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Palmer Development Consulting (PDC) - South Africa

Full contact details

LHA Forum
Number 9 De Haviland Crescent
Persequor Technopark
Meiring Naude Road

Postal
P.O. Box 11906
Queenswood
0121

Tel: 27 12 349 1901
Fax: 27 12 349 1913
www.pdc1.co.za

Main contact person

Marlett Wentzel
Marlett@...
Tel: 27 12 349 1901
Cell: 083 271 1715

Institutional Structure

PDC is a registered partnership, with Richard Palmer and Marlett Wentzell as the two partners. PDC was formed in 1999, when it officially separated from our sister company, Palmer Development Group. In addition to the two partners, we have four professional staff members, as well as five support staff members. We have offices in Randburg as well as in Pretoria, with each partner manning the two offices individually.

VALUE DRIVERS:

Palmer Development Consulting (PDC) is a South African firm concerned with Africa's development. We strive to improve the quality of life of South Africans by focusing on management support & research in the learning community and domestic energy sectors. PDC continues the tradition of multi-disciplinary professional work established by Palmer Development Group (PDG). There are two offices, one in Randburg and one in Pretoria and we maintain a close relationship with our sister company, Palmer Development Group, based in Cape Town. Main Value Drivers:
  1. Impacting on Development
  2. Building clients
  3. Building the organisation
  4. Managing and leading effectively

Background, mission and goals

PDC was established in 1999 when Palmer Development Group (PDG) was restructured after 11 years of research and consulting in the activities in the water, education and energy sectors. PDC and PDG offer complimentary skills and co-operate in specific ventures where possible. The nature of PDC's work can be divided into four broad areas: research, policy, development planning and management support.
  • Our vision: To improve the quality of life for South Africans by providing specialized knowledge & skills.
  • Our mission: To ensure that all South Africans acquire life skills and have sufficient access to domestic energy.
  • Our strategy: PDC is a South African firm concerned with Africa's development.

Approach, organisational programmes and activities:



RESEARCH

Research accounts for about 40% of our work, and is focused on primarily on the fields of education and energy with the emphasis on renewable energy. The firm specialises in primary research including data capturing, data management and analysis. PDC's research emphasis makes places it in an unusual position for a private firm, which influences - not only our work profile, but also the structure of the organisation. Most professional members of PDC have more than one post-graduate qualifications, and we maintain well-established links with universities, a good library and efficient computer systems.

POLICY

Following from research, information is used to assist in the policy-making process. PDC assisted various national government structures and other policy-making bodies during the general period of policy formulation following the 1994 elections. The process of research is viewed as cyclical, and therefore anticipates a process of revisiting existing policy in the foreseeable future.

PLANNING

Financial planning and strategies represents approximately 20% of our business. Increasing expertise in this field was invested in financial planning models specifically aimed at schools and school education providers.

MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

Management support also accounts for 20% of our work, where we assist clients managing programmes or projects, largely in two fields: education, where we assist in managing the transformation of innovative schools and energy, where we manage a multi-year national comparative solar cooker field test programme.

1. Examples of past successes and experience (Energy Division)



1.1 The DME/GTZ Solar Cooker Field Test: Baseline Study

The DME/GTZ Solar Cooker Field Test The Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) and the Department of Minerals and Energy in South Africa (DME) Solar Cooker Field Test explored the social acceptability of seven pre-selected solar cookers. The field test involved a 12 month comparative study of 7 different types of solar cookers placed with 66 families and 14 institutions in the arid North West and Western Cape regions of South Africa. The study chose two test areas in rural areas and one in a peri-urban settlement. All three areas have different fuel mixes, are comprised of low-income families and are faced with diminishing fuelwood supplies.

The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis to determine end-user acceptance. The analysis of the data revealed that families used solar cookers as often as the other major fuel source - wood. It was found that families used the cookers on 38% of all days and for 35% of all cooked meals. This resulted in an overall fuel saving of 36%. On average it was calculated that people in the test areas consume 1.5 kg of wood per day. Therefore, these 66 households as a result of the study did not consume 78 tonnes of wood. This is particularly significant as the vast majority of wood consumed by families is harvested from live trees.

The pressure on fuelwood in many parts of South Africa is now so intense that dead wood is no longer available. The consumption of other fuels was also reduced. The use of paraffin was down by 33%. This is particularly significant for reasons of health and safety. At the end of the field test, a total of 72 families have bought a solar cooker and some of the families formed part of the control group. There were clear preferences determined by a variety of factors such as family size, age of the cook, income, environmental conditions, storage ability of the cooker, safety and technical performance.

1.2. Evaluation of the IIEC Eco Homes Advisors Training Programme

The aim of this project is to critically evaluate the IIEC's Eco Homes Advisor's Programme with a view to formulate and propose specific recommendations for improvement. These advisors' initiative aimed to add capacity to the South African Housing effort by training representatives from housing delivery groups on environmentally sound constructuion. In the first phase nine host organisations participated and the Advisors selected by the host organisations completed a three week training course held by IIEC. The Programme aimed to realize the following benefits:
  • A reduction in household expenditure on energy and water consumption;
  • Improvement in health and indoor air quality;
  • Greater household comfort;
  • The promotion of local emerging construction contractors providing EcoHomes.

1.3 EHA evaluation 2

The aim of the second evaluation of the Eco Home Advisors Programme was to critically evaluate:
  1. The impact/effect of participating organizations having a demonstration Eco home to create awareness on energy efficient housing; and
  2. The impact of the raised awareness in leading to job creation ideas.
From the case studies, the following conclusions were drawn:
  • The availability of an Eco demonstration Home is extremely important in communities targeted for awareness raising.
  • Although the availability of an Eco demonstration Home contributed to awareness raising regarding energy efficiency, care must be taken that potential benefits are maximised and expanded.
  • Effective information dissemination and awareness raising has to be conducted continuously to maximise benefits
  • The availability of an Eco demonstration house increased people's awareness around energy efficient buildings and they recognised the potential income generation benefits of obtaining a skill in this area.

1.4 Sustainable Homes Initiative Evaluation

PDC was contracted by IIEC to conduct a short evaluation of the Sustainable Homes Initiative. Three project components, namely the Green Professionals component, the Sustainable Homes Network as well as the Decision-Makers Seminar were evaluated in terms of specific themes.

1.4.1 Effecting market change in the low-cost housing sector

It was concluded that respondents are of the opinion that the SHI contributed to the beginning of market change in the low cost housing sector, but that more actual implementation of concepts would be required to create a demand for energy efficient homes.

1.4.2 Impact of the SHI on participating organizations' activities

The majority of organizations experienced a positive impact of the SHI on their activities. The SHI had a direct impact on the quality of housing delivered and design, lay-out and plans were changed to incorporate Green Professionals' advice. In summary, from the responses it was experienced that the SHI had a significant impact on participating organizations and individuals, resulting in concrete benefits in terms of enabling organizations to incorporate energy efficiency into their work plan, ultimately influencing the quality of houses being delivered.

1.4.3 Effectiveness of the SHI

Respondents judged the SHI to be effective, and in most cases all respondents felt that intended goals were reached. Most responses indicated a high level of satisfaction with the effectiveness of the SHI with tangible benefits experienced by participants. The Green Professionals (GP) component of the SHI specifically translated into direct benefits to communities in terms of savings (energy costs and expenditure on energy), healthier environments as well as information dissemination and capacity building. Further benefits are also possible, as the programme is still being implemented for completion in 2002.

1.4.4 Employment generated through the SHI

The majority of organizational respondents and all GPs indicated that employment had been created by the project. Since implementation is still underway, further positive benefits may result in terms of employment and benefits to women.

1.4.5 Women benefiting through the SHI

Women specifically benefited directly and indirectly from the Green Professionals component. Direct benefits included employment and training, while indirect benefits were listed as women participating in project steering as well as the potential benefit of women visiting the education centre.

1.5 Clean Development Mechanism regional workshop

Marlett Wentzel facilitated a 3-day regional workshop on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) organised by the Minerals and Energy Policy Centre (MEPC). The workshop forms part of a project entitled "Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Capacity Building for South Africa and Southern Africa", funded by the Shell Foundation's Sustainable Energy Programme (SEP). The major objective of the project was to ensure that South Africa and the region has a cleaner, more resource efficient economy with a comparative advantage in the international CDM market The workshop took place from 16-18 August at MEPC. Approximately 30 representatives attended the workshop from NGO's in SADC countries.

1.6. Solar Cooker Field Test Project: Conference 2000

The CDG/DME/GTZ International Conference on solar cooking and thermal applications" were held in Kimberley, South Africa from 27 - 29 November 2000. The conference was organised by the South African Department of Minerals and Energy (DME), the Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft (CDG) and GTZ. Palmer Development Consulting assisted DME in the organization of the Conference under contract from CDG.

1.6.1 Objectives of the Conference:

  1. To review global progress in the promotion of solar cooking particularly in the developing world;
  2. To share ideas on effective strategies for the commercialisation of solar cookers and other technologies, as well as on:
  3. Large-scale dissemination of solar cookers, solar dryers, solar water heating systems, etc.
  4. Efficient appliances/stoves for biomass programmes.
  5. To overcome barriers with regards to renewable energy technologies in particular solar cookers;
  6. To highlight pilot studies and successful case studies;
  7. To draw lessons from the feedback of end-users and communities;
  8. To explore the possible contribution of these technologies towards income generating activities.

1.7 Solar Cooker Field Test Project : Post-purchase study

The first phase of DME/GTZ Solar Cooker Field Test aimed at testing end-user acceptance of seven different solar cooker models in three test areas in South Africa. The study of acceptance by families concerned six different cooker models and was completed at the end of 1997. Solar cookers were shown to be accepted by users who were given the opportunity to buy the used test cookers at a discounted price at the end of the placement period.

In order to study user acceptance over a longer period of time, an ex- post-purchase analysis in the original test areas (Pniel, Onseepkans and Huhudi) was undertaken. A field trip took place from 27 January until 4 February 2000.

It was found that:
  1. Most of the cookers sold could be located
  2. Most of the cookers were still in use
  3. Most users did not regret the purchase of a solar cooker and will choose to buy a solar cooker again
  4. Most users were satisfied with their original choice of cooker and would buy the same model again
  5. The users who would buy another cooker would choose a bigger, more convenient model
  6. Half of the cookers needed basic repairs, which was undertaken.


1.8. Solar Cooker Field Test Project :Price Elasticity Test

A price elasticity study for solar stoves took place in Kimberley and Upington (close to two of the original three field test areas of phase 1) from 25 March to 28 April 2001. The purpose of the price elasticity study was to establish to which extend the price of a solar stove is of importance for potential buyers, when making a decision to purchase a solar stove. A targeted advertising campaign was conducted in the two towns. Cooking demonstrations were held at taxi ranks, and in front of shops selling the stoves. Awareness of the stoves has been increased not only through the cooking demonstrations, but also through presence in the media (radio spots and newspaper ads). It showed that the interest in the solar stoves increased considerably during the study phase and is higher than before. Solar stove sales increased when market prices were reduced to under R400.

The main findings of the study showed that:
  1. Sales of solar stoves increased as prices decreased, confirming that price is extremely important for prospective buyers of solar stoves;
  2. However, price is only important if potential buyers are aware of the concept of solar cooking and where to find solar stoves. Marketing and awareness raising is therefore, extremely important;
  3. The tolerance price for solar stoves was found to be R400. Any price below the figure will most probably be accepted by the market;
  4. Sunstove sales decreased in the period while other stove sales increased, illustrating that if other solar stoves are available at comparable prices to that of the Sunstoves, buyers will also consider efficiency and capacity;
  5. The effect of lower prices and promotion activities could be detected after marketing and promotional activities took place, emphasizing that decisions about purchasing a solar stove takes some time to be finalized.


1.9 Programme for Biomass and Energy Conversation: (ProBEC) Energy Baseline Study in Ga Maraba and Ga Mogano in the Northern Province (South Africa)

Biomass still amounts to nearly 80% of total energy demand in SADC countries. Most of this energy is used for household purposes (cooking, baking, lighting, heating) but a substantial amount goes into small-scale businesses like brick firing, fish smoking, processing of agricultural products, beer brewing, and restaurants. In addition, recent statistics suggest that biomass energy use for Africa will have doubled by the year 2020. Main reasons for this are a high population increase, low incomes and a shortage of foreign currency. An energy baseline study was conducted in GaMoraba and GaMogana in the northern Province of South Africa to provide energy specific household data to assist in the planning and design of further actions on the dissemination of improved stoves. The objective of the baseline study was to obtain energy specific household data to assist in the planning and design of further actions on the dissemination of woodstoves and solar stoves in the area.

Conclusions seem to indicate that both study areas are generally wealthy with a high level of appliance ownership. However, wood fuel use, especially for cooking purposes is still high and wood fuel is considered to be scarce in both areas. Households experience additional problems associated with the use of wood fuel as an energy source as well as problems with the use of conventional energy sources. The combination of wood fuel scarcity, continued high levels of wood fuel use, awareness regarding problems associated with wood fuel use and an indication of the potential of disposable income to be spent on appliances seems to indicate positive conditions for the implementation of an improved stove programme.

1.10 Policy recommendations for the implementation of EBSST in off-grid electrification

This work has been undertaken in close co-operation with the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME), the five solar home system (SHS) concessionaires and various other government departments. The project was funded and managed by Eskom Enterprises, TSI Division.

Unlike grid-connected users who have the choice of the level of their electricity consumption through pre-payment systems, non-grid consumers have to bear fixed monthly costs, whether they use the energy service or not. Due to the lack of cross-subsidisation potential from wealthy or industrial consumers, the SHS industry has to pay carefull attention to the selection of their customers. They have to avoid customers who are not likely to pay their service fee regularly. This impacts on take-up rates and the potential to service the poorest of the poor. Due to the lack of data on take-up rates, it is not possible to speculate on take-up rates and the impact thereof on concessionaire viability.

Once governance arrangements have been finalised the next most important issue to be addressed is that of financial integration. Two choices are available, namely the electricity sector could set up its own arrangements for capital and operating subsidies (the national channel option) or integrate these with arrangements for municipal infrastructure as a whole (the local channel option). The industry favors the first option while it is the research team is of the opinion that the local channel will be to option selected due to the alignment with existing policies and governance practices. From the review of stakeholder views on governance and funding channels it is clear that there are major differences of opinion on the choice of national or local channel. It is probably fair to say that the pro-local preference is based on a long-term, principled position, whilst the pro-national preference is based on a short-term, pragmatic reading of the situation. The pricing and tariff structure policy area essentially deals with two separate issues:
  1. the appropriate level of operating subsidy; and
  2. the structure of SHS tariffs.

1.11 Investigating the Intended Purpose, Costs Benefits and Implementation of a Basic Electricity Support Tariff (BEST)

A free basic allocation of electricity to alleviate the effects of poverty was first proposed by the chairman (at the time) of the National Electricity Regulator in September 1998, and then again by the President, the Minister of Minerals and Energy and other politicians before the local government elections in December 2000.

In a government pressured for service delivery, the provision of free electricity to the poor seemed like an excellent idea, especially on the eve of an election. With the wheels in motion, turning at breakneck speed due to harnessed political will, the first pilot projects were active as early August 2001 and the first rural pilot project was launched by the Minister of Minerals and Energy in Mathope Stad, North-West province in October 2001. The evaluation of the pilot projects was carried out between October 2001 and February 2002, investigating the intended purpose, costs, benefits and implementation of a Basic Electricity Support Tariff (BEST), previously known as the Electricity Basic Support Services Tariff (EBSST) and before that, the Poverty Tariff.

The research carried out by the University of Cape Town, included a component using focus groups in the pilot project areas to collect information from end-users, electricity vendors and service providers regarding their experiences and expectations of the EBSST. Palmer Development Consulting was requested to complete focus group interviews in 3 pilot areas: Mathope Stad near Rustenburg in the North-West province, Gasese and Tsineng near Kuruman in the Northern-Cape province and Bloemfontein service area, Orange Free State. The article will focus on the experiences and responses from these areas only and should therefore not be interpreted as representative of all pilot areas.\

1.13 Project Design Mission for DANCED Support in Capacitating Local Government for the Rural Electrification Programme

The South African Government is responsible for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the National Electrification Programme. Subsidies will be provided to both grid and non-grid technologies. It is uneconomical to extend grid electrification to most of the unconnected remote rural areas. Non-grid electrification will be provided on a complementary basis to grid electricity to areas that are not viable to be connected through grid electricity. Areas suitable for implementation of non-grid electrification are described as permission areas.

Permission areas are located within the jurisdiction of District Councils or Local Municipalities, which was prioritized in Northern Province, Kwa-Zulu Natal Province and Eastern Cape Province. These areas are licensed to utilities (either Eskom the national electricity or one of the currently licensed municipalities) in terms of Section 4 of the Electricity Act No.41/1987. Utilities are responsible to distribute electricity in respective licensed areas and will enter into service provider agreement with one of the pre-selected private sector Concessionaires (non-grid service providers) that are technically and financially competent to implement non-grid electrification in permission area within their large allocated areas of operation (concession areas) The entire implementation process would be accountable to Local Government that is in the form of either District Councils or Local Municipalities and is responsible for co-ordination of Integrated Development Plans of their respective districts. The responsibility of either District Councils or Local Municipalities is founded in the Constitution of South Africa and the Municipal Structures Act.

The District Councils or Local Municipalities are envisaged to perform the following roles and responsibilities with regard to non-grid electrification:
  1. To consider and integrate non-grid electrification in the Integrated Development Plans of areas that are uneconomical to be connected to grid electricity.
  2. To monitor the implementation of the non-grid electrification programme.
  3. To address disputes between customers and service providers of both grid and non-grid electrification.
This project focuses on capacitating municipalities with the overall goal of ensuring effective service delivery and monitoring and evaluation in the concession areas. The novelty of the concessionaire delivery mode and involvement of local government calls for the training and education of municipalities. Without the support, education and training of Local Government/Municipalities, the success of the implementation of non-grid electrification would be threatened.

The design component of this aspect will aim to capacitate municipalities on the rural electrification programme that is based on a concessionaire delivery model focusing on renewable energy within the non-grid system. This approach is new in the context of the National Electrification Programme of South Africa. The project will focus on: (i) informing municipalities about DME energy policy; (ii) capacitating and informing municipalities about the Integrated National Electrification Programme focusing on non-grid electrification and energisation initiatives; (iii) capacitating municipalities on the implementation of non-grid electrification and renewable energy; (iv) to inform municipalities about the concessionaire model of implementing non-grid electrification; and (v) to enable municipalities to understand rural electrification issues and be in a position to participate through the Integrated Development Plans.

1.14 Supplying information for the development of IIEC Eco House Model

IIEC wanted to develop a software programme for 3 to 4 regions, which requires more or less similar solar passive design strategies to achieve indoor thermal comfort in houses. This programme was going to be used to assist housing suppliers to make informed decisions regarding the basic costs and benefits of 'eco' housing. Palmer Development Consulting assisted in determining which climatic regions should be grouped together through the use of GIS and a few calculations.

dT and amplitude ratio was used to determine which solar passive design strategies are required in the different climatic regions to achieve indoor thermal comfort in houses. dT is the difference between the average indoor temperature and the average outdoor temperature in K (Kelvin). In building design "amplitude" denotes the diurnal temperature swing expressed in K. The amplitude ratio is the indoor amplitude for thermal comfort, divided by the outdoor amplitude. When looking at the maps of South Africa, those areas with similar colours for 'dT for thermal comfort' and the 'maximum permissible amplitude ratio' will need similar design strategies. The design strategies that should be used for the houses will be determined by the strictest amplitude ratio. The map formed by an overlay of summer and winter amplitude ratio will indicate this.

It was recommended that
  1. The areas of maximum permissible amplitude ratios be consolidated into three to four national zones, showing where winter/summer is the determining design criterion.
  2. dT zones be consolidated into three to four national zones showing intermediate 2K intervals, and identifying where winter/summer is the determining design criterion.

1.15. Basa Njengo Magogo pilot study in Orange Farm

The combustion of coal for cooking, space or water heating in residential areas in South Africa results in high levels of indoor and outdoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution levels caused by the burning of coal amount to ten to fifteen times the international health standards in winter in some areas. The Department of Minerals and Energy initiated a Low Smoke Fuels Programme as an outcome of a stakeholder workshop held in Soweto during 1994. A major thrust of the Programme is the 'Basa- Magogo' method or top-down ignition of fires that has been proved to be the least cost option with the biggest potential for reducing smoke caused by the burning of coal as a source of household energy in earlier experiments in eMbalenhle, a township near Secunda.

PDC was appointed by the Department of Minerals and Energy to launch the "Basa Njengo Magogo" fire lighting method in Orange Farm. PDC acts as the lead organization and the team consists of a marketing specialist (O'Brain Advertising), Dikepolana Consultants, as well as a local organization MKX Administrative Services. The project aims to popularize the alternative fire lighting method amongst 16 000 households, schools, clinics, coal yards and food vendors in 5 areas of Orange Farm.

1.16. Marketing Zero Energy Houses

The project aims to market the concept of energy efficient housing design to decision makers in the housing sector, in an attempt to increase the implementation of energy efficient housing design in South Africa.

The project can essentially be divided into three distinct parts:
  1. Formulation of the awareness raising campaign;
  2. Implementation of the awareness raising campaign; and
  3. Monitoring and evaluation of results and effects of awareness raising campaign.


2. EDUCATION PROJECTS

2.1 Tiger Kloof Education Institution

Since the inception of the regeneration of Tiger Kloof School in the early 1990's, the firm has been closely involved in assisting with development planning, financial modeling and strategies and is represented on the Board. The institution has developed to offer both academic and technical education and undertakes innovative and challenging education programmes.

2.2 Information Impact Assessment for the National Department of Education

An impact assessment and perceptions audit of educational materials distributed by the Department of Education was undertaken by a consortium of organisations - PDC, Resource Development Consultants and the Department of Adult Education at the University of Natal. The consortium designed and implemented a research project to fulfil the following stated aims: to assess the information needs of the Department of Education's clients and their experience of the education system; to assess the effectiveness of distribution mechanisms of educational materials through provincial education departments; and to assess the impact and educational value of popular materials produced as part of communication strategies during 1997.

2.3. Financial Analysis of Twenty Schools

Using the Firm's experience with modeling of schools' finances, a review of 20 primary and secondary schools' financial viability was conducted in 1999 for Solon and Genesis Foundation. The study assisted in identifying areas of interest for the client and lead to various forms of support being offered to needy education institutions.

2.4 Development Planning for Primary and Secondary Schools

Given the importance of impacting on development to PDC's value drivers, the Firm is at present assisting 5 rural education institutions with development and business plans. Consideration is being given to increase the number of schools that are supported.

2.5 Schools Financial Planning

Education in South Africa is perhaps seen as one of the country's neediest sectors. Many schools are experiencing a range of threatening problems, with little relief in sight. It became apparent to PDC that there may be lessons to be shared in the success (particularly with regards to financial management) of some independent schools who are able to sustain themselves from year to year.

2.6. Business Plans

The firm has assisted the Departments of Education listed below in developing business plans for conditional grants for 2000/2001 and 2002/2003.
  1. Mpumalanga Department of Education;
  2. Gauteng Department of Education;
  3. Eastern Cape Department of Education; and
  4. Northern Cape Department of Education

2.7. Training

The firm assists with training and the development of training material. Recent projects include training communities in the use of renewable energy technologies:
  1. training provincial officials from three provinces in project management.
  2. training project implementation; and
  3. training learning communities in financial management and planning.

2.8. Community Support

Support has been given to Community Forums. PDC has consultants to communities, assisting with development of official documentation, constitutions, development and business plans, training and negotiations.

2.9. Primary and Secondary Research

The firm has conducted a survey of schools' infrastructure needs for DWAF. This was focused on schools access to water and sanitation and limited scope to selected institutions in the Limpopo Province, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape.

2.10. Monitoring and Evaluation

A feasibility study of an Educare Centre at the Gauteng Legislature has been conducted for the provincial Legislature. This included management finance policy and legislature components.

2.11. Project Management

The firm has managed a number of large projects and uses its experience in Project Management Training. This has been undertaken most recently for the national Department of Education and for the following provincial Departments of Education:
  1. Mpumalanga Department of Education;
  2. Gauteng Department of Education;
  3. Free State Department of Education;
  4. Limpopo Department of Education; and
  5. Eastern Cape Department of Education.

EDUCATION WORK IN PROGRESS

- Rural Farm School's Bicycle Library

Naletsana is a rural farm school of 550 learners from Grade 0 to Grade 10. Learners commute up to 28 kilometers daily, mostly on foot. While buses are supplied, the run on a linear route away from the school and only cater for about 80 learners. PDC has been instrumental in establishing a bicycle library with the understanding that learners, having paid a deposit to register on the programme, will be able to "draw" bicycles on loan from the school, returning them at each term end. A small monthly rental will be levied to ensure continuous maintenance. The bicycle library integrates a maintenance course, road use training and thoughts and issues around bikes and cycling into the curriculum.

- The Roles, Powers and Functions of Districts in South African Education.

The roles, powers and functions of districts in South Africa is controversial and has been largely ignored in the Education debate over the last decade. This is a desktop study to evaluation aimed at renewing the debate. It includes case studies, a look at other sectors and best practice.

- Wilderness Development

This has been an exciting project converting a commercial cattle farm to a wilderness park with game. While the five-year long project has focused on up-market accommodation, issues concerning farm worker housing, renewable energy, rural farm schools, worker training and development, water resources and wildlife management have all been integrated in a holistic approach to the project.

- Tiger Kloof

PDC has been involved in the re-opening, development and consolidation of this unique project since its inception in 1993. This is a school of great historic significance and stands as a symbol to achievements in the new South Africa. Tiger Kloof's motto is "Creating new paths in learning, doing and serving" which stands close to PDC's ideals of improving the quality of South Africans' lives by providing specialised knowledge and skills. With development costs of around R 15 million over the period, the school is now 400 strong, half being boarders. Over the next half-decade Tiger Kloof intends expanding into primary education in order to improve on the depth of education excellence it is determined to deliver.

OTHER PROJECTS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED BY PDC FOR:

  1. Department of Minerals and Energy (DME)
  2. Deutsche Gesellenschaft Fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ)
  3. International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC)
  4. Individual Institutions
  5. Khulisa Management Services (Pty) Ltd.
  6. Centre for Education Policy Development and Management Unit (CEPD)
  7. Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  8. Witwatersrand Business School
  9. Minerals and Energy Education Training Institute (MEETI)
  10. Eskom TSI
  11. Ministry of Development Co-operation, Netherlands (DGIS)
  12. Solon Foundation
  13. Gauteng Provincial Legislature
  14. DANCED
  15. Winrock
  16. Department of Education:
  17. National
  18. Gauteng
  19. Mpumalanga
  20. Northern Cape
  21. Eastern Cape
  22. Free State

Projects have also successfully been completed for:

  1. Independent Development Trust (IDT)
  2. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry South Africa
  3. Mvula Trust
  4. Department of Constitutional Development
  5. Local Government
  6. Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)
  7. Energy and Development Group (EDG)?
  8. Energy for Development Research Centre (EDRC)
  9. Energy and Environmental Engineering
  10. European Union
  11. Natal Parks Board
  12. Renewable Energy for African Development (ReFAD)
  13. Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA)
  14. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
  15. USAID
  16. Bonesa
  17. Africon Marketing and Training
  18. Minerals and Energy Policy Centre (MEPC)
  19. ProBEC

Pagename: :PDCSouthAfrica



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