Community Perspective on Electrification By Tlaleng Moabi Energy Indaba 15 March 2012

Presentation Outline WOESA Background & Objectives Women Involvement in Electrification Projects Community Perspective Prior to implementation During Implementation Post Implementation

WOESA Origins WOESA was established in 2002 with support from the then DME and the Minister of Minerals and Energy WOESA was created as a Section 21 company with membership of about 300 WOMEN companies

WOESA Profile  >300 Member Companies represented in all 9 provinces, include corporate members  Companies range from small rural establishments to medium operations

WOMEN INVOLVEMENT Unfortunately, most of our constituency is companies with interest in the sector but have no technical skills However, we have women that are involved in engineering, project management and construction in the Energy sector Drive towards development of women in technical fields in the oil and energy sectors, e.g. professional women in the Energy Sector

ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAMME COMMUNITIES PERSPECTIVE

IMPACT OF ELECTRIFICATION Improved access to essential services such as healthcare, education and clean water Better quality of life Job Creation Reduction of greenhouse effect

INITIATION STAGE >30 years without electricity, the gratitude when one first makes contact is humbling. Eager to assist the Contractors in terms of: – Site establishment – Safe guarding of material and the electricity network during the construction phase.

INITIATION STAGE Initially, communities are willing to accommodate structures (strut poles and stay wires) in their yards, where there is open space A lot of “houses” spring up on empty stands upon the announcement of the electrification project – Do not want to be left without electricity when the project is complete. – Perception that it will take another 20 years before they can get connected.

CONSTRUCTION STAGE Although skill transfer programmes are initiated, but due to short duration of contracts, no long-term comprehensive plan (N3 to Electrician level) can be achieved. In some cases, potential candidates are recruited and offered job opportunities by contractors. Due to lack of technical skills, mostly the EPWP work that most communities can offer works like trenching and laying cables.

POST-CONSTRUCTION During audits, we have found: – Loosened stays and/or moved strut poles, as residents or new owners extend their activities on their yards, resulting in the network looking saggy with low lying conductors. – Some communities, particularly rural, continue to use open fires/ firewood to cook and water- heating, use electricity is only for lights, radio, TV’s and fridges - thus their consumption is generally low.

In terms of the impact the electricity has had on communities lives, majority are still grateful Benefits include: – Children being able to study at night without the fear of burning down the house. – Improved quality of life – Healthcare facilities and schools (clinics) operate better POST-CONSTRUCTION

Concerns include – Availability of vending machines in the villages – thus it costs to purchase their electricity – “Availability” of supply/ Network Strength during adverse weather conditions – Generally, there are low instances of electricity theft in rural areas. POST-CONSTRUCTION

CONCLUSION As we prepare for Phase 2 of the Programme: Review how effectively implement skill development in the rural communities Support and/or develop women companies to get involved in the hardcore energy sector (manufacturing and services) – through EDI programmes Look at Hybrid solutions, e.g. Electrification together with Solar Geyser programme Don’t underestimate the need to educate and train people on energy efficiency

Contact details Office:15 Gold Reef Road Ormonde Telephone: or Website: Contact: Tlaleng Moabi, Energy Advisor

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