By Gcina Ntsaluba
A group of talented high school students from Makhanda have been recognised for their artistic abilities after participating in a logo design competition for Wind Garden, a 94.5MW wind energy facility currently under construction.
Mivuyo Ngetu, Omele Nangu, and Amandla Wayi from Nombulelo Secondary School took home the top prize with their winning design, which now contributes to the official logo of the facility.
Their creative entry features a wind turbine alongside a king protea, South Africa’s national flower that grows abundantly across the Eastern Cape.
The competition brief encouraged local participation by asking learners to develop simple, versatile designs incorporating a wind turbine with an element reflecting the character of the local area—the initiative aimed to involve young people in shaping the visual identity of this significant renewable energy project.
Chelsea Marx from Hendrik Kanise Combined School secured second place, and Jack Asiphesana from Ntsika Senior Secondary School claimed third position. All winning schools received cash prizes, and the young artists were awarded Pick ‘n Pay vouchers along with copies of “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,” a true story about a Malawian teenager who brought wind power to his village.
“We greatly appreciate the enthusiasm of the learners who participated, the dedicated educators who supported them, and the school communities that made this initiative a success,” said Angela Harrison, SED Manager at Wind Garden. “It is encouraging to see such creativity and local pride in shaping the identity of Wind Garden.”
The competition extended invitations to several local schools, including Khutliso Daniels Secondary School, Mary Waters Secondary School, Nathaniel Nyaluza Secondary School, and T.E.M. Mrwetyana Secondary School.
This logo competition forms part of Wind Garden’s broader community engagement strategy, designed to promote education and encourage youth participation in renewable energy awareness during the facility’s pre-construction and construction phases.
Once operational, Wind Garden will feature 21 turbines and is expected to generate approximately 293 GWh of clean energy annually. The facility significantly contributes to South Africa’s energy transition and efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Wind Garden is wholly owned by NOA Group, an integrated energy utility that develops, constructs, and operates large-scale renewable energy facilities. The company provides fully financed, grid-wheeled renewable energy solutions to commercial and industrial customers, helping them reduce energy costs and achieve their sustainability goals.
