As a best practice and in order to ensure that everyone on site is engaged and feeling part of the larger team, we have implemented a bi-weekly “Mass Toolbox Talk” where all staff working (pictures)

As construction progresses on the Bolobedu solar project, the Voltalia team had the pleasure of welcoming representatives from Rio Tinto to the site.
The site tour provided Rio Tinto’s team with an opportunity to see firsthand the development of the solar infrastructure that will help support their decarbonisation goals. They were also introduced to some of the community engagement initiatives taking place in parallel with construction — a testament to Voltalia’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable development.
The visit highlighted the shared vision between Rio Tinto and Voltalia for a greener future, and reinforced the strong collaboration driving the success of the Bolobedu project.

To celebrate Heritage Day and reinforce its commitment to local engagement, Voltalia South Africa organized festivities in the Mohlabaneng village where talented individuals and groups showcased the area’s cultural richness in terms of art, dance, music and traditional practices and clothing. It was a meaningful day that combined community celebration and highlighted Voltalia’s deep connection and appreciation for the region and surrounding communities.

As part of its support for local schools, Voltalia South Africa distributed water bottles to students at a number of schools around the Bolobedu solar project, ensuring that the students could remain hydrated and have access to some water throughout the school days.
Water is one of the more challenging issues that the local communities around the Bolobedu project face; during the next steps where a Community Needs Assessment will be carried out to help better shape and focus the project’s socio-economic development commitments, this information will be key in assisting the company to structure sustainable and long-lasting projects and initiatives to support the communities.

In celebration of Mandela Day, the Voltalia team visited old age homes in the host community villages of Shawela, Mohlabaneng, and Ramaroka, delivering care packages and spending time with elderly residents. The visit was led by team members from South Africa, along with Voltalia’s Community Liaison Officers and Social Advisor.
The moments shared during the visit were filled with emotion, gratitude, and genuine connection. For the Voltalia team, it was a humbling reminder that their work in the region goes beyond infrastructure – it’s also about humanity, compassion, and being present for the people who make up the community.

To mark Youth Day, the Bolobedu Solar team hosted a vibrant sports event involving our local host communities. Soccer and netball teams from the villages of Ramaroka, Shawela, and Mohlabaneng came together for a friendly competition that brought energy and excitement to the day.
The matches were played in great spirits, with Mohlabaneng emerging as the winner of the soccer tournament and Ramaroka claiming victory in the netball event. All participants received medals as a token of appreciation for their involvement. The event was a true celebration of youth, community spirit, and healthy competition.

Voltalia South Africa organized a clean-up campaign at the Realedisha Secondary School around the Bolobedu project. The initiative aimed to improve the school’s process.environment while encouraging awareness of process.environmental responsibility among learners and staff. Colleagues from Voltalia’s South African and international offices joined local stakeholders in this important activity.
Following the school clean-up campaign, the team provided training and donated some supplies to support road safety and scholar patrol, with a key focus to help in managing traffic and ensuring the safety of students, especially while crossing the roads in arriving and leaving school every day. This initiative reinforced Voltalia’s commitment to both the well-being and safety of the children in its host communities.

A logo design competition was launched in four local secondary schools – Kheale, Manonyaneng, Realedisha, and Motsipa – inviting students to create a visual identity for the Bolobedu project.
After two months of submissions, the winners were announced during school visits with members from the Voltalia South Africa team. First prize was awarded to David Seloise, second to Tsakani Mathavula, and third to Thabane Molelu. All winners received prizes designed to encourage their artistic talent and celebrate their contribution.
The competition showcased the creativity and enthusiasm of the region’s youth, and highlighted the value of engaging local talent in shaping the identity of community-based projects.