Our team at Infra Impact (IIIM), joined by partners from KfW, recently had the privilege of visiting Upington to see the incredible work being done by the Upington Local Community Trust (ULCT) and the three Project Companies in which the ULCT is invested, namely: Dyason’s Klip 1, Dyason’s Klip 2, and Sirius Solar PV Project One (Project Companies). This trip was a powerful reminder of the Local Community Trust Debt Fund (LCTDF)’s mission in action: unlocking capital from renewable energy projects to empower high-impact, community-led initiatives.
We saw firsthand how this unlocked funding is transforming lives across the Northern Cape. Here are just a few of the highlights from our visit.
Bridging the Digital Divide at the I-Centres
A key stop was I-Centres, co-supported by the ULCT. These are not just computer rooms; they are vital digital hubs that have become the heart of the community. By providing reliable internet, ICT services, and business support, they are connecting rural residents to modern opportunities.
We were incredibly impressed by the measurable and tangible impact that we were able to observe. Between February 2024 and September 2025, the I-Centres have already created 16 direct jobs, trained 87 people in practical skills, like welding and health & safety, and recorded nearly 11,000 community visits. We are also excited to see progress on the Keimoes I-Centre renovation, which will soon host new computer workstations and training facilities to expand digital inclusion further.
Renovating the Keimoes I-Centre: Expanding Access
Investing in the Next Generation of Farmers
Agriculture is the lifeblood of the Northern Cape economy. A highlight of our trip was meeting the ambitious cohort of students benefitting from Scatec’s Agri Scholarship and Bursary Programmes.
Run in partnership with Raisins South Africa and the Vine Academy & Model Farm (VAMF), this initiative provides scholarships, tutoring, and mentorship for learners at local high schools. It also funds diplomas in agriculture, equipping young leaders with the skills in sustainable farming and agribusiness management, needed to guide the sector into the future. Seeing their enthusiasm was a powerful affirmation of our shared commitment to education.
A Model for Measurable Impact
Our visit to Upington reinforced what we at IIIM have always believed: finance, when structured correctly, can be a powerful force for good.
The partnership between the LCTDF, the Project Companies, and the ULCT is a pioneering model for community development. By refinancing community stakes, we are transforming future cash flows into immediate, tangible impact. This visit was not just about reviewing projects, it was about seeing empowered communities investing in their own futures – in digital access, education, and sustainable livelihoods.
