This week, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, joined the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) Company (SOC) Ltd and the local community in celebrating the graduation of students from a special skills development programme, gearing them up for green economy opportunities.
The 34 students received practical training in areas such as welding and production set-up.
‘With the world rapidly shifting towards cleaner energy, not to mention South Africa’s load shedding crisis, it is vital that we help Capetonians acquire sought-after skills to be part of the growing green economy,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos,
The graduation comes at an optimum moment for businesses in and around the ASEZ, which is expected to attract approximately R3,7 billion in green manufacturing investments over the next two decades.
Through the City’s work with GreenCape, its catalytic Special Business Partner, the City has created an enabling environment for project developers and manufacturers in the green economy within the greater metro as well.
Additionally, the City supports the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC), a training hub based at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Bellville campus. It is the country’s first national greentech centre.
‘The work that we have done with our partners to upskill Capetonians in this sector is one of the main reasons that Cape Town-based project developers were successful in over 75% of the fifth round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme. It is a testament to the ecosystem of a well-run City,’ said Alderman Vos.
Source: City of Cape Town