When the circular economy and serving the community go hand in hand: our commitment in Africa

Reducing and recycling waste is a priority area for us at Enel Green Power South Africa (EGP RSA) and is part of our commitment to the circular economy. If we can no longer use something, then, rather than throwing it away, we prefer to give it to another organization that can, especially if this is for a good cause. And that is why our Paleisheuwel Solar Plant, in the Cederberg Municipality, approximately 200 kilometers north of Cape Town, donated a large collection of office furniture to the Cederberg Matzikama Aids Network (CMAN). CMAN is a local development agency located in Citrusdal, approximately 50 kilometers from Paleisheuwel. It has a strong focus on health and wellbeing, offering programs that relate to HIV/Aids, Tuberculosis DOT (Directly Observed Therapy), and food security community-oriented care. The donation included office desks, chairs and assorted tables. The new additions will make the CMAN office a more comfortable environment and enable greater collaboration in the workplace. Sustainability is always the focus This project began as the result of a routine stock count of the various pieces of furniture that were no longer in use at the Paleisheuwel plant. The furniture was then collected, prepared and, where necessary, refurbished. This work was carried out by onsite service providers at the Paleisheuwel plant and our O&M team. “Working at EGP, which is geared toward sustainability, the concept of the circular economy tends to permeate your thinking and perspective. So even when I’m not thinking about our work, I’m always considering ways to ensure we act in a sustainable manner. Once I took a tally of the amount of unused furniture at the Paleisheuwel solar plant, I realized that there was an opportunity to give it a second lease of life and we immediately began to think about what we could do with it to achieve the best outcome.” Tshepiso Mphelo – Plant Manager, Paleisheuwel Solar Plant Enel Green Power Nor is this the first time we have worked with CMAN: we also built the Sandveld Health Centre with the Network. This fully functional, permanent clinic opened in 2019. Previously, people in Paleisheuwel could only access healthcare once every six weeks via a mobile clinic. The medical facility - including its conception, building, naming and staffing - has been a model of creating shared value with the community. It stands as a testament to how an unsustainable situation can be effectively addressed through collaboration. Sandveld has successfully brought significant improvements to the living conditions of the community of Paleisheuwel. This is primarily because it is more than just a clinic: the space is also used by various local groups that gather there in order to meet up, exercise and dance. A welcome donation “Your generous donation makes it possible for our non-profit organization to exist and furthermore enables us to offer much-needed services to those in need. Thank you again for your support and your commitment to our communities.” Christaan Oerson, Director at the Cederberg Matzikama Aids Network We are committed to initiating and supporting various impactful shared value initiatives for the Sandveld Health Centre, CMAN and the greater Paleisheuwel community. Through this, as a sustainable energy supplier, we aim to be a force for positivity, enterprise development and job creation in the communities that host us.

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When the circular economy and serving the community go hand in hand: our commitment in Africa

When the circular economy and serving the community go hand in hand: our commitment in Africa