Lonwabo High School, a historically underperforming institution achieved an outstanding 100% pass rate in 2024, up from just 12% in 2020. This remarkable turnaround was made possible through the intervention of Golden Valley Wind Farm, a majority-owned subsidiary of ENGIE, which has been working tirelessly to uplift education in the underprivilege communities of Bedford, Adelaide, and Cookhouse in the Eastern Cape.
In addition to Lonwabo’s success, Sipho Camagu High School—another school supported by Golden Valley Wind Farm—achieved a 91.6% matric pass rate in 2024, a significant improvement from historically low pass rates in previous years. One of its learners also placed second overall in the district. While the company’s involvement at Sipho Camagu focused primarily on end-of-year academic camps, the results underscore the positive impact of targeted support initiatives.
Launched in 2021, the initiative stems from Golden Valley’s commitment to addressing high dropout rates and low academic performance in the region’s disadvantaged schools. The wind farm is committed to empowering young people by providing access to quality education, helping them to complete their schooling, pursue tertiary studies, and enhance their employability.
Recognising the need for comprehensive support, Golden Valley adopted Lonwabo High School in 2021 and implemented several impactful programmes. Initially, the partnership saw the company provide students with study guides to ensure continued learning after the COVID-19 disruptions.
A turning point came in 2022 when Lonwabo High School welcomed a dynamic new principal who shared Golden Valley’s vision for transformation.

“The partnership with ENGIE has been a game-changer for our school and community. We are so thankful for their unwavering support for the past four years” says Mr L.V. Mafu, Headmaster of Lonwabo High School.
To bolster learners’ academic performance, the school introduced extra classes for Grade 12 learners, which Golden Valley supported by providing balanced meals to improve concentration and energy levels. This was in addition to the government’s feeding scheme.
Furthermore, Golden Valley established an ICT centre equipped with laptops, screens, and internet access at Lonwabo High School giving leaners the digital skills and resources for tertiary education applications. Additionally, to promote long-term sustainability, the wind farm installed a borehole and created a vegetable garden, ensuring a reliable water supply and nutritional self-sufficiency.
“This a true reflection of having the correct assistance to achieve greatness. The school went from being a low academic performing school to transitioning and being positioned first in the circuit and one of the few best schools in the Amathole west District. I am so proud of the work that was put in to get us this far,” said the headmaster.
“Our goal has always been to create an enabling environment where learners can thrive,” said Zandile Deliwe, Social Performance Manager at Golden Valley Wind Farm. “We’re proud of the progress at Lonwabo High School and remain committed to supporting education and skills development in South Africa.”
Golden Valleys efforts align with its broader mission to foster inclusive and sustainable development. By focusing on education as a cornerstone of community transformation, the wind farm is not only empowering the youth but also laying the groundwork for economic growth and employment opportunities in under-resourced areas.