A technological energy renewal initiative called Smart Village, to benefit Thaba Nchu’s rural community of Noga’s Post, is being fast-tracked.
This is through partnership between the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, and the Princess Gabo Foundation. The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday (09/02), to see fruition of the initiative.
Princess Gaboilelwe Moroka-Motshabi is the founder of the foundation and the traditional leader of the Noga’s Post village, which is located about 20 km from Thaba Nchu’s central business district (CBD).
The Smart Village initiative is one avenue to address societal challenges and employ socio-economic intervention – through technological solutions offered to the poverty-stricken community. Challenges faced include a lack of education facilities, facilities for early childhood development, health care systems, shops and infrastructure, as well as security issues. Crime, stock theft and a lack of water supply also play a role.
“Noga’s Post’s rural community is very disadvantaged and forgotten, if one could say that,” said Moroka-Motshabi.
“This is an opportunity for us to bring the change that we want to see by enabling the people to take ownership of bringing sustainable development to their area. So, it’s really about all of us coming together and holding hands and trying to come up with a model that can be duplicated to other disadvantaged, rural communities.”
The signing of the memorandum was the result of a fact-finding visit to the CUT by Moroka-Motshabi, seeking a viable empowerment project. Dan Maritz, CUT spokesperson, said she was highly impressed with the university’s innovative projects and expertise.
“The CUT plays a pivotal role in creating a Smart Village for the Noga’s Post community. Skills development in renewable energy would afford candidates opportunities for employment and create a healthier environment,” said Dr Patrick Manditereza, Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority chair at the CUT Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology.
It was stated that the project would entail the use of renewable energy via water, wind, sunshine or cow dung.
