Global Wind Day celebrated on West Coast

In celebration of Global Wind Day in June, the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) and renewable energy company Engie partnered with Aurora Wind Farm to host a Media Day, attended by many of the greater Cape Town media as well as Weslander.

On Wednesday, 11 June, they also had the opportunity to visit the West Coast wind farm, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary of commissioning this year, to learn more about the important roles such entities play. Currently, Aurora serves nine communities within the Saldanha Bay and Bergrivier municipalities.
Luyanda Jonas, CEO of Aurora Wind Power, told the media gathering a few days later that since its inception, the entity had supported a range of programmes through its socio-economic development efforts.
These focus on education, from early childhood to university, as well as job creation and skills development through small businesses and entrepreneurship. The goal is to help uplift vulnerable communities by giving people access to education and real job opportunities.”
Rahshana Damonse, social-performance manager of West Coast One Wind Farm, said the region is fortunate to have two such resources within a 50 km radius of each other. “The wind farms are contributing to the development and well-being of local communities through various initiatives and programmes.”
Jonas highlighted that wind energy is an important part of South Africa’s move towards renewable and reliable power. “It helps reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and makes electricity more stable. Wind energy also adds variety to the energy mix, which is key to achieving energy security. Beyond electricity, the sector boosts the economy and supports local communities through development and empowerment programmes. Industry groups such as SAWEA also help shape fair and effective energy policies.”
For the past decade, Aurora has delivered clean energy to the national grid while contributing meaningfully to socio-economic development on the West Coast. Its 10-year milestone reflects broader progress being made in advancing a just, inclusive and low-carbon-energy future in South Africa.