In an effort to eradicating poverty and unemployment in the area of Khuma township, Letsatsi ED Holdings, acting on behalf of the SOLA Group, opened registration centres for employment and SMMEs opportunities on Thursday, 29 January until Friday, 30 January 2026, related to the upcoming Project Naos PV plant in Viljoenskroon, Moqhaka Local Municipality.
Speaking to City Report, Letsatsi ED Holdings Community Consultant, Tshepo Oliphant indicated that the purpose of the registration is to collect database information for both labour and `SMMEs in preparation for the project.
“Community members are encouraged to visit their nearest registration centre to complete the registration process. Trained fieldworkers will be available at each venue to assist with data collection, provide guidance and share information on employment and business opportunities related to the project,” said Oliphant.
Oliphant confirmed that the project will give community members job opportunities for a period of 18 months.
The registration process for employment and SMME opportunities is taking place at Khuma Stadium, Khuma Taxi Rank (near police station), Phil Masinga Stadium and Stilfontein Library. Members are encouraged to submit their CVs and company documents from Thursday until Friday, from 08:00 – 16:00.
Interested parties are advised to bring a certified copy of their ID, proof of address, and proof of qualifications. For business opportunities, applicants are required to bring all company compliance documents (e.g. CIPC registration, tax clearance, BBBEE certificate, etc).
While addressing community members, Khuma community leaders demanded that large-scale, multibillion solar projects that are operating near the township should benefit the local population through jobs, business opportunities and economic development.
Developers and contractors were encouraged, on Wednesday 28 January 2026, to hire and train local youth and community members that are above the age of 35 to provide long-term employment opportunities.
The multibillion rand solar and energy storage projects were announced by the Executive Mayor of the City of Matlosana Local Municipality, Fikile Mahlophe in November 2025.
The projects includes developers like Mulilo Battery Energy Storage Project, Scatec Solar Project, OPEG Solar Project, Naos PV Project (SOLA Group) as major renewable energy developers.
On Monday, 24 November 2025, Mahlophe indicated that one of the developers in the project, namely Mulilo will invest at least R4.5 billion in the city to create over 2000 jobs, business opportunities and energy security.
These projects are expected to boost local job opportunities for residents, to create opportunities for SMMEs, cooperatives, and local service providers, invest in skills development and training of young people, increase municipal revenue and improved investor confidence, and have a long-term support for local socio-economic development programmes.
“Today, we officially announce strategic partnerships between the City of Matlosana and four major renewable energy developers who will be investing in large-scale solar and energy storage projects across our municipality.
“This announcement is not only about infrastructure—it is about energy security, economic growth, job creation, and restoring confidence in Matlosana as an investment destination,” said Mahlophe.
“Together, these investments represent one of the most significant renewable energy portfolios ever secured in the North West Province.”
The municipality is expected to uphold transparency in managing all projects to ensure accountability and build public trust.
Mahlophe named a steering committee to ensure that opportunities reach communities fairly, that projects are monitored effectively, and that commitments made by developers are honoured.
“To ensure transparency and proper coordination, the municipality is establishing a Project Stakeholder Steering Committee.
“This structure will include representation from the office of the executive mayor, municipal manager, LED Directorate, Town Planning and related units, the Local Business Forum, ward councillors, community representatives and the developers themselves,” Mahlophe said.
Despite, numerous allegations of fraud and corruption faced by the municipality, Mahlophe said Matlosana is open for business.
“We are strengthening systems, improving turnaround times, and ensuring that investors find a municipality that is ready, responsive, and committed to partnership. These solar projects send a strong message that Matlosana is becoming a regional hub for clean energy investment.”
