The Windfarm, a Shell fuel and convenience site operated by PEG Retail Operations, received the Shell Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Award for its work in 2025. The award recognises more than strong safety performance. It highlights a site that consistently combines responsible operations with meaningful community impact over time.
The Windfarm, located on the N2 between Gqeberha and Jeffreys Bay, maintains high HSSE standards through ongoing staff training, proactive risk management and strict
operational controls. What distinguishes the site, however, is how this same discipline is applied beyond its operations.
At site level, much of this comes down to the approach taken by Director, Carel Bakkes, and his team. Known for being hands-on, Carel is closely involved in many of the initiatives – often designing and building them himself alongside the team. He and his team always make time to support their community wherever they can, despite their busy schedules.
The team built their own rubbish bins, while concrete ashtrays and other custom items were created from scratch based on Carel’s ideas to keep the site litter-free. They also painted
their own road markings and pedestrian safety signage to improve visibility and make the busy site safer for customers and commuters.
This same approach carries into the surrounding community. The Windfarm team is involved in refurbishing classrooms to improve the learning environment of local schools and supplying dustbins to police stations and various public institutions. They have also established vegetable gardens, supported soup kitchens, donated equipment and helped improve access to drinking water.
On site, Carel has developed a small nursery and green space, planting fruit trees and other produce to support the community. More
recently, 60 macadamia trees were planted, with the intention that, once mature, the harvest will be available for members of the local community to enjoy.
“This award reflects the collective effort of our entire team,” says Carel. “It is the result of a shared commitment to consistently doing the right things, supporting one another, maintaining high standards and taking ownership of the role we play beyond our operations.”
The award highlights the value of strong HSSE performance, says Xolisa Bangazi, Managing Director of PEG: “Embedding HSSE into daily operations reduces risk, protects people
and the environment, and builds trust. This trust supports long-term performance and responsible growth.”