COMMUNITY

Through a combination of financial and non-financial interventions, Ilikwa Solar is dedicated to fostering economic inclusion and enhancing the well-being of communities in its area of operation.

Building Relationships Through Engagement

Ongoing community and stakeholder engagement is central to our approach. By working transparently and inclusively, we aim to build trust and ensure that local voices are part of the project journey.

Creating Local Opportunities

During construction, Ilikwa Solar supports job creation and procurement opportunities in Tumahole, Schonkenville, Parys, and surrounding areas. While local participation is prioritised, qualified service providers from beyond the municipality are also engaged to ensure delivery standards.

Long-Term Community Investment

Once operational, Ilikwa Solar will invest a portion of project revenue into long-term, high-impact socio-economic development (SED) programmes. These initiatives are designed to uplift and empower disadvantaged communities across the Ngwathe Local Municipality.

Focus Areas

Skills Development (SKD)

Enterprise Development (EnD)

Supplier Development (SnD)

Socio-Economic Development (SED)

Socio-Economic Development Strategy

Sustainable development lies at the heart of Ilikwa Solar’s vision, guiding all our community initiatives and partnerships. By focusing on local strengths, we aim to support inclusive, long-term socio-economic transformation driven by the communities themselves.

Our strategy is built on proactive engagement and collaboration with local stakeholders, aiming to unlock and amplify the existing strengths within communities. Rather than focusing on needs or deficits, which can foster dependency and conflict, we support a shift toward self-driven development and local ownership.

Ilikwa Solar has adopted the Asset-Based Community-led Development (ABCD) model as its guiding approach. This methodology views community members as active change agents — individuals already working to uplift their communities or ready to take action.

ABCD is rooted in the belief that meaningful and lasting change happens when communities lead their own development, using the skills, knowledge, and resources they already possess. It encourages people to move from being passive recipients of aid to active participants in shaping their future.

This approach promotes:

  • Empowerment and self-determination
  • Constructive dialogue and collaboration
  • Ownership of outcomes and local accountability

By focusing on what’s strong, we aim to support long-term, inclusive socio-economic transformation, led by the communities themselves.