Keynote address delivered by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Lisa Mangcu at the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Roadmap Workshop, held at Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre
DDG Civil Aviation: Mr Zakhele Thwala Executive: CAA: Mr Gawie Bestbier
African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC): Mr Frankline Omondi Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA): Ms Sarah Bruce
CEO: South African Cane Growers Association (SACG): Dr Thomas Funke
Director: Coega Biomass and iLive Sustainable Development: Mr Werner Euler
Head of Sustainable Carbon Solution, Sasol: Mr Ken Sarman Senior Project Engineer, Ethiopian Airlines Group: Mr Wondimu Mathewos
Manager, External Affairs Sustainability International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am truly honoured to address you today at this crucial Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Roadmap workshop. Our presence here reflects our shared commitment to tackling the challenges posed by climate change in the transport sector, particularly within the aviation industry.
The impact of climate change on our economy and communities is already devastating, as we recently experienced when the country suffered from the floods in KwaZulu-Natal in 2022, and Southern Africa endured the destructive cyclone Idai just the year before. These disasters caused extensive damage to our infrastructure. In the context of this industry, the floods in KwaZulu -Natal also disrupted the fuel supply chain, resulting in a shortage of jet fuel and operational disruptions for our airlines. It is alarming to note that the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment report emphasizes that without immediate action, the frequency and intensity of these events will only increase.
Furthermore, the hard-to-abate sectors, including civil aviation, currently contributes over 8% of total transport CO2 emissions in our country. Additionally, our aviation industry plays a significant role in emissions on the African continent, with OR Tambo Airport being the highest emitter.
The consequences of climate change extend beyond the environment. The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) recognises climate change as a threat to tourism, as conscientious travellers increasingly avoid long-haul air travel. Additionally, if we fail to address transport-related emissions, our airfreight exports may lose their competitive advantage in the long run due to mechanisms such as the European Union’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM).
However, we will not simply stand back while climate change and its economic repercussions wreak havoc on our communities, without doing our part in the hard-to-abate aviation sector. To combat the disastrous effects of climate change, South Africa has updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In alignment with international commitments and the goals set forth by the Paris Agreement, South Africa remains firmly committed to the principles outlined in ICAO Assembly Resolution A41-21. During the 41st Session of the ICAO Assembly, which took place from 27 September to 7 October last year, member states resolved to work together to achieve a collective global long-term aspirational goal for international aviation: achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) are expected to play a pivotal role in the decarbonization of the aviation industry. These low-carbon alternatives, derived from bio-based feedstocks such as energy crops, waste, residues, and end-of-life products, have the potential to significantly reduce emissions.
It is encouraging to note that South Africa is uniquely positioned to embrace SAFs. This is due to our abundant feedstock resources and experience in promising SAF production technologies, thanks to industry leaders like Sasol and PetroSA. In this regard, South Africa, through the Department of Transport (DoT), is actively participating in ICAO's Assistance, Capacity-building, and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) programme, which provides opportunities for states to fully develop their potential in SAF development and deployment.
However, as we embark on this journey, we must ensure the true environmental sustainability of SAFs. We must minimise the impact on food availability, alleviate stress on water resources, and mitigate any adverse effects on biodiversity.
The development of SAFs locally not only helps us to achieve our climate goals but also holds economic benefits, such as the potential to become an SAF exporter, and opportunities for job creation. Ladies and gentlemen, achieving these outcomes requires the robust collaboration of all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and civil society. Today’s workshop provides us with a platform to explore this crucial factor, how different stakeholders can work together to develop and expand this sector.
It would be remiss of me if I didn’t also acknowledge the commendable work that has been done in South Africa. The Solaris project in 2015, a collaborative effort involving SAA, Boeing, SkyNRG, and Sunchem International, is a source of pride for our biofuel supply chain. Let’s build upon such successes and ensure that these projects become consistent and scalable, rather than isolated demonstrations.
In conclusion, South Africa needs workshops like this SAF Roadmap gathering to stimulate our thinking and strategic planning. By working together and harnessing our strengths, we can pave the way for a sustainable aviation industry that will meet our climate goals and drive economic growth and job creation. This is an inspirational motive at a time when our economy will surely benefit from a thriving aviation industry. Let us seize this opportunity to chart a course towards a greener future for South Africa.
I wish you constructive and fruitful discussions.
Thank you.
