President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the launch of commercial operations at the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility near Bethal as a significant step towards strengthening South Africa’s energy security, creating jobs and advancing the country’s Just Energy Transition.
The President officially launched the commencement of commercial operations at the wind energy facility on Friday, describing the project as an important example of how government, the private sector, Eskom and communities can work together to drive infrastructure development and inclusive economic growth.
Speaking at the launch, President Ramaphosa congratulated Seriti Green, a proudly South African company, as the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility entered commercial operation.
“Seriti is a company with a proven track record in South Africa’s coal industry, which remains the foundation of our country’s energy production,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said the company had chosen to invest in South Africa’s renewable energy future and in doing so, Seriti aligned with the policy position that South Africa’s future energy system will draw on the strengths and resources the country already possesses, including coal-fired power, while embracing new opportunities.
“We commend Seriti for showing confidence in this province and its potential. Today represents far more than the completion of an infrastructure project. This project underscores the value of the partnership between government, Eskom, the private sector and communities.”
The President said South Africa had committed to transitioning its society and economy towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient pathway in line with its domestic and international obligations.
“The achievements of this project are therefore very encouraging.
“I understand that to date, more than 1 000 jobs have been created through this project, with about half of these jobs going to people living within a 10km radius,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said more than 18 500 people had registered on the Seriti Green Skills Hub, where they would be able to access current and future opportunities.
“The fact that more than 50% of those who have registered are women is a promising sign of the potential that this and other projects have to drive women’s economic empowerment,” the President said.
He said the project demonstrated the value of a strong focus on creating meaningful local economic participation and ensuring that surrounding communities benefit directly from the investment.
Hope for Mpumalanga
In his welcome remarks, Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu said he was delighted by the remarkable work that had been accomplished through the project.
“I saw not only the impressive development of the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Project, but also the immense potential it holds to revive this area economically and socially,” Ndlovu said.
He said the project had brought hope to the people of Mpumalanga — hope for jobs, development and a better future.
“Our people are saying we are selling hope for a better tomorrow; they are demanding to live a better life now. This project aims to meet that demand,” he said.
Ndlovu said Mpumalanga works for all and represents opportunity, resilience and hard work.
“Ours is a province of determined people who understand that success comes through commitment, discipline and perseverance.
“Every new day is embraced as an opportunity to work, to innovate, to build, and to create a better future for themselves, their families and generations to come. It is this spirit that has made today’s achievement possible.
“Our communities see this project as a symbol of a brighter future. The people of our province understand that this project is about far more than wind turbines and infrastructure. It is about creating jobs, developing skills, attracting investment, restoring dignity to families, and opening opportunities for the next generation,” the Premier said.
Ndlovu said the event represented an important milestone in addressing one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges: unemployment.
“We have long held the view that government alone cannot create all the jobs required by our growing population. Sustainable economic growth requires strong partnerships between government, business, labour and communities. It requires the private sector to invest, innovate and expand opportunities,” he said.
Renewable energy and the Just Energy Transition
Located in Mpumalanga, South Africa’s traditional energy-producing region, the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility demonstrates the practical implementation of the country’s Just Energy Transition (JET).
The project combines renewable electricity generation with significant investment in transmission infrastructure, long-term regional operations, local supplier participation, skills development and community investment.
The first phase of the project comprises 155MW of wind generation and forms part of a planned 900MW renewable energy programme. The programme will contribute additional renewable electricity generation capacity while strengthening South Africa’s energy system.
Seriti Green Chairman Mike Teke said the project demonstrated what could be achieved through collaboration between government and the private sector.
“In just a few years, working closely with government, we have delivered. This is JET in action. Coal and renewables together, and the benefits and beneficiaries in the towns of Bethal, Davel and Morgenzon transforming their towns and communities, and powering 500 000 homes.
“Over 2 100 employees have contributed, and 18 500 job seekers registered on our skills portal, more than 50% of which are female,” Teke said.
Teke said the company was determined to do more and that nothing would stand in the way of progress.
Seriti Green CEO Peter Venn said the success of the project was the result of hard work by people determined to prove that South Africa could build infrastructure of global significance and attract investment to secure the nation’s energy future.
“Your dedication, resilience and commitment have made today possible. This project accumulated more than three million hours of work, and all of that time, we did not record a single lost-time injury.
“And, when we gather again, we will not simply be celebrating another wind farm. We will be demonstrating that wind farms, solar farms and batteries can form part of a sustainable future for South Africa, and the energy transition is just, transforming communities and industries, presenting opportunities while decarbonising to impact climate change,” he said.
Benefits for local communities
For residents in the surrounding communities, the project represents the prospect of improved livelihoods and greater access to employment opportunities.
Muziwabantu Sikhakhane told SAnews that the project would contribute to the province’s energy security.
“We hope more job opportunities will be created for our people. There will be no need to flock to Gauteng for jobs,” he said.
Sikhakhane thanked the provincial government for the job opportunities created and called for more projects to be developed in the province.
Seriti’s confidence in South Africa’s renewable energy potential was demonstrated in 2023, when the company pledged R4.5 billion at the 5th South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC).
This was followed by a further R10 billion investment in renewable energy infrastructure at the 6th SAIC earlier this year. – SAnews.gov.za
