For around five years, Deswin Basson has been the proud operations and maintenance officer at the trailblazing Longyuan South Africa’s De Aar Maanhaarberg wind farm operating in the Emthanjeni Local Municipality, Pixley ka Seme District Municipality, in Northern Cape province.
Thanks to a generous scholarship he received from the Chinese company to study electrical engineering at Tshwane University of Technology, Basson from Prieska in Northern Cape, told IOL that he has always wanted to be active in his community, and working for Longyuan has opened his horizons.
The horizons of opportunity opened further for Basson this year when got his first opportunity to travel to the People’s Republic of China to attend the World Youth Development Forum.
In an interview with IOL, Basson, who has intimate knowledge of running the windfarms in South Africa, said China seems to have perfected a lot of the processes with their wind farms.
“The Chinese wind farm was impressive on a whole new level. The turbines were massive, and seeing them up close during low tide was surreal. What really stood out was the scale and the advanced technology they use to monitor and maintain the turbines. The infrastructure was also very well developed, with easy access to the site and efficient systems in place,” he said.
“In comparison, South Africa’s wind farms are still growing. While we have some excellent projects, they’re often smaller in scale, and there can be more logistical challenges when it comes to construction of renewable energy farm. China seems to have perfected a lot of the processes with their wind farms.
“Overall, both countries are making great strides in renewable energy, but China’s wind farms felt like a step ahead in terms of size, technology, and efficiency,” said Basson.
The TUT alumni told IOL that the technological marvels he witnessed in China were not limited to energy supply, but also spanned into transport.
“Yes, it was my first time traveling to China, and it was amazing! I was blown away by the speed and efficiency of the high-speed trains — like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Visiting the offshore wind farm was unforgettable, especially standing on the sea floor surrounded by huge turbines. I also got to see how China is turning desert land into solar farms, which was really inspiring. Overall, it was a mix of cutting-edge technology, rich history, and incredible hospitality. I’ll never forget it,” he said.
Basson said his tour of China was “a real eye-opener”.
“I gained a deep appreciation for how technology and innovation are shaping the future. Visiting the offshore wind farm showed me the potential of renewable energy, and the AI factory at SANY made me realise how fast automation and robotics are advancing. I was also inspired by China’s efforts to transform challenges into opportunities, like reviving the desert with solar farms,” he said.
“What stood out most was the balance between honouring tradition and embracing progress. The pride the Chinese people have in their heritage is inspiring, and it made me reflect on the importance of knowing our own roots. The fast trains and efficient infrastructure reminded me how much can be achieved with the right focus on innovation.”
Overall, Basson said the trip showed him the power of collaboration, technology, and sustainability.
“I’m excited to bring these lessons back to South Africa and think about how we can create similar progress here,” he said.
On the other hand, IOL also spoke to South African media personality, hip-hop/rap artist Mzayifani Mzondeleli Boltina, better known as iFani, who also recently toured China.
“My visit in China was presidential. I was treated like a guest and spoilt with endless traditional food and visits to heritage sites to learn about the Chinese culture. At the World Youth Development Forum, I met youth leaders from across the world who are making a difference in their communities, and I was inspired to play my part in the future on my country or province,” he said.
iFani revealed that he is not only a musician, but he is also a qualified engineer who graduated from the University of Cape Town.
“After visiting Longyuan’s Power Wind Farms and headquarters, it became clear to me that I needed to play my part in implementing renewable energy in our country,” he said.
“This was my second visit to China. The first time I went to shoot a television series called 'Amah Knows Best' for SABC 3 and Discovery Asia, and it went on to win an Award in the US. This time I am coming back with renewable energy solutions.”
iFani has been using his influence on social media platforms to educate his legion of followers about the advantages of renewable energy and why South Africa should transit towards greener energy.
“Jobs are constantly created and growth is encouraged with funding being made available. I have learnt this approach and hope to take it with me as I bring more intellectual minds together to deliver renewable energy solutions to our country,” he said.
In October, IOL toured the trailblazing Longyuan South Africa’s wind farms in Northern Cape - which are a US$273.2 million investment by China Longyuan Power Group Limited.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL