On 2 November 2023, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Pinky Kekana, spoke at the Energy Security Indaba, which was held at Pacofs.
The dialogue focused on vast energy opportunities in the Free State, promoting investments in the production and distribution of energy sources, and fostering economic growth and job creation through sustainable energy supply.
She urged all sectors in South Africa, including residents, to work together to improve and extricate the country from the current energy and power challenges.
“One of the fundamental things that we can all do, is to be responsible and save energy. The government has rolled out various energy-saving methods. As a department, we will be monitoring the saving of energy, especially at public institutions such as schools, hospitals, and courts,” said the deputy minister.
She shared similar sentiments to those of the Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, who supported reducing CO2 emissions and recommended exploring innovative technologies.
The Free State Premier stressed that the Free State province is perfectly positioned to be utilised as the energy hub of South Africa.
The premier further highlighted that the province is also rich in minerals, such as uranium, and an estimated 23 billion cubic feet of natural gas, which can help make South Africa’s energy challenges a thing of the past.
“Let us also follow up on the decisions we make from this Indaba so we don’t fail ourselves and our children, who are the future of this country,” said the premier.
Compiled by Abigail Visagie
