Knowledge Pele

Knowledge Pele is a development company headquartered in South Africa that designs and implements programs focused on sustainable and equitable change. It is a subsidiary of the Pele Energy Group, which was founded in 2009 by Boipelo Moloabi, Thapelo Motlogeloa, Gqi Raoleka, Fumani Mthembi, and Obakeng Moloabi. Knowledge Pele itself has a 13-year history of specializing in ecosystem building, concentrating on the interconnected development of people, infrastructure, and industry.

The company operates by working directly within the communities it serves, which are primarily township, peri-urban, and rural areas. Its business model is based on research-led development and a co-investment approach. Knowledge Pele forms asset-based partnerships, taking direct investment risks in communities and matching its financial commitments with contributions from private social investors to ensure sustained social and financial returns. The firm works with clients and partners to advise them based on research and then implements development projects. For instance, it has partnered with Coldplay, the government of Costa Rica, and the University of Sussex on sustainability solutions, including a project to address food insecurity and climate change through commercially scaled hydroponic farms.

A key service area is providing skills development to create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. One of its significant programs is the Renewable Energy Technology Skills Programme, a SETA-accredited, NQF level 4 course in Solar Photovoltaic System Design and Installation, launched in 2022. This initiative aims to equip youth in vulnerable communities with skills for the green economy. Knowledge Pele's work is linked to the renewable energy projects of its sister company, Pele Green Energy, creating a symbiotic relationship where energy infrastructure development is coupled with community empowerment through education and skills training. The company has reached over 15,000 participants through its research and development programs and has projects in South Africa and Costa Rica.

Keywords: socioeconomic development, community development, sustainable change, research-led implementation, co-investment model, ecosystem building, skills development, renewable energy training, social impact, infrastructure development, green industrialization, hydroponic farming, rural development, private social investment, community empowerment