“The IDC is dedicated to enabling sustainable development and growth for South African businesses. By investing in renewable energy solutions, we are not only helping businesses to withstand load-shedding, but also to expand their operations sustainably.” - Stuart Bartlett, Programme Manager at the Industrial Development Corporation.
Avo Vision is one of the strategic implementing partners rolling out the Township Energy Fund, a R15 million project which aims to positively impact Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in townships, rural areas, and small towns across the country. This initiative proves the government’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship as a vehicle for economic growth.
Installations have already started in Soweto, Vaal, and West Rand, where 45 MSMEs are being supported with alternative energy solutions. This initiative will ensure business continuity, growth, expansion, increased turnover, and job retention. Avo Vision is proud to be a partner in this transformative project, equipping small businesses with alternative tools, business acumen training, and coaching to enhance their operations.
One of the selected entrepreneurs in Vaal is Siphokazi Gatyes, the owner of "Nthodi’s Place," a pub that sells food and beverages. This establishment, founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, faced challenges due to lockdown and post-COVID load-shedding. Siphokazi explains how load-shedding severely impacted her business, causing food spoilage and warm beverages, as power cuts sometimes lasted over four hours, often followed by unplanned outages.
Despite these challenges, "Nthodi’s Place" has not only created jobs within the Beverly Hills community—employing four locals, including two youth—but has also contributed to community safety. "With the rechargeable lights we installed, our place was the only one with lights during load-shedding, making it safer for people to walk in the streets after dark," Siphokazi shared. "There was a robbery at a shop a few meters away from us, and thanks to our CCTV cameras, we were able to capture the suspects' registration number." This incident highlighted the importance of finding a long-term alternative energy solution.
At just 29 years old, Siphokazi feels honoured to be recognised by such a programme as a female operating in a male-dominated industry. The initiative will keep her business running smoothly, ensuring her customers remain entertained and do not need to travel to other areas of the township to unwind. Her pub also serves as a networking hub, adding even more value to the community.
Avo Vision is privileged to be part of this progressive programme, which aims to boost the local economy while providing essential life skills to vulnerable communities. This project builds socio-economic confidence, encouraging people to take charge of their economic futures.
“Key to business sustainability is an enabling environment, which consistent electricity contributes to. Being one of the implementers of the Township Energy Fund is well-aligned with Avo’s commitment to building sustainable communities, to which entrepreneurship is a key lever,” comments Khwezi Fudu-Cenenda, Enterprise Supplier and Development Director at Avo Vision.