Taking the role of Economic Development Specialist on at Klipheuwel Wind Farm in the Overberg region, Nonini Makhothe is the primary link between the facility and its surrounding beneficiary communities.
Her primary role is the implementation and management of the economic-development programmes, which directly benefit the communities of Genadendal, Caledon, Botrivier, Grabouw, Hermanus, Kleinmond, Riviersonderend, Tesselaarsdal and Villiersdorp.
Makhothe said: “I am passionate about spaces that offer development opportunities to people. I believe in empowering people instead of creating dependence. This can include activities such as providing young people with opportunities to access tertiary education through bursaries.
“This opens up a window of possibilities for people, especially those coming from impoverished backgrounds.”
She brings her experience, which spans over five years in both development and the renewable energy sector to this role, and has already started engaging with beneficiaries to better understand the social and economic dynamics of priority communities around the wind farm.
It is not coincidental that she has chosen to work within the wind-power sector, as she is an advocate for sustainability. “I believe renewable energy is the future,” she said. “It provides the country with a solution to meeting energy demands through sustainable means of generation. This will move us one step closer to enhancing our energy security.”
