SOLAR PV FACILITIES’ LAUNCH FIRST BURSARY PROGRAMME FOR LOCAL YOUTH
Parys, Free State — 24 November 2025
Supporting the potential of the youth of Parys, a new community bursary programme has been launched this week, specifically targeting young people residing in this small Free State town, as well as the neighbouring areas of Schonkenville and Tumahole. The initiative is designed to open a new funding pathway for local youth to access tertiary education.
“We believe that education has the power to unlock opportunities and strengthen rural communities. By supporting access to tertiary studies, we hope to help build resilient communities,” shared Jo-Anne Brown, Country ED Manager at Ilikwa Solar and Damlaagte Solar, the two solar farms funding this programme.
Open to applicants under the age of 35, the bursary supports any field of study at any recognised tertiary institution, from universities through to TVET colleges. Applicants must be South African citizens and already accepted into an institution of higher learning. While no gender is prioritised, young people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
“In line with the National Development Plan’s goal of strengthening the capabilities of our citizens so they can improve their lives through education and skills development, we believe that investing in education is key to building a future where our local talent and skills can flourish,” added Brown.
The bursary package is comprehensive and includes tuition fees; accommodation; stationery and textbooks; ongoing progress monitoring, including psychosocial and academic support; as well as a mentor system to assist students throughout their studies.
This new bursary programme forms part of both Damlaagte Solar and Ilikwa Solar’s economic development commitments and their long-term goal of enhancing the well-being of communities within their area of operation.
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BOILERPLATE Ilikwa Solar: Ilikwa Solar PV Plant is a 50 MW solar photovoltaic facility located in South Africa’s Free State province, currently under construction. Developed by Mainstream Renewable Power, holding a 70% equity stake, in partnership with Investec (30%), the plant is designed to supply multiple private commercial and industrial customers under flexible, shorter-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) known as Renewable Energy Supply Agreements (RESAs).
Construction of the Ilikwa Solar PV Plant commenced in October 2024, with commercial operations expected to begin in early 2026. Once operational, the facility will produce approximately 141 GWh of clean electricity annually, powering the equivalent of more than 42,000 homes and avoiding the annual release of approximately 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Investec has provided both pre-construction development finance and debt and equity finance for the construction of the plant. This initiative aligns with Mainstream Renewable Power’s commitment to expanding access to affordable, reliable, and renewable energy in South Africa.
BOILERPLATE Damlaagte Solar: Damlaagte PV Facility is a 97.5 MW solar photovoltaic facility operating in South Africa’s Free State province. The facility is owned by Mainstream Renewable Power, uBuzwe Energy (Pty) Ltd and the Thembelihle Trust.
The site, constructed and operated by Mainstream Renewable Power, is the first renewable energy project to supply power under a landmark joint procurement programme by its strategic partners, Air Liquide and Sasol. This programme is a key enabler for both companies’ ambitious decarbonisation roadmaps.
Construction of the Damlaagte PV Facility commenced in November 2023, with commercial operations following in August 2025. The facility produces approximately 270 GWh of clean electricity annually, powering the equivalent of more than 68,000 homes and avoiding the annual release of approximately 264,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
