- Last month, the MMC of Local Economic Development, Cllr. Mojalefa Buti, chaired a Mayoral Stakeholder session with the business community of Matjhabeng and NOA, the company implementing the Khautha Solar Project in Matjhabeng.
- Matjhabeng Municipality is a local municipality within the Lejweleputswa District Municipality, in the Free State province of South Africa.
- The municipality includes Welkom, Virginia, Odendaalsrus and Allanridge.
This 350 MW project, set to operate for 30 years, will aid in transitioning the Matjhabeng Local Municipality into a multi-industry area.
The project involves a total investment of R4.4 billion for its development and construction and will significantly contribute to alleviating South Africa’s energy crisis, with a total power production of 900 GWh—enough to supply approximately 250,000 RSA homes.
In addition, the project will foster substantial enterprise and socio-economic development.
A detailed ED and SED plan, incorporating input from the municipality and community stakeholders, will be developed, with contributions expected to exceed R200 million over the 30-year lifespan. Job creation is another key aspect, with numerous opportunities to benefit the community of Matjhabeng.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
