Hundreds of school pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds have been given morale-boosting goody bags to make life a little more comfortable during South Africa’s Covid emergency.

The helping hand, funded by the wind farm’s Economic Development programme in co-operation with the Department of Social Development, reached out to 12 local schools: Namaqualand High, Springbok Primary, Concordia Primary and High, SA Van Wyk High, Okiep Primary and High, Nababeep High, Sacred Heart Primary, St Cyprians Primary, St Anna Private High School and Matjieskloof Intermediary School.

Explaining the positive impact for his pupils at SA Van Wyk High, in the town of Springbok, School Principal H. B. Van Wyk, said: “The vast majority of the learners who attend our school come from very poor households, which is why the dignity packs are so well received.”

Cheryl Persensie, Mainstream’s Economic Development Manager at Kangnas Wind Farm, added: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools have closed, creating hardship and stress for many children, so we hope that these dignity packs will ease their burden.”

• The 140 MW Kangnas Wind Farm was developed and constructed by Mainstream for our Africa joint venture, Lekela Power. Now operated by Mainstream Asset Management South Africa for a 20-year REIPPP contract period, it began feeding the national grid in November 2020, generating around 563,500 MWh of clean renewable energy each year – enough to meet the annual needs of up to 120,000 average-sized households. It will also eliminate some 550,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually when compared to traditional fossil fuel power plants.