By Nontuthuko Ngubane
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, has called for stronger collaboration between government, industry, and investors to accelerate energy investment and industrial development in the province.
The Premier together with the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Musa Zondi, and in collaboration with the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), hosted the KZN Energy Indaba in Richards Bay.
The two-day programme brought together high-level leadership from national and provincial government, state-owned entities, energy producers, investors, development agencies and industry specialists.
The gathering focused on deliberating practical solutions aimed at accelerating energy security and unlocking catalytic investment opportunities across KwaZulu-Natal.
The event was aimed at fast-tracking solutions for sustainable energy, strengthening energy security and driving economic growth anchored in Richards Bay’s industrial and port strength.
The indaba also sought to utilise communication platforms to position KwaZulu-Natal and Richards Bay as a destination for investment and an energy hub, while promoting job creation, skills development, localisation and industrial competitiveness in the province.
Speaking on the goal of positioning the province as South Africa’s energy hub, Premier Ntuli said the indaba was convened to stimulate economic growth not only for KwaZulu-Natal but for the entire country.
“We gathered here in this KZN Energy Indaba to grow the economy not only for KZN but also for the rest of South Africa. We are hoping with this gathering new opportunities will be recognised. This is also a call to every youth to get ready with skills relevant to the economy and labour market which will be required. I wish this KZN Indaba will be a success which will include timeframe and solutions going forward,” said Ntuli.
Ntuli encouraged women to take up leadership roles in the energy sector, assuring them of support and urging them not to be hesitant in occupying spaces of influence.
He further called on delegates and attendees to contribute meaningfully and innovatively to the discussions during the indaba.
Delivering a message of support from national government, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Nomalungelo Gina highlighted the importance of Richards Bay in driving industrialisation and economic growth.
She said the outcomes of the KZN Energy Indaba would benefit the entire province.
“I will be failing if I don’t speak about the impact of energy especially in the rural areas, especially for women. It was us mothers at home who knew how to make the fire to make food, that was energy. Sometimes when we speak about energy as if we are speaking about something farfetched, we must look at energy as something not very far from us but take it to Amakhosi and our people. I am excited that women and energy—we have seen women grow in this field. Let us have more of them,” said Gina.
In his welcome address, King Cetshwayo District Mayor Cllr Sikhumbuzo Dlamini expressed appreciation for the indaba being hosted in the district, saying the initiative would make a positive difference for the community.
City of uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi also addressed delegates, urging communities to protect energy infrastructure. He highlighted a recent incident where a mini sub-station in Empangeni was vandalised, causing widespread power disruptions.
“Recently, one of our mini sub-stations in Empangeni was vandalised, resulting in power disruptions in most parts of Empangeni. The total damage because of this is estimated to be over a million rand.
“We need to collectively condemn these criminal acts as they do not only force the municipality to spend money which it does not have but also endanger the lives of those who rely on constant power supply for their livelihoods. We urge our residents to work with us as the municipality and law enforcement authorities to report those responsible for such criminality,” said Ngwezi.
MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Musa Zondi said the indaba was critical in supporting businesses and ensuring inclusive economic participation.
“No one must be left behind in what we are talking about here, people in the rural area, township and any business. This energy indaba will assist businesspeople and attract investors,” said Zondi.
The programme included several panel discussions focusing on key energy issues, such as regulation and policies, the Gas Master Plan (GMP) as an enabler for industrialisation and economic growth, and innovative financing models aimed at unlocking both public and private sector investment in energy infrastructure. – SAnews.gov.za
