Grootvlei: Eskom, in collaboration with the Government of the Netherlands and the Mpumalanga provincial government, has officially inaugurated the Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre at the Grootvlei Power Station. This initiative marks a significant step in linking South Africa's Just Energy Transition to new economic prospects in climate-smart food production and skills development.
According to South African Government News Agency, the project is already delivering tangible outcomes, with eight community members from Dipaleseng Municipality currently undergoing training as greenhouse facilitators. Additionally, 75 agripreneurs from the community will join the Agripreneur Development Programme starting in April 2026. Each agripreneur is anticipated to employ community members, contributing to the creation of sustainable jobs by 2030.
The centre is part of Eskom's pilot initiatives under its Just Energy Transition (JET) Programme. It aims to demonstrate how repurposed energy infrastructure can support future-oriented economic activities beyond the energy sector. The focus is on practical training, skills development, and value-chain development in climate-smart horticulture rather than large-scale commercial production at this stage.
Eskom Board Chairperson, Mteto Nyati, highlighted the significance of the project as a successful example of partnerships. He expressed gratitude for the leadership by the Minister of Electricity and Energy, the investment by the Government of the Netherlands, and the support of the Mpumalanga Premier and Dipaleseng Local Municipality.
The future development of the centre is a priority, with plans to develop a broader agri-economic hub that integrates agriculture, skills development, and logistics, with increasing private-sector participation. The Grootvlei project underscores that South Africa's energy transition is about creating new economic futures for people, land, and local communities.