Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre (GCSHC)

The Climate Smart Horticulture Centre initiative progressed through a series of foundational and implementation-focused milestones, beginning with initial project concept discussions and the development of a Just Energy Transition Letter of Intent and Partnership Agreement. These engagements laid the strategic and institutional groundwork for collaboration, followed by detailed project planning and coordination sessions hosted at the EARN offices in Centurion. Key stakeholders, including Eskom and the Dutch Embassy, participated in an EARN Modern Training Centre site visit, reinforcing alignment on objectives, scope, and long-term impact.

Subsequent activities included comprehensive site investigations and land identification, alongside the formation of Impact Cluster partners to support implementation and sustainability. On-site development commenced with site clearing, earthworks, and drilling activities. Despite weather-related challenges, particularly heavy rainfall, construction progressed with the installation of steel structures, plastic coverings, and the development of the technical room. Parallel to infrastructure development, skills training has already been conducted, ensuring early capacity building and practical knowledge transfer in support of climate-smart horticulture and a just energy transition.