4 minute read
BREADLINE AFRICA - MPUMALANGA/KOMATI: A BLUEPRINT FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
For decades, Komati was a powerhouse - both figuratively and literally. The now-decommissioned Komati Power Station once fuelled industries and livelihoods, but its closure left a vacuum, impacting employment, education and essential services. What happens to communities when their economic lifeline is severed? More importantly, how do we build sustainable, future-proof solutions that empower people long after the last power station shuts down?
Coming from the rural Wasbank Valley in KwaZulu-Natal, I observed something similar befall my community. Kilty’s Sweets, local manufacturers of brands like Beechies and Lifesavers, closed in 1983. Breadwinners were left unemployed and with no alternative economic activity, my neighbourhood slowly decayed. To this day, that area feels left behind. In 2025, we are given an opportunity to change the narrative in Komati and deliver empathic support that should yield outcomes that these communities, which are subject to similar circumstances, can build from.
The Just Energy Transition in action
Komati is at the crossroads of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET), where shifting from coal dependency must go hand in hand with social and economic resilience. This isn’t just about energy - it’s about people, opportunity and long-term development.
At the heart of this transition is early childhood development (ECD) - a critical foundation for any thriving society. Research shows that investment in quality ECD services can break cycles of poverty, improve educational outcomes and strengthen economies. That’s why Breadline Africa, alongside key stakeholders, is driving the creation of an ECD hub in Komati. This initiative isn’t just about building a centre - it’s about redefining what sustainable community development looks like.
Why early childhood development is key
We often speak of infrastructure and investment, but the real foundation of any economy is its people. Komati’s ECD hub is a flagship model that:
• Creates jobs and skills development - from teachers to local service providers.
• Ensures food security - through a mobile kitchen that provides meals and generates income for the centre.
• Leverages innovative funding models - including publicprivate partnerships to sustain long-term impact.
The bigger conversation... Why this matters for South Africa
The challenges of Komati are not unique - many communities across Mpumalanga and beyond are navigating similar transitions. The conversation isn’t just about one town; it’s about how we ensure that no community is left behind in South Africa’s shift towards sustainability.
This aligns with key global priorities, including the G20 focus on solidarity, equality, and sustainability. It speaks directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - particularly those addressing education, poverty reduction, and economic growth. But here’s the reality: we cannot do this alone.
Public-private partnerships: The key to scale
If we are serious about building a better future for South Africa’s next generation, it requires collaboration. The Komati model is scalable, but it demands investment - from government, businesses, and civil society. We need:
• Corporate partners willing to invest in education as an economic driver.
• Government collaboration to integrate projects like this into national planning.
• Civil society engagement to ensure long-term community ownership.
A call to action
South Africa’s future leaders are today’s children. If we don’t invest in them now, we will pay the price later. The question isn’t why we should support initiatives like Komati – it’s how quickly we can scale them.
At Breadline Africa, we believe in solutions, not just conversations. If this resonates with you, let’s work together to ensure that every community has the resources, opportunities, and support to build a sustainable future.
*Join the movement. Be part of the change. For more information, email: mette@breadlineafrica.org
