University of Limpopo to research the impact of Medupi

The University of Limpopo (UL) has received a grant from the Eskom’s Tertiary Education Support Programme (TESP) to research the impact of a mega power project like Medupi on a community.
The project will allow UL to engage with the community of Lephalale to explore the socio-economic benefits for communities residing in the immediate vicinity of the Medupi power station.
Prof Mahlo Mokgalong, University’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, says that the envisaged Medupi project will bring about critical economic and social developments in Lephalale which could serve as a model for similar
projects in other parts of the country.
“This project is of great importance to us as a University and it will also have a great economic and social spin-offs to the community of Lephalale,” says Mokgalong.
Mokgalong adds that the impact of mega projects such as the Medupi power station goes further than just job creation. It touches on a variety of factors such as how economic activities and social partnerships are negotiated and created within these spaces.
“This initiative is also set to enable the University to play a leading role in shaping a discourse on the issues of social and economic dynamics affecting communities residing near Eskom sites.” he explains.