Rural Sustainability
Commons for the Chris
Hani District
Municipality
Funding proposal for cornerstone project from the
Eastern Cape, submitted to
Chris Hani District
Municipality
Mr Francois Nel
045 - 8084600
5/20/2011
Submission Form
Please complete the following details, maintaining the same format as set out below (do not add
rows or columns unless indicated otherwise). Please focus on summarising details and provide
additional documentation where details are required. Refer directly to supporting documentation
where relevant.
Please list all supporting documentation under section 27, and attach documentation to your
application - including feasibility studies, business plans, environmental assessments, budgets,
funding applications, etc.
Submit completed applications, together with a covering letter and supporting documentation to
Julia Cloete (Julia@8linkd.com) electronically by 16h00, Friday the 20th May. Please indicate in
your covering letter if you will be using the window period to submit additional project
documentation and ensure all supporting documentation is submitted by Wednesday 25th May,
14h00. In the event that documents cannot be submitted electronically. Please ensure delivery to
2 Sherwood Drive, Forest Town, 2193 by 16h00 on Friday the 20th May.
For queries please contact Julia Cloete on 082 765 0879
Project Details
1. Project Title:
Rural Sustainability Commons
2. Primary Implementing Organisation:
Chris Hani District Municipality in partnership with WESSA
3. Project Managers:
Francois Nel (CHDM) and Avril Wilkinson (WESSA)
4. Contact Email:
5. Contact Telephone:
fnel@chrishanidm.gov.za
(045) 8084600
avwil@worldonline.co.za
083 455 6043
6. Secondary Contact Email
7. Secondary Contact Telephone
0824908307
8. Project Location
(List the town or closest town; the district municipality and if possible the GPS co-ordinates of the project. For
multiple project sites, list for each site. Details necessary for mapping purposes.)
All 7 local authorities in the Chris Hani District Municipality.
The pilot project has already been implemented at Three Crowns in Emalahleni Local
Municipality; and to a lesser degree at Klein Booi Primary in Lukanji Local Municipality; and
Mbewula Primary in Engcobo Local Municipality
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This proposal deals with roll-out to another 4 sites in the district with additional support to
the original 3 sites.
9. Project Description
(Compile a general outline briefly describing the project as a whole in less than 500 words.)
See page attached for full details
Project Background
See Attachment 1 document, which forms the full submission for the AAPSIA (All Africa Public
Service Innovation Awards) This document gives a more detailed background and implementation of
the programme.
This section relates the contextual background to the pilot project, and offers some insight to how the
project came about. The funding proposal would allow the CHDM and partners to facilitate a stronger
roll-out of the existing successes of this project to a wider community of the district in all 7 local
authorities.
During 2007/2008, Chris Hani District Municipality initiated a number of school projects
under their school greening and environmental health awareness programme. This programme
formed part of the work carried out by the districts Municipal Health Services Department (MHS).
The programme involved the establishment, equipping and support of organic food gardens at the
schools selected for involvement.
Although a successful programme in many respects, the MHS staff were unable to provide the
support to this large a number of schools that would ensure ongoing sustainability of the projects.
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Adding to this pressure was the un-reliability (to in many respects, availability) of the water supplies
in the communities serviced by these schools. The issue of water, placed insurmountable obstacles
into the path of even the most diligent of schools and, as a result, the programme was unable to
flourish in the nature that was intended.
Towards the end of 2008, WESSA (through the ESKOM Energy and Sustainability Programme) and
under the request of the Department of Basic Education (Lady Frere District) set up a series of
small scale energy efficiency projects at Three Crowns Junior Primary School. As there were great
many synergies between food security, sustainability and environmental learning, it naturally
followed that, the school greening programme and the ESKOM Energy and Sustainability
Programme began to work together.
This initial partnering, between the ESKOM Energy and Sustainability Programme and
Chris Hani District Municipality, was on a mutual support basis. In other words, both
organizations would provide support to the school as a whole – thereby supporting each
other’s work in the process. Initially this was seen as a way to work towards ensuring the
long term sustainability of these projects. It also served to lay the foundations for the
working partnership that is currently enjoyed between the two organizations.
When funding became available through the Chris Hani District Municipalities Strategic
Environmental Assessment (SEA) process (funded through the Development Bank of South Africa)
for a pilot bio-gas installation, this project was directed to Three Crowns Junior Primary School. The
rationale behind this decision was that, due to the successes being enjoyed by the existing
municipal/NGO partnership as well as the commitment and diligence shown at the school, the biogas pilot would be best supported under this existing structure.
This initiative catalyzed the development of the project from one of “small scale” sustainability
projects to a larger programme that would stand to incorporate a wide variety of post-modern
sustainability technologies. The initial successes enjoyed by this programme in 2009 and 2010,
again, catalyzed another quantum leap forward in the programme to include 3 additional schools on
the bio-gas programme as well as the inclusion of solar/wind hybrid energy systems at, the now
four, schools.
These events also spurned a shift in the programmes focus from one of “school based education on
food security, energy efficiency and sustainability” to the more ambitious goal of creating a
“sustainability commons”. This concept of a sustainability commons is defined as:
“... a rich and diverse pool of sustainability-focused technologies, tools and learning; whose
resources are deployed locally for the benefit of the community and environment.”
The approach used by the sustainability commons was to establish the Three Crowns Programme
and later, the additional 3 schools, as pilot facilities. These pilot facilities would serve two main
functions. Firstly they would become a platform by which the schools and surrounding communities
would be introduced to these “new” technologies, learn how they work and how they are able to be
integrated into the school and community landscapes.
Using the sustainability commons concept as a platform, the project team set out to prove that these
technologies are viable and implementable within a rural South African context as well as them
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being robust enough to be able to withstand the unstable dynamics (both social and environmental)
that exist within these rural contexts.
Through the course of the project it has been proved that the sustainability commons concept (and
related technologies) are a possible solution that could be implemented in a rural community
context. The aim is to both expand the programme to additional schools/communities within the
Chris Hani District as well as to establish a pilot programme that explores how these technologies,
along with a great many more, can be deployed within rural communities in such a way as to meet
both the communities desires for service delivery as well as the municipalities obligations to deliver
these services.
In this way, it is hoped that through the work being done with the Chris Hani District Municipality /
ESKOM Energy and Sustainability Programmes “Blueprint for a Rural Sustainability Commons
Project” that we are able to change the conventional way in which service delivery is viewed. By
making use of a suite of post-modern sustainability technologies, and using the approach of
decentralizing municipal service provision, we will see services being provided to these
communities that have not only significant cost benefits, but also will serve to provide a variety of
additional benefits into these communities as well.
Project Phases
PHASE ONE (2006 – 2010) – THE FIRST SUSTAINABILITY COMMONS IS DEVELOPED AS A
PILOT PROJECT.
Three Crowns Senior Primary School was developed as the first Rural Sustainability Commons in
the Chris Hani District of the Eastern Cape. This commons is made up of two main categories of
projects. The small scale projects are those that are easily built, adapted and implemented within
the school and community. They are constructed from readily available materials that are relatively
inexpensive and easy to acquire. Listed below are the technologies implemented during this phase.







Greenhouse / shade-house nursery (made from recycled plastic bottles)
Solar cookers
Two different models of solar water heater
Hot-box
Eco-circle irrigation systems
Vermiculture and
Permaculture
In addition to these small scale technologies, the programme involves the implementation of large
scale technologies. These large scale technologies were implemented at the school with the
assistance of various consulting engineers. These technologies served to fulfil key needs within the
school environment. Detailed below are the large scale technologies:




Up-grade of the schools sanitation system from pit latrines to flush toilets
Connection of the sanitation system to a bio-gas facility
Installation of a biological waste water treatment and water retention facility
2000w wind/solar hybrid system
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PHASE TWO (2009 – on-going) – THE PROJECT REPLICATES FROM INITIAL COMMONS TO
3 OTHER SUSTAINABILITY COMMONS.
During this phase of the programme, 3 additional schools were involved in the programme. These
schools were initially equipped with a standalone bio-gas facility and a 2000w wind/solar hybrid
system. the schools sanitation facilities are currently being up-graded and connected to the bio-gas
facilities. parallel to this initiative, a biological waste water treatment works is being installed at each
of these schools.
PHASE THREE (2011) – IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMMUNITY BASED PILOT PROGRAMME
Through funding made available from Chris Hani District Municipality, a community based pilot
programme will be established. This part of the programme serves to fully bridge the gap between
the sustainability commons concept and community development and service delivery. Although still
in the planning phases, this expansion is set for the 2011/2012 financial year.
PROJECT RECOGNITION 2009 – CURRENT
2009
Eta award – a national award endorsed by the Winner
Department of Minerals and Energy for energy
projects
2010
Eta award – a national award endorsed by the Winner – Special award
Department of Minerals and Energy for energy
projects
2011
All Africa Public Sector Innovation Awards
Innovation in Partnerships category
2011
Climate hero leadership award – National award
2011
Volvo Adventure (Sweden) – International award Finalist – representing SA in June
for young learners
2011
Outcome pending
2011
Energy Globe – international award – Earth Pending
Category
- Winner
of
the
Innovative
Partnerships category, AND
OVERALL Winner for best project
Winner - Special Award
10. Project Timeframe
(Outline the expected timeframes of the project on the existing implementation plan. If the project is expected
to continue indefinitely, indicate the timeframe during which the project will reach financial and institutional
sustainability.)
Implementation plan for large-scale roll-out for a “commons” in each of the 7 local
authorities in the Chris Hani District is expected to take 3 years. This funding submission
is for this implementation plan.
11. Key Outcomes
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(List the objectives or key outcomes that the project would achieve once implemented.)
Implementation of tools, learning and technology at a local level for the benefit of the
community. Focus on:

Renewable energy

Food production

Waste Management

Sanitation

Environmental education

Environmental Health

Local Economic Development projects
12. Project Stage
(Describe at what stage the project is in terms of research, preparations and implementation.)
The pilot phase has been completed with some measure of success and awards (AAPSIA
and others). Lessons have been learned, and the programme now requires broader scale
implementation to all 7 local municipalities in the District.
13. Project Budget
(Summarise the project budget for the first three years (or relevant part thereof) of the project and attach
detailed project budgets and business plan to the application).
Pilot Phase budget (i.e. what has been spent already)
CHDM
:R 650 000.00
WESSA, through the ESKOM FOUNDATION : R150,000.00
DBSA
: R250, 000.00
Requirements for full scale programme implementation
Funding requested from this proposal (3 years) : R5, 069, 686.00
14. Funding / Investment Requirements
(Summarise immediate funding / investment requirements of the project, detailing the nature of the
funds needed (grant / loan / investment / etc) and current efforts to secure necessary funds. Please
provide any necessary supporting documentation).
Immediate funding available and sourced for the full implementation phase (i.e. 2011 –
2013)
CHDM
: R 2, 000 000.00
WESSA, through the ESKOM FOUNDATION :
R 690,000.00
The additional funding requirements in order to insure large scale programme success
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are as follows:

The programme needs assigned programme supervisors and managers to mentor, assist,
support and capacitate the commons’ and community champions who will lead community
ownership of the programme

The programme needs additional funding for large scale and medium scale sustainability
technologies which form part of the commons and which kick-start sustainable practice
and local economies.

The programme needs supporting administrative arrangements.
This funding proposal is central to these three elements, which is believed to be integral for
programme success.
The funding application budget is as follows, and is applicable for the full three years of
implementation. The costs are for an additional 4 schools (3 sustainability commons already in
existence – total 7 in the district, and the support interventions are for all 7 sustainability commons:
Item Description
Green house / Nursery (4 units)
Solar Water Heater & Sun Stove (4 units)
Vermi-Compost (4 units)
Integrated Biogas & Algal systems (AIWPS) (4 units)
Water reuse windpump & headertanks for irrigation (4 units)
Wind turbine (4 units)
Batteries
Fencing
Course development and skills transfer processes (7 units)
Capacity and programme support - 1 fulltime programme supervisor (7 units)
Capacity and programme support - 1 part time programme sociologist (7 units)
Capacity and programme support - 1 part-time programme manager (7 units)
WESSA Subsistence and Travel (7 units)
WESSA Office expenses (7 units)
WESSA Project administration (13%) (7 units)
Sub Total Cost (Ex VAT)
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Cost per all
additional
commons
(Ex.VAT)
17 450.00
10 700.00
12 000.00
2 993 480.00
45 600.00
228 000.00
11 400.00
57 000.00
150 000.00
1 209 600.00
604 800.00
725 796.00
635 050.00
211 683.00
817870.00
7 759686.00
Total cost of implementation of full programme in CHDM
7, 759, 686.00
Less co-founding from CHDM and ESKOM/WESSA
2, 690, 000.00
Funding requested though this proposal
R5,069, 686.00
15. Institutional Arrangements
(Describe what institutional arrangements have been made for project implementation and provide supporting
documentation where available. Please provide particulars of implementing agents and technical partners, as
well as details of land use agreements with landowners where applicable. In the case of joint ventures, public
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private partnerships or other co-managment agreements please attach necessary agreements or
memorandums of understanding. In the absence of finalised agreements please indicate when they will be
finalised and submit whatever drafts are available. Please use a separate line for each additional partner.)
Institutional arrangements for WESSA – Attachment 2 (Institutional capacity)
Institutional arrangements for the enabling agreement between CHDM and WESSA –
Attachment 4
16. Project Support Requirements
(Describe what project support is still required to ensure the success of the project. Include reference to
fiscal, institutional and regulatory challenges. Highlight areas in which you are already seeking support, and
areas in which DEDEA could provide specific assistance. Please use a separate box for each area of support
/ challenge)
17. Challenge
/
Requirement
Support Efforts Underway
Possible
DEDEA
support
The programme needs assigned
programme
supervisors
and
managers to mentor, assist,
support and capacitate the
commons’
and
community
champions
who
will
lead
community ownership of the
programme
Currently no assigned personal dedicated
only to this programme – therefore
success of the programme is though parttime efforts of executants and the
sustained efforts of community champions.
This status quo cannot be sustained
indefinitely.
Included
in
this
proposal
The programme needs additional
funding for large scale and
medium
scale
sustainability
technologies which form part of
the commons and which kickstart sustainable practice and
local economies.
Technologies and food security initiatives
are developed at existing commons’ to
various degrees of implementation and
success. Community involvement can be
sustained though Community Works
Programmes
Included
in
this
proposal
The
programme
needs
supporting
administrative
arrangements.
Funding will give project executants a
formal structure and administrative tools.
Included
in
this
proposal
The programme needs to create
strong co-operative governmental
links i.e. the links with DoE for
building improvements to the
schools/ commons
There has been some intervention with
DoE in the district – stronger links will be
forged with new initiatives for school
feeding scheme and for use of produce
from the commons’ gardens.
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18. Job Creation and Local Economic Development
(Estimate the number of jobs that will be created with a degree of justification and describe other economic
impact that the project will have. Economic impact can be measured as the total annual operational cost of
the project. Where the project does not have direct job creation or economic development impacts, describe
the main beneficiaries of the project (social and/or environmental), quantifying where possible.)
LED opportunity is strongly envisaged for this next round of implementation.
Success of the commons concept and strong community ownership will enhance
opportunities for LED. Therefore the more successful the sustainability technologies
become, the more opportunities exist for economic empowerment.
19. Environmental Impact
(Include EIA or scoping documentation – summarise results here.)
N.A
20. Mitigation / Carbon
(Outline the following: 1) Estimate the potential carbon offset, 2) Justify whether the project is legible for the
CDM market and, 3) Detail the low-carbon technology used.)
There is some carbon mitigation from schools off the ESKOM grid…also some carbon
reduction from the use of biogas instead of LPG and paraffin.
21. Adaptation
(Describe how the project will advance adaptation practices.)
This is an adaptation programme – description of this can be found in the attachment 1 of
the supporting documentation.
22. BEE Accreditation
(Please Include BEE Certification details or summarise evidence of broad based black economic
empowerment resulting from your organisations activities.)
N.A
23. Team Details
(Summarise according to headings, include full CV’s as an attachment and duplicate this row if there are more
than one person in the core team. Relevant experience is as important as qualifications and must be
summarised with reference to a detailed CV.)
24. Name
Francois Nel
Team Position
Senior Project Manager: CHDM
Highest Qualification and
qualification most related
B. Tech Environmental Health
Leadership for sustainable development – LEAD International
9
to project
Project Management
Number of years related
experience.
19 years
Summary of experience
See CV in Attachment
25. Name
Avril Wilkinson
Team Position
Senior Project Manager: WESSA
Highest Qualification and
qualification most related
to project
ND: Horticulture
ACE for Education for Sustainable Development
Project Management
Organisational learning
Number of years related
experience.
18 years
Summary of experience
See CV in Attachment 4
26. Name
Andile Ngxoxo
Team Position
Project Manager: CHDM
Highest Qualification and
qualification most related
to project
B.Tech Environmental Health
Number of years related
experience.
19 years
Project Management
Summary of experience
27. Additions
(Include all reports, feasibility studies and legal documentation that can justify the validity of your proposal and
provide background to the project. List the titles of these reports here and attach documentation to
submission. Name files for attachment as follows: Organisation name File name eg DEDEA_Business Plan)
Detailed CV of team members. Attachment 4 (F Nel, A Wilkinson)
Evaluation and monitoring report on pilot phase. Attachment 5
28. References
(Please list three contactable referee’s for the project. These should be impartial parties with knowledge of
the project and/or the organisations track record, but no direct interest in the organisation.)
Name
Organisation
Contact Details
Julie Clerk
DBSA
JulieC@dbsa.org
Dr. Allen Carter
CES
a.carter@cesnet.co.za
DPSI
Khaliphile.Zwane@cpsi.co.za
Miss Khaliphile F Zwane
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