Dear SAWEA Members,
As we celebrate the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) and the finalisation of the 7th administration, on Sunday we noted the appointment of 75 cabinet Ministers across 32 portfolios. I must commend President Cyril Ramaphosa for his ability to unite the nation through this 7th administration, truly exemplifying our democracy in action.
We were pleasantly surprised by the separation of Mineral Resources and Energy into two separate ministries as it enables the country to prioritise energy security through a concerted effort in the formation of this new Ministry of Electricity and Energy. With this change, the Association is confident that South Africa’s energy security will be the central focus of unified collaborative efforts under the National Government of Unity.
We welcome the President’s decision to deploy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa as the Minister Electricity and Energy, who has consistently kept consumers informed about the Government’s thoroughgoing reforms to attain energy sovereignty. We have full confidence that Minister Ramokgopa, together with his Deputy Minister Samantha Graham, has what it takes to achieve an affordable and secure energy supply underpinned by renewable energy and wind energy specifically.
This confidence is fortified by the recent milestone of 90 days with no load shedding, a significant achievement that must be celebrated, and with Eskom achieving an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 65.5% in April 2024. We applaud the new Eskom leadership for the improvements and will continue to support energy security as we transition to a low carbon energy supply. It is important to recognise the collaboration between government entities and technologies that made this possible. Wind energy contributed 46 480 GWh on the national grid capacity and continues to contribute to keeping the lights on.
Reflecting on my experience and attendance of Africa Energy Forum (AEF) in Barcelona last week, I was reminded of the immense power of collaboration and its impact on Africa’s energy sector. It was a proud moment when South Africa received the handover to host AEF 2025 in Cape Town, further cementing our market leader role on the continent as it pertains to renewable energy and wind energy particularly.
NERSA grid capacity submission concluded
Grid capacity continues to be one of the greatest challenges for our industry and the Association therefore focussed of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (NERSA) consultation paper in response to Eskom’s application for Grid Capacity Reservation and/or Preservation for Independent Power Producers in the last few weeks.
In all deliberation leading to SAWEA’s submission, the Association presented the views that were gleaned from our key stakeholders and members which emphasised our commitment to advocating for as much wind as soon as possible – in pursuit of energy security for all South Africans and in support of a just energy transition. Thank you to all members who participated in this process.
Attracting young talent to the sector
June was also Youth Month, inviting us to reflect on the importance of youth participation in the renewable energy sector, as well as highlighting how the industry is contributing to skills development in the country.
Programmes such as SAWEA’s Wind Industry Internship programme play an instrumental role in attracting graduates to the sector, with short courses and on-the-job training playing critical in building and enhancing existing skills within the sector.
Reflecting on our commitment to empowering the youth, 50% of our staff compliment is youth – brilliant minds that continue to remind us of what these future leaders are capable of.
Windaba 2024 plans full steam ahead
With the focus on building resilience through wind, SAWEA is on track with its plans for this year’s Windaba, which take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 from 1 to 3 October 2024. The programme is being finalised and participants can look forward to an exciting line-up of speakers and events. Members can still enjoy a 15% exhibition early bird discount, as well as a 10% delegate ticket discount.
As always, thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing how the energy landscape unfolds as our newly formed GNU settles in and hits the ground running, ensuring continuation of services to the citizens of South Africa.
Regards,
Niveshen Govender
CEO
