In line with the Just Energy Transition agenda, to maintain economic growth, sustainability and job creation in the surrounding areas that have been dependent to the coal fired power stations, Eskom chief executive officer, Andre de Ruyter visited the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) on the Bellville campus recently.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo welcomed De Ruyter and Eskom’s General Manager, Mandy Rambharos. Earlier this year, SARETEC, Director, Mokgadi Modise and Acting SARETEC Operations Manager, Hendrick Volschenk had conducted a site visit at the Komati Power Station on 22 April 2022 from which the Eskom team had to also conduct a similar site inspection of the SARETEC on 13 May 2022.

De Ruyter said the visit followed several engagements between Eskom, the SARETEC and the South African Wind Association (SAWEA) on renewable energy options in line with the Just Energy Transition agenda.  De Ruyter said: “Among others is to maintain economic growth, sustainability and job creation in the surrounding areas that have been dependent to the coal fired power stations following the decommissioning phase. Among others, training in the form of reskilling and upskilling of the Eskom workforce, surrounding communities has remained part of the primary objective is to find balance between the decommissioning and just transition phases.”

He shared Eskom’s plan to repurpose the coal fired powered stations for good use while emphasising that the collective has a social responsibility to maintain an enabling environment for economic growth in those areas where the power plants are located to prevent any possibility of creating ghost towns following the decommissioning phase.  De Ruyter said because of SARETEC’s accreditation, institutional capacity it has built over the years and existing skills is better placed to support Eskom and therefore there is no need to reinvent the wheel.

Nhlapo affirmed that CPUT need to increase/ramp-up the marketing of SARETEC as “It is still the best-kept secret to some key and critical stakeholders”. “However, the visit was extremely successful,” Nhlapo said. Reflecting on the potential partnership, the Vice-Chancellor said: “It means that CPUT is going to formally sign a MoA [Memorandum of Agreement] with Eskom. The agreement between the tripartite, SARETEC, South African Wind Energy Association and Eskom on the establishment of Eskom Training Centre as part of the Just Energy Transition which will benefit both the faculty and the institution.”

He said the initiative is mutually beneficial to all the parties. “At a very high-level it is also an opportunity for CPUT as per the Higher Education Act to respond to the needs of the Republic and of the communities we served by contributing to [address] the energy challenges faced by the country.”

Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr David Phaho expressed the positive effect that could also be drawn from other areas that the University had partnered with other institutions of higher learning in the field of research in addition to the renewable energy.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Prof Marshall Sheldon said the purpose of the visit was to provide the Eskom delegation an opportunity to tour the National Renewable Energy facility. Sheldon shared with Eskom representatives that additional structures are in place such as the SARETEC Management Committee and the Governance Board that provide support and ensure that SARETEC deliver on its commitments.

Sheldon stated that the Faculty’s Vision 2030 is to be a leading faculty in Engineering and the Built Environment that advances knowledge through Science, Technology, and Innovation for the benefit of society. “The mission is to be a self-sustaining faculty that is responsive and relevant; environmentally conscious; renowned for its innovation in teaching and learning, research, and technological development; and produces graduates that contribute to society,” Sheldon continued.

“This potential partnership between SARETEC and Eskom will contribute to the Faculty’s vision and mission in that that outcome will positively impact on the society, communities, the economy and the environment.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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Recently, educators gathered at the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre for the Institutional Teaching Development Programme (TDP) ceremony 2024.

This event highlighted the unwavering dedication of academic staff to excellence in education. The TDP at CPUT resonates with key national and institutional priorities, including the National Framework for Enhancing Academics as University Teachers, the National University Teaching Awards (NUTA), and CPUT’s Vision 2030. The programme is designed to empower transformative university teachers who are equipped to face challenges, embrace inclusive teaching practices, and ultimately support student success.

The TDP curriculum thoughtfully addresses vital themes such as decolonising the curriculum, multilingual pedagogies, and the thoughtful integration of technology in teaching. By focusing on Oneness and Smartness, it aims to prepare educators for the unique challenges present in a university of technology context. The ceremony celebrated not just the completion of this developmental journey but also the incredible contributions that participating academics have made toward nurturing educational excellence at CPUT.

Head of Department for Academic Staff Development in Fundani CHED, Faiq Waghid, said: “This achievement serves as a reminder of the collective effort required to build an innovative and inclusive educational environment that ensures student success and contributes meaningfully to society.”

The atmosphere during the event was one of joy and fulfillment, featuring three inspiring speakers. Dr Xena Cupido shared insights on the TDP's impact at CPUT, while Waghid reflected on the programme’s evolution since its launch earlier this year. Dr Ntando Sindane from the University of the Western Cape served as the keynote speaker. Two TDP candidates also courageously shared their personal experiences, allowing the guests to connect deeply with their journeys. As candidates received their certificates, the room was filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment, celebrating their hard work and commitment.

The TDP is more than just a programme; it equips educators with the tools to create meaningful and inclusive educational experiences, ultimately benefiting students who will go on to make a positive impact in society. Within the departments, it encourages collaboration and embracing innovative teaching practices, enhancing the quality of education they provide. On an institutional level, the TDP strengthens its reputation as the leader in educational excellence, in harmony with its Vision 2030 goals.

Many candidates expressed that the programme was transformative, helping them grow into inclusive university teachers, even in the absence of a formal educational background. They emphasised the significance of incorporating student and peer feedback, which they are eager to weave into their teaching practices. Candidates reflected on how the TDP has shaped them into more thoughtful practitioners, better prepared to support both underprepared and exceptional students.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The German wind turbine manufacturer Nordex has pledged its support for the establishment of the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) at the CPUT Bellville Campus.

The centre is a collaboration between higher education institutions in the Western Cape and will be a national facility that will train wind turbine service technicians.

PARTNERSHIPS: SARETEC project team, representatives from Nordex, the German Consulate, Giz and other role-players in the renewable energy sector at the signing ceremony

SARETEC has received overwhelming support from the Department of Higher Education and Training, which has allocated R105 million for the construction of the facility. The project has also gained support from the German development agency GIZ, the South African National Energy Development Institute and Green Cape.

The latest entity to come on board is Nordex, who signed an agreement with CPUT and GIZ at the German Consulate in Cape Town.

SARETEC Project leader and CPUT representative, Howard Fawkes, says Nordex will supply the centre with wind turbine components.

These components are crucial for the successful roll-out of the technician training programmes, which are currently being developed by a team of local and international experts.

Anne Henschel, the Nordex South African Managing Director says they are looking forward to collaborating on this project.

Gudrun Kopp, German Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development also pledged his support for the project.

"By expanding its use of renewable energies, South Africa will not only be helping to protect the global climate, but is hoping to also create secure jobs for the future. Thanks to the close trade links between Germany and South Africa, both our countries will benefit from this cutting-edge development cooperation project."

Co-authored by Howard Fawkes

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

The South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (Saretec) has just secured a lucrative three-year training agreement with the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturer, Vestus.

Based at CPUT’s Bellville campus, Saretec is the only centre in Africa which trains Wind Turbine Service Technicians and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technicians and is also mandated to train technicians in Energy Efficiency and Biomass/Biogas.

The partnership between Saretec and Vestus was celebrated at the training centre recently and Vestus’ Head of Global Training for Europe, Kjell Wassermann said Saretec was the ideal partner.
“It was important that we get a strong partner to deliver our training courses, the Global Wind Organisation standards are increasing every year and we are so pleased that Saretec is able to deliver according to these international standards,” he said.
“For Vestus the partnership entails having an African training facility that could be used for new hires and we will also have an instructor who will be placed here permanently. Vestus specific courses are added to the existing wind turbine tech training.”

Saretec Director Naim Rassool says partnering with a global leader, like Vestus, is monumental.
“What we as Saretec have done, since 2012, has been the creation of a wind training centre that is of such a high standard that a global leader like Vestus has decided to enter into a long term training partnership with us.  For me to get into a commercial partnership with a multi-national like Vestus means a lot and shows that we have achieved something monumental,” he said.
“Vestus has a very strong East African partnership and it is great to have a manufacturer who takes Africa seriously.”

Written by Lauren Kansley

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Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.

Toni Beukes is ‘privileged’ to serve at the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) following her recent appointment as a new member of their Governance Board. 

Beukes joins SARETEC with 12 years’ experience in the energy sector across oil, gas, and renewable energy (specifically wind). The Windhoek-born mainly held roles in legal, governance, compliance, and consulting. Since leaving private practice, Beukes spent a vast part of her professional career as in-house legal counsel for the national oil company of Namibia (NAMCOR). She later moved to South Africa and joined Mondi.

Her specific role on the Board is that of an industry representative.  “This role involves bringing to bear industry knowledge, trends, and current market developments to Board deliberations. This should aid strategy development that is reflective of the market movement ensuring SARETEC stays relevant,” she explains.

Her renewable energy experience also stems from her work under the South African Renewable Energy IPP Programme. From 2013 she worked then by wind turbine manufacturer Nordex Acciona as Legal Advisor/Contracts Manager. Beukes, a middle child of five daughters with very politically active parents, also worked as a Legal Consultant to German-owned wind farm developer, ENERTRAG.

She’s currently based in Cape Town and serves as GE's Renewable Energy Sales Leader for Southern Africa in onshore wind. Her experience includes legal consultancy, contracts management, B-BBEE strategy development and implementation, company secretarial practice, conveyancing, compliance, trust, and board administration. She is an admitted attorney in the High Court of Namibia, holding B.Juris and LL.B degrees, and MBA and LL.M degrees (with distinction) from the University of Dundee in Scotland. The qualified Conveyancer also served as Chairperson of the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) Economic Development Working Group from 2018 to 2019.

“In addition to my role as an industry representative, I also bring strong governance experience as a Certified Director of the Institute of Directors South Africa, and accordingly [I] hope to contribute to the Board achieving its governance outcomes,” Beukes adds.  She also serves as Non-Executive Director on the SAWEA and the SARETEC boards. She is also an Independent Trustee on the Cookhouse Wind Farm Community Trust, as well as the Kathu Solar Community Trust.

Beukes has recently been selected as one of 15 female Mentors of the Women in Wind Global Leadership Program 2020 under the Global Wind Energy Council.  “Reacting to her appointment as a new board member at SARETEC, she says: “I feel privileged to serve. My CV sets out other boards/trusts I’ve been involved with in the past”

Giving advice to young women, she says: “I think the trajectory of our lives is largely determined by how quickly we figure out what we stand for.”

Her parents gave her and her siblings a great education and instilled clear solid values.  “They taught us responsibility for the collective which meant that sometimes we have to act in the interest of the collective good, and not our limited individual self-interest. My parents taught us to have the courage of our convictions. Her dad also used to say, “A Beukes takes the bullet between the eyes”. “That simply meant speaking up against wrongdoing even when it’s not comfortable or convenient to do so,” she explains. 

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) is featuring in the 24 Hours of Reality: 24 Reasons For Hope film, which goes live today.

The film is an initiative of the Climate Reality Project, an organization spearheaded by former US Vice President and Nobel Laureate, Al Gore.

The project aims to create awareness of climate change and advocates a global shift to renewable energy.

SARETEC Project Manager, Howard Fawkes, says the film will cover the status of global warming and the global actions that are underway to mitigate the effects of global warming.

Currently under construction at the Bellville Campus, SARETEC is collaboration between local universities and will be national training facility for renewable energy technicians.

Earlier this year, filmmaker and producer Jeff Barbee covered the contributions from several African countries for the film.

He spent a day with Fawkes and the SARETEC team and some time at the SARETEC site.

“This is a major global media event and SARETEC is proud to be part of it,” says Fawkes.

SARETEC also recently made it television debut and featured on CNBC Africa TV.

Watch the film here

Watch the CNBC Africa TV clip here

Find out more about SARETEC

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

A delegation of scientists from various institutions in Germany recently visited the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) on the Bellville campus on the eve of its opening.

Led by the Prime Minister of the State of Hesse in Germany, the delegation was taken by Mr Dieter Sommer through a presentation on the renewable energy situation in South Africa and what role SARETEC is going to play. Sommer, a senior adviser at SARETEC, then showed the visitors the new facility.

Construction of the centre started last year as a result of a strategic partnership between Nordex, German International Cooperation (GIZ) and CPUT. The centre will train wind turbine service technicians.

Dr Nawaz Mahomed, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, welcomed the visitors and explained that the renewable energy sector in South Africa is not supported as should be, but said that will hopefully change with the opening of the new centre in May. He said CPUT doesn’t want to be seen as owners of the facility but rather as custodians. “We need to make this an open model which can be replicated at other areas of the country,” he said.

Dr Manfred Dutschke, Skills Development Consultant at Greencape, said they have been seconded in terms of the Bavarian Western Cape Partnership, which supports the project. He said they are looking at skilling and the qualification side of things.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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CPUT is one step closer to realizing its goal of becoming Africa’s hub of training in renewable energy.

Recently three key components of the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) were lifted and positioned on the floor slab of the facility, which is located at the Bellville Campus.

The equipment was sponsored by the German-based company Nordex, to the tune of R3million.

The equipment plays a key role in the construction of this multi-million rand facility says SARETEC Project Manager, Howard Fawkes.

The area housing the wind turbine components will be used as a hands-on training facility for those who will be skilled as wind turbine technicians.

EQUIPMENT: The drivetrain will form a key component of the Wind Technician training programme

Other bespoke features include the construction of a 17m tower for safety training as well as a rooftop solar photovoltaic system to generate some of SARETEC’s own electricity.

Fawkes says they have also acquired a wind turbine blade, measuring 50 metres in length, the blade will be strategically cut up before being transported from the Cape Town harbor to the site, where it will be used for training in composites, blade maintenance, design and aerodynamics.

Currently, Fawkes and his team are finalizing qualifications that will be rolled out early next year with the intake of SARETEC’s first students.

This includes the Wind Turbine Technician qualification as well as the Solar Photovoltaic Technician qualification.

For more information visit the SARETEC website.

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

CPUT is positioning itself to become one of the leaders in renewable energy skills and technology development on the African continent.

Driving this agenda is Naim Rassool, who has been appointed as the Director of the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC).

Based at the Bellville Campus, SARETEC is the first national renewable energy technology centre in South Africa that delivers specialized training, education and services to the renewable energy sector.

An engineer by trade, Rassool comes with strong credentials, having held the position of CEO of USC Metering (Pty) Ltd, Western Cape Regional Head of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), as well as being the Commercialization Manager at the Innovation Fund.

With diverse experience in the engineering sector, Rassool was exposed to the renewable energy sector during his time as a consulting engineer for CSIR. Whilst at TIA, he was involved in investments into renewable energy ventures in the private industry as well as in universities and science councils.

VISION: Naim Rassool is the Director of the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre

Already several weeks into his new position, Rassool has a bold vision for SARETEC.

“SARETEC was set up and will remain primarily a national training centre, but it needs to evolve into a national centre that has the capacity to assist in the transfer and commercialization of technology from academia into the renewable energy private sector for the benefit of the South African economy” he says.

Part of this goal will see SARETEC create strong linkages with academia throughout the country and establish a strong presence in provinces close to renewable energy infrastructure projects.

SARETEC will also hope to offer the private sector more than just training solutions but technology solutions that can address a need or problem.

Funded by the National Skills Fund, through the Department of Higher Education and Training, Rassool also plans to work towards ensuring that the Centre is financially self-sustainable once funds are utilized. This would be achieved through aggressively marketing its training services to the private sector and introducing other ancillary offerings that are revenue generating.

“The Minister of Energy very recently announced that South Africa will allocate an additional 6 300 megawatts of renewable energy, adding to the 5 200 megawatts already being procured to supply into the national energy grid. Hence the need for more technician skills for both wind and solar farms will become of paramount importance as we move forward,” he says.

SARETEC will also roll-out refresher courses for current technicians in the field as well as training graduates for the renewable energy sector.

“The fact that we have a dedicated facility with industry-relevant equipment and training modules, will ensure that we make a huge difference in addressing the skills required in South African wind and solar farms,” he says.

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

As the world recognises Global Wind Day today a very special occasion linked to the potential of wind power will be taking place at CPUT.

The South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) and Nordex Acciona Wind Power will be hosting its first Graduation Ceremony of Wind Turbine Service Technician Programme. The Wind Turbine Service Technician is a formal qualification for technicians that is recognised by SAQA (South African Qualification Authority) at NQF Level 5.

Since January 2015, SARETEC has rapidly established its reputation as a world-class renewable energy training facility. Having been set up to meet the needs of SA's fledgling renewable power industry and the possibilities it holds to reshape our energy systems, decarbonise our economy and boost jobs and growth.

Most of the 18 Wind Turbine Service Technician graduates are currently employed in the wind industry and the qualification will open the door to international work placements.

The graduation takes place at the state-of-the-art SARETEC building.

Written by Lauren Kansley
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Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.

Construction on the multi-million Rand South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) on the Bellville Campus is set to get underway soon at the SCANIA site.

SARETEC is a first for the African continent and will train technicians and other staff needed to drive South Africa’s renewable energy sector.

The facility will be a ‘green’ building and will showcase renewable energy and energy-efficient technology, thanks to the Department of Higher Education and Training which has allocated R105 million for the construction.

The project has also received support from the German development agency GIZ under the auspices of the South African German Energy Programme as well as from the South African National Energy Development Institute, Green Cape and Nordex.

MODERN: A rear view of the new facility

CPUT’s Howard Fawkes, who is managing the team responsible for setting up the centre, says they are on track with their plans and hope to complete construction by January 2015.

“We plan to open our doors in early 2015 and will initially focus on technician training for the wind and solar PV industries and also on short courses in the many different fields of renewable energy,” he says.

Fawkes and his team are also concentrating their efforts on developing new qualifications, interim training, industry liaison and obtaining equipment for the facility.

The project includes partnerships with Northlink College and the University of Stellenbosch.

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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

CPUT’s South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) recently hosted German Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Dr Robert Habeck on a site visit.

Habeck and a delegation of 40 German stakeholders, was on a trip to Namibia and South Africa focused on green hydrogen, renewable energy and skills development.

Habeck’s visit follows a commitment of €10 million in grant funding from the German development bank, KfW. The grant has been earmarked to build a wind tower and solar rooftop at SARETEC premises on CPUT’s Bellville Campus for the training of wind turbine service technicians.

Habeck was particularly interested in how the lives of these skilled artisans was improved as a result of the training they received. SARETEC Director Mokgadi Modise explained that the courses are mostly sponsored as a result of the specialised nature of the training, and as such students who are accepted for a place are well-resourced with a stipend, transport and other associated costs. She further added that the courses covered by the Sector Education Training Authorities also include regulated stipends.

CPUT Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo thanked the German audience for their government’s continued support of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition.

“We appreciate the support, and we understand that everything you appreciate also appreciates. You are helping us to build capacity for solar, wind and wave energy among others and we assure you that every cent is accounted for, and we will continue creating futures in the renewable energy sector,” he says.

Habeck also engaged directly with students who are currently completing the seven-month wind turbine service technician course and deployed at wind farms. One of those students was Amanda Shayi, who was previously an Eskom electrical technician.

She told Habeck that the course had challenged her and encouraged her to put fears of heights aside as she worked in completely different environments.

Written by Lauren Kansley
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Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.

Eskom, the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) based at CPUT and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) have today signed a partnership agreement for the development of the Komati Training Facility.

This seeks to contribute to a ‘just’ transition for the local community as the Komati power station is decommissioned.

The facility will enable Eskom to reskill, retrain and upskill workers and communities, as appropriate. In addition to the training facility, which is part of Eskom’s Komati Repowering and Repurposing project, Komati will be repowered with 150 MW of solar, 70 MW of wind and 150 MW of batteries.

Eskom has also established a containerised micro-grid assembly factory at Komati. The Komati Repowering and Repurposing project is one of the largest coal-fired power plant decommissioning, repowering and repurposing projects globally and will provide a tangible case-study for the world on how to transition fossil-fuel assets.

“Eskom is pleased to be partnering with the CPUT, SARETEC and GEAPP on this ground-breaking initiative. The training facility complements Eskom’s JET plans to RE-ignite – in other words - not only repower and repurpose plant – but to re-train, re-skill and re-empower people to take advantage of the transition that is upon us. Mpumalanga is endowed with the best of resources for the just energy transition – wind, solar, skilled people, and available grid capacity and therefore has the potential to once again become the thriving energy hub of the country,” said Mandy Rambharos, the General Manager of the Just Energy Transition. 

The funding for the training facility will be provided by GEAPP. These funds will be used to establish the training facility and will enable SARETEC - the only fully accredited training centre for renewable energy in South Africa on Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) - and Eskom to educate, reskill, and upskill Eskom Komati Power Station staff and qualifying beneficiaries from the surrounding communities in the Mpumalanga region. Upon completion, the training centre will be managed by Eskom’s Academy of Learning (EAL) who will be supported by SARETEC to achieve accreditation over time, enabling Eskom to replicate this initiative in other locations.

“South Africa can be a lighthouse for emerging markets, demonstrating the way to achieve a truly just, job creating energy transition,” said Joseph Nganga, Executive Director for Africa of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). “We are thrilled to be working together with Eskom and SARETEC on this new training facility, which will focus on the upskilling of workers, before decommissioning has even begun. This facility can inform reskilling programs at other power stations and catalyse investment in South Africa’s energy transition.”

The partnership agreement presents a unique opportunity for the creation and scaling up of new industries across the renewables value chain. Taking full advantage of these opportunities will require the retraining and upskilling for parts of South African workforce. This will mitigate the risk of job losses related to the decommissioning of coal-fired power stations and create new job opportunities, particularly for unemployed young people.

The Komati Training Facility will serve as a blueprint for how these training requirements can be fulfilled.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, thanked Eskom and GEAPP for their confidence in the university and assured them that the project had found the perfect home at SARETEC.

“SARETEC is very different to other energy centres around the world, and I know that we have the requisite skills to fulfil a nationally imperative project like this. We will succeed because this model must be replicated across South Africa. The pursuit of an energy mix that is cleaner and greener is the only way we will address electricity challenges in this country. We are also grateful to be part of a solution that provides the Komati community with economic opportunities into the future. By assisting Eskom to set up and accredit its own training facility, SARETEC is fulfilling its mandate of supporting the socio-economic needs of the country, continent, and world.”

Written by CPUT News
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In a ground-breaking moment, the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) and Eskom have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to formalise the collaboration to establish a renewable energy training centre at Komati Power Station, to support the implementation of the Eskom Just Energy Transition (JET) Strategy.

In his opening address, Dr David Phaho, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, said Eskom and SARETEC were to sign a Memorandum of Agreement to formalise the collaboration to establish a renewable energy training centre at Komati Power Station, in support of the implementation of the Eskom Just Energy Transition.

Phaho said the importance of this MoA for South Africa cannot be over-emphasised. “Underpinning South Africa’s inevitable leapfrog to a reduced carbon energy future will be strategies to develop not only the necessary skills to support our renewable energy agenda but also provide alternative employment to South Africans who are involved in the coal industry value chain which has been the bedrock of our economy since the dawn of the industrial age.

In a joint statement, the two parties indicated that Eskom has developed a comprehensive JET strategy, which places equal importance on the ‘transition to lower carbon technologies,’ and the ability to do so in a manner that is ‘just’. In support of this strategy, Eskom has a pipeline of clean energy projects at various stages of development and recognises that there is a dire lack of skills along the value chain.

Speaking at the event, Eskom Chief Executive Officer, André De Ruyter, said the purpose of this venture was to educate, reskill and upskill Eskom’s Komati Power Station staff and qualifying beneficiaries from the surrounding communities in the Mpumalanga region. “It’s all about empowering the community,” said De Ruyter.

This is in line with Eskom’s Just Energy Transition drive and SARETEC’s vision to ensure a pipeline of local skills responding to economic needs and readiness for the inevitable transition.

He said the repurposing of power stations like Komati Power Station was not about ‘destroying jobs but to create jobs”. De Ruyter said that when they scouted for a suitable facility to handle the training, there was really only one option, and that was CPUT.

“We estimate that 300 000 jobs could be created thanks to the transition to renewable energy but of course these are skilled jobs and so that is why it is so important that we engage with a reputable education institution like CPUT to ensure that we can reskill these people who are currently working in the coal value chain to work in renewable energy,” he says.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, said the collaboration represents taking the partnership between Eskom and CPUT to a different historic level: (buttressing Focus Area 6): Smart Engagement and strong links with quintuple helix partners. “It represents the formalisation in the form of the MoU which makes explicit reference to roles and responsibilities of each party. It represents contribution to addressing the energy imbroglio in our country – putting to bed hesitancy around renewable energy.”

Nhlapo added: “We are excited about being part of the repurposing of the power stations in ways that support low-carbon footprint, enterprise development and sustainable job creation.

“What is even more exciting is the fact [that] the primary objective is to upskill and reskill the Eskom staff and the surrounding communities on renewable energy skills which among others include battery energy storage, microgrid utilities and a myriad of soft skills.” Nhlapo said that the current electricity challenges in the country are for all of us to provide solutions as they are not only of Eskom’s making.

Nhlapo added that the Institution is looking forward to the signing of the funding agreement to follow at Komati Power Station on 23 September 2022.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) based at CPUT officially launches on 20 November. 

The only Centre of its kind in Africa, SARETEC trains Wind Turbine Service Technicians and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technicians and is also mandated to train technicians in Energy Efficiency and Biomass/Biogas.

The SARETEC team took occupation of the building in mid-2015 but #FeesMustFall protests scuppered then Minister of Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande’s plans to open the building, hence Minister of Higher Education and Training Naledi Pandor’s planned visit to Bellville campus to launch SARETEC.
SARETEC Director Naim Rassool says they had no option but to commence their training work at the beginning of 2016 despite no official opening. “We had to open our doors and start training because of the demands for skills in the renewable energy industry,” said Rassool.

To date they have indirectly trained 80 Wind Turbine Technicians and more than 200 Solar PV related trainees.  SARETEC-trained Solar PV Installers are certified and their names are on South African Photovoltaic Industry Association’s database. They can issue a PV Green Card on an installation which is recognised by municipalities as an installation done by an electrician having the proper training.

The Centre currently trains Solar PV Mounters and Solar PV Installers being Module 1 and Module 2 of the Solar PV Qualification, respectively. Module 3 is being developed to train a Solar PV Service Technician who can maintain, service and repair the solar PV systems installed on suburban rooftops. Module 4 will be to train a Solar PV Farm Technician who can work on a much higher voltage of solar generated power. (A solar PV system on a home rooftop generates about 150 Kilowatts of power, a solar farm generates about 150 Megawatts of power.)

The Western Cape government through the Apprentice Skills Game Changer programme is helping to develop Modules 3 and 4 and the material for Module 3 should be ready to pilot in the second half of 2019.

In terms of renewable energy the projected plan is that government wants 11.4 Gigawatts of national electricity to be generated by wind turbines and 8 Gigawatts from solar energy by 2030. Currently it stands at 2 Gigawatts from wind turbines and 1.7 Gigawatts from solar PV power.

“All indications are that SARETEC is going to be a real strategic asset for the country in order to ensure that we provide the right skills for the massive wave of installed renewable energy that is coming,” said Rassool.

Written by Theresa Smith
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As mandated by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to drive multilingual policies, the Fundani Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED) Language Unit recently hosted the annual Institutional Language Indaba at South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC).

The Language Indaba is a space where valuable ideas are shared on matters relating to the University’s Language Policy and its implementation. The Institutional Language Coordinator, Dr Kabelo Sebolai stated that in current times, universities across South Africa are mandated by the DHET) to steer multilingual policies. “Key to this, is the expectation by DHET that universities work towards ensuring that indigenous languages are empowered to become languages of teaching and learning,” Sebolai remarked.

He added that this year’s Indaba was a much better success than last year’s, especially in terms of attendance by members of the CPUT community, “although we managed to get only one of the two external speakers we had invited to attend”. It was also a success in terms of the discussion it generated among the attendees.”

Language Coordinator: Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ignatius Ticha, showcased the strides made inside CPUT in general and the Faculty of Applied Sciences in particular, with regard to language development which attracted a lot of interest from the audience and generated a lot of debate as well. Keynote speaker, a sociolinguist and currently a lecturer in the African Languages Department at University of Cape Town, Somi Deyi’s presentation on how existing isiXhosa resources have been and should continue to be digitised “was very informative”.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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If you have no fear of heights or confined spaces you are encouraged to join the eight qualified wind turbine service technicians from the Eastern Cape who were trained and graduated at South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) yesterday.

The graduates are from Bedford, Cookhouse, Adelaide and Somerset East local communities.   A wind turbine service technician plans, prepares and conducts installation, maintenance and component assembly for wind turbine processes, systems, facilities and equipment says Hendrik Volschenk, Operations Manager at SARETEC. The programme is sponsored by the Cookhouse Wind Farm in partnership with Suzlon Energy Limited, an Indian multinational wind turbine manufacturer.

Enthusiastic Operations Manager at SARETEC, Hendrik Volschenk said the qualification is a seven-month program at NQF level 5 and it amounts to 123 credits under the auspices of Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). Volschenk said the qualification falls under the South African Wind Energy industry as the national accredited training centre under the auspices of CPUT for the QCTO Occupational certificate, SAQA ID 99559, Occupational Certificate: Wind Turbine Service Technician. 

“The purpose of this qualification is to prepare  learners to operate as  wind turbine service technicians, to them I would like to say welcome to the family and I would like to see them back here [at SARETEC] as trainers,” Volschenk remarked. He says the programme was in the value of

R 1,030,000 which includes, training, stipend, and Global Wind Organisation (GWO) certification. This includes five months theory and practical training at SARETEC and two months placement at various windfarms such as Klipheuwel, Cookhouse and Vestas wind farms. “We are the only QCTO-accredited institution in South Africa,” continued Volschenk.

“As we speak, they have employment contracts, I get emotional because they are like my children, I have become attached to them, this group was very disciplined.”

On her opening speech at the graduation ceremony, newly-appointed SARETEC director, Mokgadi Modise said: “To the graduates, I am informed that since the inception of this Wind Turbine Technician Programme that all the former students have been employed and none is idling or still looking for a job. This shows the quality of the programme you have done which will make you marketable nationally and internationally as these types of skills are within the scarce skills in the country. These are the type of skills that are sought after in the renewable sector at an international market. South Africa does not have enough of artisans, and it will still take a while before we could reach a concentration peak on those and say we have these skills in abundance,” Modise continued.

“Our experience has been that some trained in the country and end working outside the country farms internationally. However, we hope that you will stay in the country and contribute to our own skills pool. When we look at this training programme, we should not look at it only from the generation point of view, but we should see it as SARETEC and everyone here’s contribution towards the country’s Just Transition on moving towards low carbon economy. These skills are required.”

Volschenk added that a qualified wind turbine service technician will be able to prepare and plan for installation of components.

Inspect, diagnose malfunctioning, and conduct maintenance, replacement and repair of wind turbine components.

Assemble and install component parts and/or equipment.

“These individuals are able to work at heights in all weather conditions, including extreme cold and heat, for extended periods. Wind turbine technicians must be capable of working closely with other individuals as a team,” he added.

A graduate, Xabiso Mfamana said: “I would like to extend a word of gratitude on behalf of the students to our sponsors Suzlon and Cookhouse Wind Farm for the life-changing opportunity they have granted us, this also goes to SARETEC management, trainers for  equipping us and gave us an  exposure in depth in order for us to be competent… We are now qualified wind turbine service technicians, and this is the beginning of the new adventure,” Bafana continued.

“We have overcome the 1st phase and there's still more to complete. We all know that when climbing up the turbine, there are different platforms going up, when we reach the first floor, we are still at the bottom of second floor so let's keep climbing until we reach our desired destination, the nacelle as our honourable director,  Madam Modise emphasised growth.” 

Admission requirements for this course:

Artisan qualification in any of the following electrical/mechanical trades:

• NQF level 4 qualification Electrician
• NQF level 4 qualification Electro-Mechanics
• NQF level 4 qualification Mechanical Engineering Millwright
• NQF level 4 qualification Mechatronics
• NQF level 4 qualification Fitter and Turner

or

National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics

or

National Diploma in Electrical Engineering subject to RPL

Eligibility criteria:

South African Citizen or Permanent Resident

• No criminal record
• Physically fit (Full medical would need to be undertaken before commencing)
• No fear of heights or confined spaces

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

CPUT hosted the Higher Education, Science and Innovation Ministerial Task Team during an oversight project site visit at the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) as part of the National Skills Fund (NSF) Strategic Review.

The NSF falls under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and the SARETEC establishment as a National South African Centre for skills training in Renewable Energy was funded by the NSF to the value of R105 million. The three-member Ministerial task team (MTT) was established and approved by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande.

Dean of Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) , Prof Marshall Sheldon, said the purpose of the MTT was to conduct a review of the NSF and to undertake an oversight visit to projects such as SARETEC funded by the NSF. “The MTT has a strategic focus on the NSF’s mandate, scope, and analyses its capacity, systems and organisational structure in relation to its mandate. The MTT will provide an assessment and recommendations to the Minister.”

Sheldon added that the provisional feedback from the task team was very positive and “they[MTT] were very impressed with how the challenges faced by SARETEC were managed and addressed; the progress made, and the number of students trained so far”.

Reflecting on the visit, Claude Cogill, Senior Project Manager at SARETEC, said it was a site audit of SARETEC, “confirming how the NSF budget was spent and how it impacts the industry”. “I was reasonably happy with the visit – our team, including the CPUT Management, served us well, and we provided an honest, and impressionable, picture of SARETEC,” Cogill said.

Furthermore, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr David Phaho, said the end goal was to give a report to the minister on whether SARETEC has achieved its strategic goals and objectives as envisaged at its founding.

Phaho said their meeting with the MTT was very interactive and the task team asked pointed and constructive questions about SARETEC. “Their immediate feedback was that SARETEC is doing great work as per its mandate.” He added that the (SARETEC) team made a presentation on SARETEC’s journey over the years and a discussion of the strategy going forward.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The excitement was written in people’s eyes as they witnessed how carbon dioxide can be captured and presented as white solid materials using the pilot plant during the official handover and launching ceremony of analytical equipment as well as the pilot plant at the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre n Bellville Campus.

During the ceremony Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, and Kaoru Okada from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), South Africa Office signed the certificate of handing over of the equipment and the pilot plant and (gave) the commitment of CPUT to secure and put it into appropriate use. The ceremony which included the cutting of the ribbon by Dr David Phaho, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships and Okada was preceded by a Joint Coordination Committee meeting, a yearly meeting to report on the progress of the project and the plan for the current year. 

This is part of the Science and Technology Research Partnerships for Sustainable Development (SATREPS), a Japanese government programme that promotes international joint research collaboration and partnerships. It is a collaboration between the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), JICA, and the South African government through the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). The programme aims to address science and technology challenges affecting society and business in South Africa, Japan and globally such as global warming, bio-resources, natural disasters, and infectious diseases– with research outcomes of practical benefit to promote mutual development.  

This is a R60 million project with an additional R5 million running cost generously awarded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) as a running cost for the project.  During the meeting, the Principal Investigator and Project Manager, Prof Tunde Ojumu presented the project progress, and the management documents and plans were reviewed and confirmed.  Ojumu also acknowledged the interest from industry stakeholders to be part of the project, support from the Japanese government and “the cooperation and the support I receive from CPUT management”.

He said the pilot plant was capable of handling carbonation reactions up to one cubic meter working volume. “The latter part of the year will be dedicated to roadshows when [we] will demonstrate on selected industrial sites in different parts of the country, the potential of cement/concrete and demolished concrete wastes to capture carbon dioxide, CO₂ directly and indirectly as carbonates and/or pure calcium carbonate products.”

In his remarks, Okada said he had renewed appreciation for the work that researchers were doing to advance the development agenda. “I sincerely hope that they will follow the guideposts they aim for harmoniously like the two wheels of a horse-drawn carriage.

“At this opportune time, let me remind you of the project purpose, being to develop carbon recycling systems including resource recycling loops to reduce process-related CO2 emissions from the cement industry. Simply put, the project aims to develop a carbon recycling system for a decarbonised society through mineral carbonation.”

The team consists of:

SA Project Team

• Prof Tunde Ojumu - Principal Investigator and Project Manager (CPUT)
• Prof Leslie Petrik - Collaborator (University of the Western Cape)
• Prof Jochen Petersen - Collaborator (University of Cape Town)
• Dr Ravi Vadapalli - Collaborator (Council for Geoscience)
• Dr Henk Coetzee - Collaborator (Council for Geoscience)

Japan Collaborators

• Prof Atsushi Iizuka – Project Adviser (Tohoku University, Sendai)
• Prof H Ho - Collaborator (Tohoku University, Sendai)
• Dr Yoshito Izumi - Collaborator (SDIs)

Speaking at the event, Nhlapo said: “It’s quite a long road that we have traversed and I must say I am very proud of the two teams, the Japanese team as well as the CPUT team…And by the way, I will be remiss of my duty if I don’t acknowledge the role played by Prof Leslie Petrik from the neighbouring institution (UWC) as well as Prof [Jochen] Petersen from UCT, great role. To say there are challenges that knows no borders, so, it’s very important that when we tackle them, we tackle them together and of course I am also happy from one particular perspective, that our dream to make Cape the learning area, to claim that space of Cape or Western Cape as the intellectual hub of South Africa. I think it has also been served better by this project.”

The enthusiastic Ojumu added that the committee was happy with their progress despite the initial delay experienced due to the arrival of equipment, installation, and training. “The results [we] are getting are impressive. Although more rigorous experiment still needs to be carried out, the expectation is the implementation of our technology on the sites of relevant and interested industrial stakeholders. He said the reduction of carbon dioxide and acid mine drainage remediation are critical to ensuring a safe environment that “we live in”. The realisation of the seemingly insurmountable task of setting up state-of-art facility our department is exciting to me, thanks to my HOD, Prof Manimagalay Chetty, the Deanery of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, and more importantly the Management of CPUT for giving the time and space to lead this project.

“Our project is addressing a lot of the sustainable development goals. While developing this technology, some of our students are being trained at master’s and doctoral levels, locally and overseas in Japan.” The demonstration of the pilot plant itself has attracted an additional three doctoral, one master’s and three internship students to join my research”, Ojumu remarked.

Okada also thanked CPUT for receiving and “safeguarding the pilot plant and analytical equipment, South African researchers for trusting these items to bring about research results, and the Japanese researchers for investing resources, time in particular, to ensure that these items are appropriate in pursuit of attaining project deliverables, now in the making”.

Minister, Embassy of Japan in South Africa, Atsushi Kuwabara voiced his wish for the success of this project and further expansion of cooperation in science and technology between Japan and South Africa. Kuwabara said: “Japan and South Africa have been enjoying strong ties in science and technology, especially since the signing of an Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology in 2003. I sincerely hope that the analytical equipment and the pilot plant will significantly enhance the research capability and make a big impact on the global fight against climate change.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The at-risk Science and Mathematics students from numerous departments recently attended the STEM (Science, Technology, Education & Maths) mid-year boot camp intervention programme held at South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre.

The students came from the departments such as Maritime Studies, Marine Engineering, Mathematics, Marine Physics, B.Ed. FET Physical Science and Mathematics, Industrial and Systems Engineering and Engineering Mathematics. The STEM boot camp has been designed to prepare students for the mid-year assessments.

The CPUT STEM Support Lead, Dr Frikkie George, says the boot camp intervention programme is one of the imperatives of the University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG) STEM project funded by the Department of Higher Education & Training (DHET). The first Bootcamp was conducted in 2022 during the September recess. The Bootcamps take place twice a year - in May to prepare students for the mid-year assessments and in September to prepare students for the year-end final assessment.

“The Bootcamp targets at-risk mathematics, physics and chemistry students identified by lecturers. The interest and requests from students to attend grew, however, due to funding we can only accommodate 50 students in May and 100 in September,” said George.

During the bootcamp students worked through the assessments of the first semester in discipline specific sessions. Lecturers, Jerome Tangkeh from Mathematics and Physics Department, Rhulani Saka from Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, tutors, and STEM Club members facilitated the bootcamp sessions. The bootcamp was well attended despite the short notice to students and the timing of the bootcamp (last week of lecturers). Over the two days 95% of the students attended. The difference in the results of the pre-diagnostic and post-diagnostic tests indicate a 5% improvement.

To quantitively determine the success of the bootcamp intervention for recording purposes, students write a pre-diagnostic test at the start of the bootcamp and a post-diagnostic test at the end of the Bootcamp. The facilitators also randomly interview students during the bootcamp to qualitatively determine the students' experiences of the different sessions. The facilitators also track the academic performance in the mid-year and year-end assessments of the students who attend. “These measures are important to indicate whether the bootcamp makes an impact in the academic performance of students who attend the bootcamps.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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