A youth internship programme funded by Waterloo Solar is equipping young professionals in Vryburg with practical development skills while strengthening community-focused social performance initiatives.
Kegomoditswe Makhondo has been selected for the 18-month Social Performance Internship Programme, which focuses on building local capacity while supporting socio-economic development in Vryburg and surrounding communities.
Through the programme, she contributes to stakeholder engagement, community liaison activities, project monitoring, compliance processes and development reporting. Her role supports the structured delivery of community initiatives while providing hands-on exposure to the operational side of renewable energy-linked social investment.
Her professional foundation includes experience with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), where she previously worked as a Project Support Officer coordinating and monitoring projects across district and local municipalities.
She holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours degree in Development Studies from North West University, as well as an Introduction to Project Management Certificate. Her academic background and prior experience positioned her to transition into the renewable energy sector’s social performance environment.
“What excites me most about community development and stakeholder engagement is the opportunity to work directly with communities, understand their needs, and contribute to initiatives that improve their livelihoods. I find fulfillment in building strong relationships with stakeholders and being part of projects that enable communities to grow and become self-sustaining,” said Kegomoditswe Makhondo.
Reflecting on her decision to join Waterloo Solar, she added: “My academic background in development studies and community development has deepened my interest in social performance, particularly in how organisations engage communities and implement socio-economic development programmes. I was especially drawn to Waterloo Solar because of its commitment to empowering local communities through sustainable development initiatives in the Vryburg area.”
She brings multilingual communication skills, organisational strength and resilience to the role, enabling inclusive engagement across diverse community groups. Her academic achievements include membership in the Golden Key International Honour Society, reflecting a strong commitment to personal and professional growth.
“During the internship, I hope to gain practical, hands-on experience in social performance, stakeholder management, and socio-economic development project implementation. I aim to further develop my professional skills while contributing positively to the solar plant’s objective of empowering and strengthening communities,” she added.
Now in its third year, the internship forms part of Waterloo Solar’s broader youth development strategy, which aims to combine renewable energy investment with structured community empowerment and long-term local skills development.
