- South Africa has launched its first District Energy Council in Upington, Northern Cape.
- The initiative aims to strengthen coordination between government, municipalities, Eskom, businesses and agricultural stakeholders.
- The council will identify local energy opportunities and ensure energy issues remain a priority across district municipalities.
Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy Samantha Graham Maré will today launched South Africa’s first District Energy Council in Upington in the Northern Cape, marking a new approach to energy governance and stakeholder collaboration at municipal level.
The launch brings together leadership from the ZF Mgcawu District Municipality, including the Speaker and Executive Mayor, as well as the Executive Mayor of Dawid Kruiper Municipality and the mayors of Kgatelopele, Tsantsabane, !Kheis and Kai !Garib municipalities.
The District Energy Council has been established to strengthen cooperation between the Department of Electricity and Energy and municipalities while improving coordination between Eskom and local government structures. The council also seeks to bring major energy users, including the agricultural and business sectors, into energy planning and decision making processes.
According to the Department of Electricity and Energy, the council will help ensure that energy related matters remain a priority across municipalities within the district and will identify opportunities for targeted programmes that address local energy challenges and development needs.
The District Energy Council comprises representatives from the Department of Electricity and Energy, Eskom, district and local municipalities, the agricultural sector, business organisations and wider civil society.
Speaking at the launch, Graham Maré said the creation of the council was long overdue and would provide a platform for stronger engagement between government and communities on critical energy issues.
“The establishment of this Council should have happened many years ago. The DEC’s collaborative approach will place energy related issues at the forefront of discussions between government and civil society, ensuring that these matters receive the attention they deserve. It is going to be a proud day, as this has never been done before,” she said.
The launch comes as South Africa continues to strengthen energy planning and implementation at local government level, with increased emphasis on collaboration between public institutions, utilities, businesses and energy consumers.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
Green Building Africa – Net Carbon Zero Buildings and Cities
www.greenbuildingafrica.co.za
