Global Wind Day: Wind power quietly helping to turn the tide against energy insecurity

CAPE TOWN - As the country continues to face energy insecurity, wind power is quietly helping to turn the tide, providing electricity for over three million households each year.

The importance of wind power as an alternative source of energy and a contributor to combatting climate change is again in the spotlight on Sunday on Global Wind Day.

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This year’s theme is "community impact" to highlight how wind energy has changed lives.

Wind energy hasn’t only contributed positively to the grid, but it’s also transforming lives.

Rashana Damonse, owner of an engineering consultancy, like others along the West Coast, nearly lost her business due to the combined blows of COVID-19, drought and the closure of key businesses in the region.

But a new role, spearheading economic development initiatives at Aurora Wind Farms gave Damonse a lifeline.

"I would never have been able to think that it’s these structures that I now call majestic that would bring financial change for me and my family, putting me back in a position where I can provide."

Her work now focuses on empowering the Vredenberg community through partnerships that support local businesses and help young people explore futures in wind and renewable energy.