Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms. Pinky Kekana, has urged all sectors in South Africa including residents, to work together to improve and extricate the country from the current energy and power challenges.
She was speaking today, 2 November 2023, at the Energy Security Indaba, which was held at the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS) in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in Bloemfontein, Free State Province.
Deputy Minister Kekana informed delegates that the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) would also contribute to the country’s energy security efforts through, amongst others, research, planning, and coordination, as well as keeping a watchful eye on energy savings in all spheres of government. “One of the fundamental and basic things that we can all do is be responsible and save energy. Government has rolled out various energy saving methods. As a Department, we will be monitoring the saving of energy, especially at public institutions such as schools, hospitals, and courts,” she said.
Deputy Minister Kekana also called on all South Africans to be more environmentally savvy and reduce CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions that can be detrimental to the planet and cause climate change. She further encouraged young people to also play a bigger role in the country’s energy economy.
Deputy Minister Kekana’s sentiments were echoed by Free State Premier, Mr. Mxolisi Dukwana, who supported reducing CO2 emissions and recommended exploring innovative technologies bearing in mind resources in South Africa. He stressed that the Free State Province, which is centrally located in South Africa, is perfectly positioned to be utilised as the energy hub of the country.
The Premier further highlighted that the province is also rich in minerals such as uranium and an estimated 23 billion cubic feet of natural gas, which can help make South Africa’s energy challenges a thing of the past.
“We should also be honest with one another when we engage. Let us also follow up on the decisions we make from this Indaba so we don’t fail ourselves and our children, who are the future of this country. The back-to-back rugby world cup victories should also serve as a signal for all of us that we can be victorious if we work together in the interest of South Africa and the African continent,” said Premier Dukwana.
The Energy Security Indaba was convened under the themes “energy mix opportunities, technologies, and investment,” including “energy regulations, infrastructure, and efficiencies. It amalgamated over 500 delegates, such as Premiers, Deputy Ministers, MECs, Mayors, industry experts, exhibitors, researchers, government officials, investors, and energy users, to discuss and share insights on knowledge, energy investment attraction, exploration, and collaboration.
Dialogue focused on vast energy opportunities in the Free State province, promoting investments in the production and distribution of energy sources, and fostering economic growth and job creation through sustainable energy supply.
High res photos from the Indaba are available here: https://wetransfer.com/downloads/61d7a33ba594aa90c3ec00d3046f0fa820231102134824/97d65b
Media enquiries:
Ms. Zandile Ngubeni
Cell: 066 304 6609
E-mail: Zandile@dpme.gov.za
Mr. Lawrence Ngoveni
Cell: 082 824 3060
