The emphasis lies on empowering communities with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully run the centres, and once one they are established, ownership is transferred to the community it aims to serve. — Sapa