Eskom and its Contractors has spent (through Contracts and Orders) approximately R3.5bn on Local suppliers since inception of the Project. This was mentioned by Medupi Power Station Project Director Phillip Dukashe at a signing ceremony for a transport sub-contract for the Project.
The transport sub-contract is part of the initiatives that Eskom is using to eradicate poverty, reduce unemployment and general upliftment of the previously disadvantaged communities. Eskom, as a State Owned Company is mandated to achieve the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment imperatives as well as the Supplier Development and Localisation initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Dukashe said that the Medupi Project is not only about building the electricity generating infrastructure for the country, but also to contribute in the building of communities through:
- Job creation,
- Skills Development,
- Entrepreneurship Development,
- Supplier Development,
- B-BBEE Transformation by procurement from previously disadvantaged companies and integrating these in the mainstream of the economy,
- Assisting the local municipality with infrastructure Development whenever possible.
According to Dukashe, approximately R2.3bn has been invested by Eskom in infrastructure development in Lephalale since the Project’s inception and this includes roads, housing, bridges, electricity, sewer plant, traditional offices and community halls, classrooms, SAPS cabins, etc.
“Contractors have formally trained at least 2,700 South Africans, 60% of which local to Limpopo, and continue to train more, exceeding Eskom’s local skills development target of 2,200. Mitsubishi Hitachi has invested R24m in building, equipping and maintaining of Tlhahlong Training Centre”, said Dukashe.
He added that 111 local business owners been have trained through Eskom entrepreneurship development initiatives, including the Eskom Contractor’s Academy (83) and IKUSASA (28). 45 businesses are in the incubation with the Lephalale Enterprise Development Centre, which was established through Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Africa.
Dukashe concluded by saying that Medupi is surely a new light that is making a meaningful contribution in ensuring that Lephalale becomes a vibrant first democratic city.