Twenty-six youths from the Emthanjeni municipality, in the Northern Cape, were awarded full tertiary bursaries last month by solar energy project developer Solar Capital and its subsidiary Solar Capital De Aar 3.

These bursaries were among the 80 distributed at the well-attended Ministerial Bursary and Award Event in De Aar, organised by the Department of Energy.

Solar Capital chairperson Paschal Phelan explains that all the bursaries are funded by private companies involved in the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) in the local area.

He points out that economic development targets form part of the REIPPPP, such as providing the youth and other community members the opportunity to develop skills, gain qualifications and industry knowledge in a variety of fields.

“Education is an important component of these targets, as well as one of the key values of the REIPPPP’s Economic Development programme,” says Phelan.

Solar Capital De Aar and Solar Capital De Aar 3 will also fund the residential and living costs of the students, starting this year.

“Our students were chosen on merit and past community involvement. “They are now registered for a variety of degrees and diplomas, from law and commerce to information technology and administration,” says Phelan.

Twenty-three of the bursary recipients will attend universities, while three will attend technical and vocational education and training colleges.

“We have also ensured that professional assistance is available to . . . assist students with the various psychological and emotional challenges they might face during this adjustment period,” Phelan notes.

Northern Cape Premier Sylvia Lucas; Sport, Arts and Culture MEC Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba and Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson attended the event.

“We believe in boosting the local economy of the community in which we are involved. We have invested in an entrepreneurial programme where graduates are being offered support in navigating the tough first few years of business operations,” Phelan points out.

Solar Capital is supporting entrepreneurs in the waste removal and recycling, accounting and business management, as well as the events and photography sectors.