Ramaphosa hails energy transition

by SAVIOUS KWINIKA 
JOHANSBURG, (CAJ News) – SOUTH African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the country’s just energy transition is gaining momentum, with growing investment in renewable energy expected to create jobs, attract capital and deliver affordable electricity while ensuring no community is left behind.

In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa highlighted the recently commissioned Ummbila Emoyeni wind farm on the Mpumalanga Highveld as evidence that South Africa’s energy future is increasingly being shaped by both local and international investment.

“The just energy transition is gathering pace and creating opportunity,” Ramaphosa said.

He described the project, developed by Seriti Green, a subsidiary of Seriti Resources, as proof that South African companies are taking a leading role in building the country’s renewable energy sector.

“This is a demonstration that South Africa’s clean energy investments are not only being driven from abroad, but also by domestic firms with the foresight to invest in their country’s future,” he said.

The first phase of the project comprises 25 wind turbines capable of generating 155 MW of electricity, with power transmitted through Eskom’s network to supply Seriti’s mining operations.

Once completed, the 900 MW hybrid development will combine wind, solar and battery storage, making it the country’s largest hybrid energy facility.

Ramaphosa said the development aligns with the 2025 Integrated Resource Plan, which seeks to diversify South Africa’s electricity mix by increasing renewable generation while reducing reliance on coal, supported by gas, battery storage and nuclear power.

Although coal remains the dominant source of electricity, he noted that renewable energy has grown significantly, rising from just 2% of locally generated electricity in 2016 to 9% in 2024.

South Africa now has nearly 16 GW of installed renewable energy capacity, while projects totalling 32 GW are expected to connect to the grid by 2030.

He also pointed to the rapid uptake of rooftop solar installations, saying the number of households with solar panels had increased by 86% over the past three years to approximately 675,000 in 2025.

Ramaphosa said government reforms had unlocked private investment and laid the foundation for a competitive electricity market.

“The opening of the Ummbila Emoyeni facility in Mpumalanga and the clean energy revolution underway bear witness to a country that, even when confronted with an energy crisis, adapted, reformed and laid the groundwork for a new future,” Ramaphosa said.

He added that government, business, labour and civil society must work together to ensure the energy transition expands opportunities, strengthens communities and delivers reliable, affordable electricity for all South Africans.

– CAJ News