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.
Ntuli made the call at the inaugural KwaZulu-Natal Energy Indaba currently underway at Thembela Venue in Richards Bay.
The two-day indaba, which started on Thursday, is hosted by the Premier, together with Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) MEC, Musa Zondi, in partnership with the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone.
As the province moves to position Richards Bay as a strategic energy hub, the indaba is expected to serve as a platform to address systemic challenges, strengthen intergovernmental coordination and advance the infrastructure development required to support industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.
The event has brought together leaders from national and provincial government, State-owned entities, energy producers, investors, development agencies, and industry specialists to discuss practical measures to improve energy security and unlock catalytic investment opportunities across KwaZulu-Natal.
In his opening address, Ntuli said reliable and affordable energy is essential for economic growth, industrial expansion, and job creation.
He said energy security will remain central to the province’s long-term development strategy, particularly as government advances the KwaZulu-Natal Secondary Cities Programme aimed at establishing new economic growth centres across the province.
The Premier highlighted Richards Bay as a strategic industrial and logistics hub capable of playing a major role in strengthening South Africa’s energy security.
“Through the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, the province is positioning itself to attract large-scale investment in emerging energy sectors, including gas-to-power, renewable energy manufacturing, green hydrogen and energy storage technologies,” Ntuli said.
According to the Premier, energy projects currently account for more than 77% of the RBIDZ investment pipeline, representing approximately R123 billion of the zone’s R140 billion total investment pipeline.
Ntuli also welcomed the progress on the proposed 3 000MW gas-to-power project planned for Richards Bay, which is expected to contribute significantly to stabilising electricity supply in both KwaZulu-Natal and the country.
He added that the development of the province’s energy economy must be accompanied by strong investment in skills development.
The provincial government, he said, is strengthening partnerships between universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and industry to prepare young people for jobs in emerging sectors such as hydrogen technologies, renewable energy systems, and advanced manufacturing.
Ntuli also reaffirmed government’s commitment to South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, stressing that the shift towards cleaner energy must protect industrial competitiveness, safeguard energy security, and create new economic opportunities for workers and young people.
He concluded by urging investors, industry leaders and development partners to work with government to unlock the province’s energy potential and build a resilient and sustainable energy system that supports long-term economic growth.
Ntuli described the Energy Indaba as an important platform to mobilise investment, strengthen partnerships and position KwaZulu-Natal as a leading energy hub on the African continent.
Zondi said the indaba comes at a critical time, as the province works to build a resilient and sustainable energy future under the theme “Driving KwaZulu-Natal’s Energy Future.”
He said the provincial energy agenda will prioritise availability, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability while addressing poverty and inequality.
“Energy is not simply an input into production; it is the backbone of manufacturing, logistics, value-addition industries and every component of our modern economy. For communities, access to energy unlocks dignity, safety, education, health, and entrepreneurship,” Zondi said. – SAnews.gov.za
