In the past few years, Longyuan South Africa Renewables has been chasing the ‘rainbow’, assisting local people by creating jobs, and increasing the close
bond that has been forged between China and South Africa. The wind power company shared its 2021 Social Responsibility Report, giving an insight into the projects and local service implementation done thus far. This includes playing an active role in promoting employment, community welfare and people’s livelihoods, and making a positive contribution to poverty reduction, development, and people’s well-being in South Africa. Administrator Office manager Sheng Bin says their main goal has been to give back to the community and make a difference in South Africa.
“Longyuan SA has invested, constructed and is currently operating, and we have two wind farms and power generation plants situated in the De Aar district in the Northern Cape province since the project started commercial operation in 2017. It has been our main goal to give back to the community and make a difference in not only the youth but the elderly and less fortunate community members. “We have donated more than R34.15 million towards education and learning centres and R9.7m towards sports development so that young children can pursue their football and athletic dreams and have a purpose in life. The old-age homes receive funding for food, wheelchairs, bedding and blankets. The mobile clinic is the biggest asset to the community, as the professionally qualified staff can provide health care for over 9 000 community members each year by travelling to rural areas where people can (not) afford transport to and from town. Everyone is entitled to basic health-care needs,” said Sheng Bin.
“Longyuan South Africa also has a scholarship programme where students can enrol to receive funding for all their education needs so that their dreams can come true and get work to support their families again. We are proud to announce that one of the high school students who completed his studies in electrical engineering successfully is now working for Longyuan South Africa.” An employee of Longyuan South Africa, Deswin Basson, said: “The Longyuan De Aar wind project, as well as other renewable energy companies, helped many people from my local community, from my family members and friends, small businesses, schools, building a mobile clinic and creating jobs. I would like to encourage the young people from De Aar to follow their dreams by enrolling in the Longyuan bursary programme. Renewable energy is the future, and I just hope that the partnership between Longyuan and South Africa keeps growing.” Longyuan South Africa recently held an open day to accentuate the work they have done.
Themed “Bridge to the Future”, the open day saw several stakeholders, including heads of department from China as well as Longyuan employees sharing how the energy company has improved their lives.
Article 1st publish: iol.co.za/news/environment
