Administrator:
Bophelo Mpilo Development Centre (BIDC)
The Trust aims to empower previously disadvantaged communities living within a 50km radius of the wind farm. Running the Trust on a day-to-day basis is a tough and very important responsibility, especially because the Trust is going to invest more than R800 million in the area over the next 15 years. BIDC will help us to ensure that the investment has a lasting effect by collaborating and building long-term relationships with our communities.
Independent Community Trustee:
Thabisa Ncama
Thabisa Ncama, an administrator at a school in KwaNomzamo, is your new independent community trustee. She is excited to start on this new venture.
“I am passionate about community development and about the upliftment of the poor,” she says.
BIDC ran a lengthy voter education process leading up to the election of the trustee. Community meetings were held in each area, where community members were asked to nominate candidates for the position. Nominations were received from Kruisfontein, Sea Vista and KwaNomzamo.
The candidates were screened – to be eligible for election, they had to be over 18, have lived in the area for at least 10 years, have matriculated and not have a criminal record.
They also needed to show leadership qualities and have a passion for community development. An independent organisation ran the voting process to ensure a fair election.
Thabisa will be joining other members of the Trust at regular meetings to oversee constructive and impactful community development in the area.