Richards Bay: In the face of crippling loadshedding which has resulted in the collapse of both big and small businesses, the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) has injected hope about energy security in the future.
This comes after RBIDZ’s Chief Executive Officer Thabani Zulu received the African Energy Leadership Commendation Award from the African Energy Leadership Organisation (AELO) in Houston, United States of America. According to AELO, Mageba - his clan name – has consistently displayed a deep understanding of the role of RBIDZ in terms of meeting the future energy of Richards Bay and the province. Following this award, there is a groundswell of positive messages not only in Richards Bay but in various parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has over the years injected resources to the RBIDZ as part of long-term plans ensuring that this special economic zone becomes a site for energy infrastructure. The leadership commendation award ceremony, which took place on the 3rd of May 2023 alongside the Offshore Technology Conference in the US, put RBIDZ firmly on the global map. Clearly, a message was effectively communicated to the world that the KZN’s government entity was fast becoming a serious player in the global energy space.
“This is a humbling experience and a vote of confidence in our ability to ensure energy security in the province,” Zulu commented yesterday. He pointed out that in dealing with energy, as an important sector of our economy, they were guided by the provincial government energy plans. He further revealed plans for the Energy Summit in Durban to be hosted by the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Siboniso Duma.
“We understand that as the entity, we cannot operate in isolation. The MEC is determined to see our plans on energy linked to the programme of action of all spheres of government. Therefore, we will ensure that we host an all-inclusive energy summit for the province. The date and venue will be announced in consultation with the MEC,” Zulu stressed. He was quick to commit RBIDZ towards ensuring the provision of reliable and efficient energy service at competitive rates.
“Our government emphasizes the importance of having an energy sector that is socially equitable through expanded access to energy and affordable tariffs. Another critical aspect is the creation of energy sector that is environmentally sustainable to reduce emissions and pollution,” he concluded.
