Deswin Basson, from Prieska in the Northern Cape, has progressed from a TUT scholarship recipient to an operations officer at Longyuan South Africa’s De Aar Wind Farm, drawing inspiration from a recent trip to China’s advanced renewable energy innovations and infrastructure to promote sustainability at home.
FOR ABOUT five years, Deswin Basson has proudly served as the operations and maintenance officer at Longyuan South Africa’s pioneering De Aar Maanhaarberg Wind Farm, situated in the Emthanjeni Local Municipality within the Pixley ka Seme District of the Northern Cape.
Basson, originally from Prieska in the Northern Cape, credits a generous scholarship from the Chinese company for enabling him to study electrical engineering at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). He explained that his dream has always been to make a meaningful impact in his community, and working for Longyuan South Africa has broadened his horizons.
Earlier this year, those horizons expanded even further when he had the chance to travel to the People’s Republic of China to attend the World Youth Development Forum.
Basson, who has an intimate understanding of South Africa’s wind farm operations, said he was struck by the scale and sophistication of China’s renewable energy infrastructure.
“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 highly developed, with efficient systems and easy access to the site,” 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 the construction of renewable energy farms. 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.”
The TUT alumni said that the technological marvels he witnessed in China were not limited to energy supply, but also crossed into transport.
“Yes, it was my first time travelling 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 described the trip as “a real eye-opener”, offering him a fresh perspective on innovation and sustainability.
“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.
South African media personality, hip-hop/rap artist Mzayifani Mzondeleli Boltina, better known as iFani, also recently toured China.
“My visit to China was presidential. I was treated like a guest and spoilt with endless traditional food and visits to heritage sites to learn about 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 of 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 transition 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.
