 | ‘Nothing addresses poverty like a job’, says Executive Mayor
15 May 2024 | Press Releases |
15 May 2024
Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality, once again emphasised the powerful role that job creation plays in alleviating poverty when he spoke at the recent opening of a renewable energy solutions provider's new cookware manufacturing plant in Paarl. The cookware is designed to address challenges faced by households using traditional cooking methods.
Ener-G-Africa's decision to expand their operations in Paarl was motivated by a commitment to generating employment opportunities in rural areas. Their Paarl-based plant, currently employing more than 100 people from the local community, serves as a hub for job creation and economic growth in the region. Ener-G-Africa produces energy-efficient and budget-conscious stoves and cookware, made from 100% locally manufactured stainless steel, which are being distributed across South Africa and into the rest of the continent.
This initiative aligns with Drakenstein Municipality's commitment to promoting sustainable local production and fostering economic development.
“There is nothing that addresses poverty like a job," Executive Mayor Korabie said at the event held on Thursday, 9 May 2024. “As a municipality, we remain committed to creating a conducive environment for business development and improving the ease of doing business in Drakenstein."
Dave Lello, Chief Business Development Officer at Ener-G-Africa, provided an overview of the company's cookware products. The clean-cooking stoves and cookware offer a safer, more efficient alternative, which also reduces costs and exposure to harmful smoke. Their solar panels, running off solar energy during the day, provides enough energy for households to cook, charge their batteries, and light their homes at night.
Through their products, Ener-G-Africa cites significant savings and environmental benefits, including a 60% to 80% reduction in firewood consumption, a 50% to 80% decrease in household firewood expenses, and a 65% reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions.
This is not the only Ener-G-Africa plant in Paarl. The company's women-run solar manufacturing plant that was launched in Ndabeni, Cape Town, last year, recently relocated to Paarl and is currently being expanded. Once complete, this solar panel plant promises to be one of the largest on the continent.
Andre Moolman, Co-founder and CEO of Ener-G-Africa, said: “Up till now, we have exported 2.5 million stoves. Last year, the solar manufacturing plant in Paarl produced 1.2 million stoves that were exported. And, six months from now, Paarl will be home to the biggest solar plant in South Africa."
The opening event also featured a panel discussion led by Christian Rakos, President of the World Bioenergy Association, with insights from Louise Williamson, Project and Implementation Manager of Ener-G-Africa; Vanessa Adams, Founder of local non-profit organisation Fountain of Hope; and Amanda Manyathi, Community and Social Impact Lead of the Nature-Based Solutions division at C-Quest Capital.
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
