Within five years, success at theGrootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centreshould be tangible, measurable and firmly rooted in the local economy. ForJoanne Doornewaard, the Netherlands’ ambassador to South Africa, that success looks like a climate-smart horticulture centre that has moved well beyond its pilot phase and become embedded in Mpumalanga’s economic landscape. Eskomand the Netherlands embassy launched the centre on Tuesday at theGrootvlei power stationas a pilot initiative under Eskom’sJust Energy Transition(JET) programme.
Initially operating as a demonstration and training site, it is designed to expand incrementally over time. The longer-term vision is more ambitious: a fully fledged agrihub that brings together agriculture, energy, skills development and logistics, with increasing private-sector participation. “For us, in five years, success means that Grootvlei is operating as a fully functional 20 hectare training and demonstration facility,” Doornewaard told theMail & Guardian.
“Right now, we are starting with half a hectare, but in five years’ time it will extend, with continuous training in place and a steady flow of farmers, technicians and entrepreneurs acquiring very relevant skills.” Beyond training, success will also be measured by whether the centre is able to catalyse commercial investment. “The private sector will take over. They will attract commercial investments.
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We hope that it will show that the model works, not only in training but also in attracting businesses willing to expand production, processing or other services related to the site,” Doornewaard added. The centre is intended to demonstrate how existing energy infrastructure, including coal-fired power stations, can be repurposed for future-oriented economic activities beyond the energy sector. Grootvlei power station is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2030.
Climate-smart horticultureenables food to be produced more efficiently and reliably, using less water and fewer inputs — acritical consideration in Mpumalanga, where communities face the combined pressures of climate change, water scarcity and economic transition. The centre will serve as a demonstration and training facility, supporting farmers, technicians and young professionals with practical, market-relevant skills.
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