Governance Training Strengthens Local Leadership In Peddie

Eight members of the Project Liaison Committee for the Peddie-Pembroke Overhead Line Refurbishment Project have successfully completed a three-day accredited governance training programme. Supported by Wind Garden, the training is expected to help build local capacity and create long-term community benefits.
 

Community members serving on the Committee were given the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the significance of their role in the Peddie-Pembroke area. Reflecting on the training, Sonwabo Wesley April explained, “When I first joined the committee as a Business Forum Secretary, I thought my role was only to represent the interests of SMMEs. The governance training made me realise that this is about serving the broader interests of the community, the contractor and all stakeholders involved. The training emphasised the importance of honesty, transparency, clarity and integrity in our work. It has given me a deeper understanding of good governance and the responsibility the PLC carries in ensuring accountability, fairness and sustainable development for all stakeholders.”
 

Training participants will receive an NQF Level 5 accredited certificate, a nationally recognised qualification that builds their confidence in fulfilling current responsibilities and equips them for future leadership roles, bringing long-term benefits to their communities within the Ngqushwa Local Municipal and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipal areas.
 

Angela Harrison, Socio-Economic Development Manager for Wind Garden, which is wholly owned by NOA said: “We hope that the governance training will create lasting benefits for the delegates and their communities. The training has left the delegates with a shared understanding of governance principles, a deeper appreciation for the ethical responsibilities tied to leadership and a practical framework for upholding strong values and good conduct. These skills will enable committee members to carry out their responsibilities effectively and prepare them for future leadership roles within their communities, creating an environment which can facilitate a positive and sustainable legacy beyond the current construction project.”
 

The Project Liaison Committee’s key role is to support the project by facilitating communication, coordination, and collaboration among local affected stakeholders for the successful delivery of the project. This work is important for the Peddie-Pembroke region, as the refurbished line will strengthen local electricity supply and allow new renewable power from Wind Garden to feed into the national grid.
 

The training, held from 19–21 August 2025 in King William’s Town, was delivered by accredited facilitators and provided practical knowledge on governance principles, ethics and stakeholder engagement. Delegates explored frameworks such as the Public Finance Management Act, Municipal Finance Management Act, and King IV Report on Corporate Governance, with a strong focus on how governance impacts community trust and project delivery.
 

Note:
The wind farm partnered with Phandaro Consulting and MTA Training Academy on the accredited governance training.