On this very inspiring morning, I greet you all.
It gives me great pleasure to be part of this great and significant event hosted for the very first time in Richards Bay, and I do believe that this is the beginning of great things to come for our province in the energy generation space.
Programme Director, It is also a privilege to be part of a gathering that seeks to ignite a defining role for the RBIDZ in shaping the energy trajectory of our province and our country.
Since its establishment, the RBIDZ has been guided by a mandate to facilitate economic growth, attract investment and provide world class infrastructure.
Today, that mandate carries even greater weight as our nation navigates one of the most complex and consequential challenge of our time, energy security.
We carry bold ambitions to position Richards Bay as Africa’s leading energy hub, driven by investor confidence and substantial future energy related investments.
We believe that this is not a pipedream. It is a vision that is already taking shape. This is because of the R244 billion investment pipeline that we have in the Zone, R185 billion of it is underpinned by energy generation projects
The biggest of these projects is the ESKOM 3 000-megawatt gas-to-power project. This project, alone, has the potential to stabilise the energy system of KwaZulu-Natal and make a meaningful contribution to the national grid.
Richards Bay is also emerging as South Africa’s major gas and LNG importation hub, supported by existing pipeline infrastructure from Secunda to Durban.
This strategic positioning strengthens our role in the national energy transition and supports industrial users preparing for shifts in natural gas supply.
It is our firm conviction and belief that our vision aligns squarely with the Integrated Resource Plan and national priorities to ensure that energy infrastructure drives inclusive industrialisation and long-term socio-economic growth.
The Role of the RBIDZ Board
Programme Director, As the Board, entrusted with the responsibility to guide this RBIDZ, we remain deeply committed to upholding strong governance, ensuring strategic oversight, and providing clear direction to management in order to achieve this ambitious goal.
Our responsibility is not only to approve strategies but to ensure that the facilitation of projects particularly those of national significance are fast-tracked, efficiently executed, and fully compliant with all governance protocols.
Local Content, Inclusive Participation & Shared Growth
Programme Director, As we drive implementation of the projects in RBIDZ we place strong emphasis on local content and inclusive participation.
We firmly believe that every project within the Zone must create meaningful opportunities for local communities, local suppliers, and local enterprises.
The Energy Hub, along with all other investments in the Zone, must advance transformation, localisation, and participation in a way that is practical, measurable, and impactful.
We remain resolute in ensuring that industrialisation does not happen around people, but with them and for them hence for us the principles of Just Transition are very important.
Tackling Unemployment & Transforming the Socio-Economic Landscape
Programme Director, We cannot ignore the reality that South Africa faces unacceptably high levels of unemployment and we have realised that these challenges are no different in this province and this region in particular.
It is for this reason that we view the Energy Hub not only as an infrastructure development concept, but as a breakthrough intervention and opportunity to reshape the socio-economic landscape, stimulate job creation, expand skills development, and open industrial opportunities that will uplift families and restore dignity.
We are optimistic because we know what this project can unlock.
A People-Centred Just Energy Transition
Programme Director, In all our doings, our central approach must be convicted to a just Transition.
For far too long, many of our people have lived in conditions of energy poverty and that is a reality that has deepened inequality and constrained social mobility.
As we transition to new energy development and systems, we cannot allow history to repeat itself. Our communities must not be left behind again.
Energy poverty is not only an energy crisis, it is a development crisis and a foundation of inequality and poverty.
The Just Transition must therefore prioritise inclusion, affordability, and universal access. It must close the energy gap and ensure that every household, every business, and every community has a place in South Africa’s energy future.
Board Readiness & The Road Ahead
We acknowledge the progress made to date by the RBIDZ management in terms of investment attraction and facilitation but we also recognise that much more lies ahead.
The implementation of the upcoming energy projects as a whole especially the Energy Hub will mark a turning point for the socio-economic development of this region and our country.
In a true sense, implementation will redefine our energy landscape and stimulate industrialisation.
Ladies and Gentlemen, as I am about to sit down, I call upon all of us to hold hands and work towards shaping an energy future that is secure, inclusive and transformative.
Thank you!