The 66 megawatt solar photovoltaic plant (PV) project site in Lephalale, Limpopo, is a ray of light in the country’s efforts to resolve the energy challenge.

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi visited the project situated about 5km east from South Africa’s border with Botswana before she officially opened the National Imbizo Focus Week at the nearby village of Ga-Seleka on Monday.

The project is one of many highlighted by President Jacob Zuma in the Nine-Point Plan, which seeks to ignite growth and create jobs by focusing on resolving the energy challenge.

“This week, the focus will be on the Nine-Point Plan to grow the South African economy and create jobs… The energy challenge is the top priority of the Nine-Point Plan announced by President Zuma earlier this year… This is indeed the ‘Year of Unity in Action’ with the private sector to advance economic freedom,” she said.

Solar project

The CEO of Tom Burker Solar Park, Lamberto Dai Pra, said they have invested R850 billion in the project, with more than half a million solar panels that will supply power to about 40 000 South African families.

“We are glad to announce that we have already created jobs for 260 people and we are planning to employ more people next year. This is a massive project… The total area is 148 hectares. Our expected commissioning is February next year, while our planned capacity is 66 megawatts.

“The lifespan of our solar panels is 20 years and the connection to the Eskom grid will be in the Eskom 132kV/22kV station through a step-up substation located here, which forms part of the project site.

“There will be no need to build further power lines traversing other properties or to acquire servitude rights or further authorisations,” he said.

Some of the communities which will benefit from the project are Ga-Seleka, Tlapeng, Rietfontein, Mothlasedi, Moong, Morwe, Botshabelo, Madibaneng and Letlora.