Electricity and Energy Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams met with the University of Cape Town’s Power Futures Lab for an academic assessment of South Africa’s electricity sector and the developments required for long-term sustainability.
The Power Futures Lab focuses on evidence-based research regarding investment, regulation, and power-sector development in Africa and other emerging economies.
Abrahams said: “Every policy development must answer two basic questions: will it help us provide stable electricity to more people and businesses, and will it make electricity more affordable?”
She added: “South Africa has substantial generation investment waiting to be unlocked. Addressing administrative bottlenecks is essential if greater competition is to place downward pressure on electricity costs.”
Abrahams noted that the success of the energy transformation programme depends largely on implementation discipline, and she looks forward to ongoing engagements with industry stakeholders.
During the engagement, the performance of the electricity system was examined, along with grid access, municipal distribution, the regulatory environment, and the expansion of the transmission and electricity markets.
This engagement reflects the Deputy Minister’s commitment to grounding her policy positions and decisions in credible evidence, reliable data, and the practical expertise of professionals working directly within the sector.
“The electricity transition must deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives, and allow businesses to lower costs, grow and create jobs,” she said.
She emphasised that achieving this requires unambiguous policies, capable institutions, transparent execution, and firm political oversight.
nokubonga.ndlovu@inl.co.za
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