We don’t often get a detailed PowerPoint presentation from an energy minister, particularly one that has not been polished into generalities or cryptic messaging but actually reflects the thinking going on within the ministry. As Energy Minister David Mahlobo has issued invitations to an Energy Indaba on Thursday and Friday, it is worth looking in detail at his energy strategic issues presentation to Parliament’s portfolio committee on energy, which took place on November 21-22. While there were many questionable statements, it was the overall focus and prioritisation that probably indicated the intentions of the "indaba". From reorganising the Central Energy Fund (CEF) as a vehicle for mega-project procurement to invoking "endowment" as the basis for resuscitating the minerals-energy complex, there is much that should be discussed at an inclusive gathering. The section on "global and local energy dynamics" is quite telling: Russia is not directly mentioned, but there is (under the ...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.