Category: Africa

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Unlocking energy investment in KZN

Source: Government of South Africa

Unlocking energy investment in KZN

By Nontuthuko Ngubane

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, has called for stronger collaboration between government, industry, and investors to accelerate energy investment and industrial development in the province. 

The Premier together with the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Musa Zondi, and in collaboration with the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), hosted the KZN Energy Indaba in Richards Bay.

The two-day programme brought together high-level leadership from national and provincial government, state-owned entities, energy producers, investors, development agencies and industry specialists. 

The gathering focused on deliberating practical solutions aimed at accelerating energy security and unlocking catalytic investment opportunities across KwaZulu-Natal.

The event was aimed at fast-tracking solutions for sustainable energy, strengthening energy security and driving economic growth anchored in Richards Bay’s industrial and port strength. 

The indaba also sought to utilise communication platforms to position KwaZulu-Natal and Richards Bay as a destination for investment and an energy hub, while promoting job creation, skills development, localisation and industrial competitiveness in the province.

Speaking on the goal of positioning the province as South Africa’s energy hub, Premier Ntuli said the indaba was convened to stimulate economic growth not only for KwaZulu-Natal but for the entire country.

“We gathered here in this KZN Energy Indaba to grow the economy not only for KZN but also for the rest of South Africa. We are hoping with this gathering new opportunities will be recognised. This is also a call to every youth to get ready with skills relevant to the economy and labour market which will be required. I wish this KZN Indaba will be a success which will include timeframe and solutions going forward,” said Ntuli.

Ntuli encouraged women to take up leadership roles in the energy sector, assuring them of support and urging them not to be hesitant in occupying spaces of influence. 

He further called on delegates and attendees to contribute meaningfully and innovatively to the discussions during the indaba.

Delivering a message of support from national government, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Nomalungelo Gina highlighted the importance of Richards Bay in driving industrialisation and economic growth. 

She said the outcomes of the KZN Energy Indaba would benefit the entire province.

“I will be failing if I don’t speak about the impact of energy especially in the rural areas, especially for women. It was us mothers at home who knew how to make the fire to make food, that was energy. Sometimes when we speak about energy as if we are speaking about something farfetched, we must look at energy as something not very far from us but take it to Amakhosi and our people. I am excited that women and energy—we have seen women grow in this field. Let us have more of them,” said Gina.

In his welcome address, King Cetshwayo District Mayor Cllr Sikhumbuzo Dlamini expressed appreciation for the indaba being hosted in the district, saying the initiative would make a positive difference for the community.

City of uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi also addressed delegates, urging communities to protect energy infrastructure. He highlighted a recent incident where a mini sub-station in Empangeni was vandalised, causing widespread power disruptions.

“Recently, one of our mini sub-stations in Empangeni was vandalised, resulting in power disruptions in most parts of Empangeni. The total damage because of this is estimated to be over a million rand. 

“We need to collectively condemn these criminal acts as they do not only force the municipality to spend money which it does not have but also endanger the lives of those who rely on constant power supply for their livelihoods. We urge our residents to work with us as the municipality and law enforcement authorities to report those responsible for such criminality,” said Ngwezi.

MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Musa Zondi said the indaba was critical in supporting businesses and ensuring inclusive economic participation.

“No one must be left behind in what we are talking about here, people in the rural area, township and any business. This energy indaba will assist businesspeople and attract investors,” said Zondi.

The programme included several panel discussions focusing on key energy issues, such as regulation and policies, the Gas Master Plan (GMP) as an enabler for industrialisation and economic growth, and innovative financing models aimed at unlocking both public and private sector investment in energy infrastructure. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine

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From reform momentum to tangible results

Source: Government of South Africa

From reform momentum to tangible results

In the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SoNA), President Cyril Ramaphosa made a decisive call: South Africa must move from stabilisation to acceleration. The foundation has been laid, and reforms are underway. But the defining task of the 7th Administration is to translate reform momentum into measurable improvements in the lives of all South Africans.

The recent assessments conducted by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) on the implementation of the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024 – 2029 confirm that progress in the work of government is real. Yet, the assessments also underscore a central truth – delivery must deepen, accelerate and reach every community.

A reform agenda taking root

The MTDP 2024 – 2029, the programme of action and implementation blueprint of the 7th Administration, operationalises the vision of the National Development Plan (NDP) into measurable strategic priorities:

  • Driving inclusive growth and job creation
  • reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living
  • building a capable, ethical and developmental state

The DPME’s review of performance between April and September 2025 tells a story of steadiness and resilience amid global uncertainty.

South Africa recorded 0.8% gross domestic product growth in the second quarter of 2025, the strongest quarterly performance since 2022. In the third quarter, 248 000 jobs were added.

Significantly, the country experienced more than 175 executive days without load shedding, marking a significant improvement in energy reliability and investor confidence.

Operation Vulindlela

Structural reforms under Operation Vulindlela are unblocking constraints in energy, logistics and water. South Africa’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force grey list has strengthened financial credibility. Infrastructure financing has gained momentum, with R1.03 trillion allocated over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and substantial blended finance approvals through the Infrastructure Fund.

These are not isolated achievements. They represent the early dividends of a reform programme designed to stabilise and reposition the economy for sustained growth.

Confronting persistent structural challenges

Yet, stabilisation alone is insufficient.

Unemployment remains at 31.9%, with youth unemployment at 58.5%. A Gini coefficient of 0.63 indicates inequality remains and continues to shape the daily realities for millions of South Africans.

The National Development Plan is unequivocal: women, youth and persons with disabilities must be mainstreamed into South Africa’s economic trajectory.

Scaling investment and industrial momentum

Encouraging signs are emerging in industrial policy and investment mobilisation.

Over R44 billion in new investments have been secured across sector masterplans, including expansion in the new energy vehicle ecosystem and battery minerals value chains.

Tourism arrivals reached 7.6 million between January and September 2025, while MSME support programmes created or sustained more than 86 000 jobs.

These green shoots must now be scaled. Reform credibility must translate into higher investment, broader participation and sustained job creation.

Building a capable and ethical state

The SoNA reaffirmed that delivery depends fundamentally on state capability.

The DPME’s assessments indicate measurable progress:

  • 93% of senior managers in the Public Service have undergone lifestyle audits
  • 55% of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture have been completed or substantially completed
  • Ministerial Performance Agreements are now tightly aligned to MTDP 2024 – 2029 and SoNA commitments, strengthening accountability at the highest level

Through the District Development Model (DDM), planning and coordination across national, provincial and local spheres of government are becoming more integrated. An inter-ministerial committee is supporting distressed municipalities, while reforms to the local government framework are under way.

Digital transformation is emerging as a key enabler of capability – from digital identity reforms to the MyMzansi citizen platform prototype. However, municipal capacity, procurement inefficiencies and fiscal pressures continue to hamper implementation in parts of the country.

The lesson is clear – reform must be accompanied by institutional strengthening.

From measurement to acceleration

The DPME’s role is not limited to monitoring performance. It is also to drive corrective action and support course correction.

Recent MTDP reviews have identified priority levers for accelerated delivery – including strengthening housing implementation, improving infrastructure project preparation in municipalities and enhancing administrative efficiency in health and social grant systems.

Evidence-based monitoring is increasingly informing decision-making at Cabinet level. Performance is being tracked. Bottlenecks are being identified. Accountability is being reinforced.

The imperative of acceleration

The SoNA marked a pivot from reform initiation to reform consolidation and acceleration.

Evidence from the DPME’s assessments of the government’s implementation of the MTDP shows that the foundations of recovery are in place – in energy reforms, infrastructure development, logistics recovery, tourism growth and public sector accountability.

But reform momentum must now yield visible change in the lives of South Africans through:

  • more jobs, especially for young people
  • faster and more reliable service delivery
  • safer communities
  • a professional, ethical and capable state

South Africa has entered a new phase, one defined not by promise, but by implementation.

The task before us is to convert momentum into measurable impact.

The progress is real. The direction is clear. The responsibility now is to accelerate delivery – together – in building a nation that works for all.

*This article was originally published in Public Sector Management Magazine

Janine

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Minister Thembi Simelane on human rights, dignity and the right to a home

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister Thembi Simelane on human rights, dignity and the right to a home

By Sihle Manda

As South Africa marks Human Rights Month and approaches three decades since the adoption of its Constitution, the link between human rights and human settlements has never been more pronounced. 

Few portfolios illustrate the lived reality of constitutional rights as directly as housing – where dignity, equality and access to opportunity intersect in brick, mortar and place.

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane believes this milestone demands reflection, celebration and renewed commitment. Speaking to Public Sector Manager magazine, she frames housing not merely as infrastructure delivery, but as a constitutional promise realised over time.

“Human rights and 30 years of the Constitution is an important celebration that needs to be held,” Simelane says. “I am going to look at it from a human settlements and property ownership perspective.

Gone are the days when women, specialised categories of society, could not own property. It took a lot of policy and direction just to make sure we are equal citizens in the eyes of the law.”

Right to own property

For Simelane, the right to own property is inseparable from the broader project of equality. The Constitution, she argues, did more than remove legal barriers – it fundamentally altered who could claim space, security and belonging.

“…it is to allow you to be able to exercise your right – and your right to be guaranteed by the Constitution – that you deserve dignity,” she explains. “Dignity is part of what could be realised by a government in providing you with a house.”

Yet the Minister is careful to stress that dignity does not end with a roof over one’s head. The democratic vision of human settlements is far more expansive.

“Not only providing you with a house, but a human settlement, where there are amenities like schools, amenities that bring conveniences like complexes, recreation centres like skills training and development centres that our communities so deserve,” she says.

Progress made

This integrated vision is reflected in how the department defines a human settlement. “When we categorise a human settlement, we say it must be provided with electricity – of which our country is doing well. There are challenges, but in our roll out we are at 97% provision,” Simelane notes. “With water and reticulation, we are at 72% in the connectivity of bulk, including roads in human settlements and other social amenities.”

While acknowledging persistent backlogs and service delivery pressures, she believes the constitutional trajectory is clear. “We have ticked what is key,” she says, “but when we talk to issues of urbanisation – which is what we are now dealing with – rapid growth, rapid migration forces us to follow what we call the priorities of the Seventh Administration.”

Those priorities include strengthening smaller towns and secondary cities. “Ensuring that we now even go into urbanisation of the small areas so that, conveniently, people are able to stay where they are,” Simelane explains. 

“To all South Africans, we have made a mark in growth – at a constitutional to a developmental point of view. That deserves to be celebrated.”

The gains

Central to this celebration is the country’s constitutional democracy and its oversight institutions. Simelane sees bodies such as the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) not as adversaries of the State but as enablers of better governance.

“We have got a democracy in the form of the SAHRC, and that guarantees every South African that if you feel that your right is being violated in one way or the other, or the promises of the Constitution are not adhered to, you could be able to lay a right that you have in the Constitution for it to be looked into,” she says. 

“We do not take that from a negative point of view. The SAHRC is able to assess your systems, how you can grow and how you can develop in achieving that every right is guaranteed for every South African. We must celebrate the Constitution as a victory.”

Embracing technology

Looking ahead, the Minister situates the department’s current work firmly within this constitutional mandate. “In 2025, we presented our Budget Vote Speech under the theme: Leveraging technologies for resilient, sustainable human settlements,” she says. “We did this with full understanding that technologies can assist us in achieving our targets as contained in the 2024 – 2029 Medium Term Development Plan.”

She points to Section 26 of the Constitution as a guiding principle. “The Constitution enjoins us to take reasonable legislative and other measures within available resources to ensure everyone has access to adequate housing,” Simelane explains. “With this directive, not only to provide houses, but to deliver sustainable human settlements that are affordable, resilient and dignified.”

A key intervention in this regard is the Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) Summit, hosted by the department in early February. “This Summit is a national platform dedicated to advancing and showcasing innovative, sustainable and scalable construction solutions,” she says. 

“It supports the delivery of dignified housing, the eradication of informal settlements and mud houses, and strengthens our capacity to respond to housing emergencies stemming from disasters.”

“These challenges are further compounded by climate change, which has increased the frequency and severity of floods and storms.”

Rapid urbanisation adds another layer of complexity. “Our country continues to experience rapid urbanisation and population growth,” she notes. “These dynamics require new and innovative approaches to housing delivery that are faster, more cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, climate resilient and capable of being deployed at scale.”

Innovation

For Simelane, innovation is not a luxury – it is a constitutional necessity. “A key focus of the summit is the role of IBTs in accelerating housing delivery while maintaining quality, safety and compliance with regulatory standards,” she says. “These technologies include modular and fabricated construction systems, alternative and locally produced building materials, climate-resilient designs, green and energy-efficient solutions, and smart construction methods that reduce time and cost.”

She is particularly concerned about the continued existence of mud houses. “These structures are often highly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, including heavy rains and flooding, posing serious risks to the safety and well-being of occupants,” Simelane says.

 “Through IBTs, we want durable, affordable alternatives that can be rolled out rapidly, while supporting local manufacturing, skills development and job creation.”

Spatial justice 

The constitutional promise of dignity, she insists, must also translate into spatial justice. “With IBTs, we seek to achieve spatially transformed and socially integrated communities,” she says. 

“By promoting innovative construction methods that support higher density development and well-located housing, we will reverse apartheid spatial patterns and build communities truly reflective of a democratic South Africa.”

As South Africa reflects on 30 years of constitutional democracy, Simelane’s message is both reflective and forward-looking. “Through hosting the IBTs Summit, the department affirms its commitment to ensuring that all South Africans have safe, decent and affordable housing,” she says. “Innovation must play a critical role in accelerating delivery and improving the quality of household life.”

Ultimately, she returns to the Constitution itself. “Housing is not just about structures,” Simelane concludes. “It is about dignity, equality and human rights made real. That is what 30 years of our Constitution calls on us to protect – and to deepen – for generations to come.” 

*This article was originally published in Public Sector Management Magazine

Janine

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Young students debate South Sudan’s political future on International Women’s Day

Source: APO


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As the world marked International Women’s Day, female debaters in Bor stepped onto the stage to discuss some of the most pressing political questions facing South Sudan: Can women lead better than men? Is federalism better than centralism? And is the country ready for elections?

The discussion, supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) brought together young women from six secondary schools to discuss governance, leadership and the future of democracy in the country.

For many of the participants, the event was more than a competition. It was a platform for young women to practice political leadership and challenge long-standing expectations that governance debates are the domain of men.

Do women lead differently? That was the crux of one of the motions spoken about: “this house believes that a woman can make a better President.”

Rather than taking a gendered approach, some participants argued that the real question lies in leadership styles and approaches.

Yar Alier Anyieth of Amazing Grace High School encouraged the audience to think about the qualities leaders bring to governance. Her arguments focused on how empathy, consensus-building and courage can shape leadership outcomes. According to her, women often bring collaborative approaches to decision making, which can strengthen governance.

“We women understand what is at stake when there is conflict. We often are most directly impacted by violence, such as for example the ongoing insecurity in Jonglei and other parts of South Sudan. This perspective makes us uniquely positioned to lead inclusively,” she stated.

The debate also highlighted how forums like this help prepare young women for future leadership roles in a country where women remain underrepresented in politics.

By speaking about complex national issues, students not only expressed their views but also built their confidence to participate in public decision-making.

This was particularly evident when it came to viewpoints about the systems of governance.

Ms. Achol Noah Panchol strongly supported federalism, arguing that decentralised governance can empower communities, especially women.

She explained that in a centralized systems, decision affecting women in remote areas are by national elites. According to her, federalism would bring decision-making closer to local communities. “Decentralising power creates opportunities for women to participate more effectively in leadership at the state, county and community level, and decisions would take into consideration the needs of the communities on the ground.”

Participants also noted that when governance structures are closer to communities, women have greater opportunities to influence policies that directly affect their lives. For many students, discussing federalism also connected to the broader constitutional debate taking place in South Sudan as the country continues its efforts to reform governance structures.

The final motion of the debate asked a crucial question: Is South Sudan ready for elections? This sparked intense discussion among participants.

Matelek Amer Kuol of St. Andrew High School argued that women could play a transformative role through ballot boxes, emphasizing that women make up a significant portion of voters and have the potential to shape the country’s political future. “Elections are an opportunity for women to influence governance,” she said, adding that women’s participation in voting and leadership strengthens democracy.

Another participant, Abuol Alier Leek argued that youth and women should play an active role in shaping a peaceful democratic transition.

However, the winning motion belonged to those who argued that that conditions for credible elections are still lacking. Their arguments focused on the need for stronger institutions, improved security and better preparations to ensure elections are transparent and inclusive.

Despite differing views, one message resonated throughout the event. Young women are increasingly engaging in discussions about governance and democracy.

Events like this organized with support from UNMISS are helping create spaces where young women can develop the skills and confidence needed to participate in public discourse.

For students who took part, the debate was not about winning arguments. It was about envisioning a future where women’s voices are no longer on the margins but at the center of national decision making.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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Seychelles Participates in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers Meeting in Pretoria

Source: APO


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Mr. Selby Pillay, Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles, led the Seychelles delegation at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers Meeting held from 12th to 13th March 2026 in Pretoria, South Africa. Ambassador Pillay attended the meeting on behalf of Ambassador Barry Faure, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora of the Republic of Seychelles.

The meeting is being held under the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” as adopted during the last Summit in August 2025 in Madagascar.

The Council of Ministers was preceded by the Standing Committee of Senior Officials, as well as a special meeting of Senior Officials and Experts on the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030. The RISDP serves as a 10-year framework aimed at deepening regional integration and advancing sustainable development within the SADC region.

During his intervention, Ambassador Pillay highlighted that Seychelles continues to face structural economic challenges. He noted that the country’s economy remains highly vulnerable due to limited diversification, human capital constraints, and the growing adverse impacts of climate change. He further underscored the asymmetries that exist amongst Member States, particularly between small island developing states and larger, more diversified economies.  In this regard, he underscored the importance of recognising the varying economic realities among Member States and the need for regional policies to take these differences into consideration.

Additionally, Ambassador Pillay expressed Seychelles’ support for the proposed strengthening of cooperation between SADC and India, particularly in areas of mutual strategic and developmental interest. These include sustainable development, digital transformation, and the responsible advancement of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Ambassador Pillay was accompanied by Mrs. Veronique Morel, Acting Head of Mission at the Seychelles High Commission in South Africa, and Ms. Trisha Hoareau, Second Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

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Chevron nomme Emmanuelle Garinet à la tête de ses activités d’exploration en Afrique subsaharienne et en Amérique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le géant de l’énergie Chevron a nommé Emmanuelle Garinet au poste de directrice de l’exploration pour les Amériques et l’Afrique subsaharienne, confiant ainsi à l’une des géophysiciennes les plus expérimentées du secteur amont un rôle de direction stratégique chargé de superviser les efforts de découverte dans deux des régions les plus importantes au monde en matière d’hydrocarbures.

La Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC), porte-parole de l’industrie énergétique africaine, se félicite de cette nomination, le passage de Mme Garinet chez Chevron constituant un signal positif pour le secteur de l’exploration en Afrique. Pour la Chambre, le fait de placer une cadre dirigeante ayant des décennies d’expérience dans l’exploration en Afrique à la tête de la stratégie de découverte d’une grande compagnie pétrolière internationale pourrait contribuer à débloquer de nouveaux investissements dans les bassins frontaliers, à accélérer la compréhension géologique et à renforcer la collaboration entre les opérateurs et les gouvernements hôtes.

Expansion de l’exploration en Afrique subsaharienne

Le portefeuille africain de Chevron entre dans une nouvelle phase de croissance axée sur l’exploration, alors que les compagnies énergétiques internationales continuent de rechercher de nouvelles découvertes dans les bassins frontaliers et les centres de production établis.

La Namibie est devenue l’une des régions d’exploration les plus surveillées au monde après une série de découvertes majeures en eaux profondes dans le bassin Orange. Chevron évalue actuellement les perspectives dans le bassin Walvis, où la société prévoit de forer un nouveau puits d’exploration dans la zone PEL 82 entre 2026 et 2027. Cette campagne fait suite à des forages antérieurs dans le bassin Orange, reflétant l’intérêt continu de la société pour le système pétrolier offshore en pleine évolution de la Namibie.

En Afrique de l’Ouest, Chevron étend sa présence en eaux profondes au Nigeria après avoir acquis une participation de 40 % auprès de TotalEnergies dans les licences offshore PPL 2000 et PPL 2001. La société devrait déployer une plate-forme de forage fin 2026 pour exploiter les ressources situées près du champ d’Agbami, dans le cadre d’une stratégie plus large de croissance en eaux profondes.

L’Angola reste une pierre angulaire du portefeuille africain de Chevron où, en décembre 2025, la société a produit son premier pétrole sur la plate-forme South N’dola dans le bloc 0, avec une production d’environ 25 000 barils de pétrole par jour à partir des infrastructures existantes. Le gaz associé au projet est acheminé vers l’usine Angola LNG, soutenant ainsi la stratégie de monétisation du gaz du pays tout en réduisant le torchage.

Pour l’AEC, ces développements soulignent l’importance continue de l’exploration pour débloquer de nouvelles ressources énergétiques à travers le continent, tout en soutenant la croissance économique régionale et la sécurité énergétique.

Le portefeuille américain offre une croissance supplémentaire

Au-delà de l’Afrique, Chevron maintient un important portefeuille en amont à travers les Amériques.

Aux États-Unis, la société continue d’augmenter sa production dans le bassin permien, où la production devrait atteindre environ un million de barils d’équivalent pétrole par jour en 2026. Les développements en eaux profondes dans le golfe du Mexique restent également un élément clé du portefeuille de Chevron, contribuant à la croissance à long terme de la production.

En Amérique du Sud, la position de Chevron dans le prolifique bloc Stabroek en Guyane, obtenue grâce à l’acquisition de Hess Corporation, la place dans l’une des provinces pétrolières offshore les plus dynamiques au monde. Parallèlement, le développement non conventionnel de la formation Vaca Muerta en Argentine continue de soutenir la croissance de la production dans la région.

Une carrière fondée sur l’exploration mondiale

La carrière de Mme Garinet reflète plus de trois décennies d’expérience dans la géologie d’exploration, l’interprétation du sous-sol et la direction internationale en amont.

Elle a débuté sa carrière en tant que géophysicienne, travaillant dans l’analyse sismique et l’évaluation souterraine avant d’occuper des postes de direction supervisant d’importants portefeuilles d’exploration. Au fil du temps, elle a occupé des postes de direction sur plusieurs continents, notamment dans la gestion de programmes d’exploration au Nigeria, au Gabon et en Amérique du Sud.

Son mandat chez TotalEnergies a également couvert la transformation de la société Elf Aquitaine en ToalFinaElf, puis finalement en TotalEnergies.

L’une de ses réalisations les plus remarquables a été de diriger l’équipe d’exploration à l’origine de la découverte de Venus au large des côtes namibiennes, l’un des plus importants gisements pétroliers en eaux profondes de ces dernières années, dont la décision finale d’investissement devrait être prise en 2026.

« Un leadership en matière d’exploration, associé à une expertise technique approfondie et à une expérience réelle des bassins africains, est essentiel alors que le continent cherche à exploiter de nouvelles ressources et à attirer les investissements mondiaux », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’AEC. « Emmanuelle Garinet apporte plusieurs décennies d’expertise géologique et de leadership international en matière d’exploration. Sa nomination chez Chevron envoie un signal fort quant à l’importance continue du développement énergétique en Afrique. »

Mme Garinet a également été une ardente défenseuse du développement énergétique en Afrique et a souvent pris la parole lors de la conférence annuelle African Energy Week au Cap, où elle a souligné le rôle des données sismiques avancées, de l’exploration pionnière et des systèmes d’autorisation efficaces dans l’ouverture de nouvelles opportunités à travers le continent.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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From project intent to investable conversations: reducing the time from ‘interesting’ to ‘bankable’

Source: APO

Across power and water, there is no shortage of announcements, memoranda and pipeline lists. Yet investors, DFIs and lenders repeatedly describe the same frustration: a large share of project opportunities arrive too early, too thin or too ambiguously structured to move through real due diligence. Developers, in turn, often face a different reality: they are trying to progress projects inside complex permitting environments, uncertain offtake frameworks, misaligned stakeholder expectations and a grid that may not be ready when the project is.

The gap is not ambition. The gap is bankability and decision velocity.

Where deals stall in practice

Most projects do not fail because the technology is unproven. They stall because the fundamentals are not yet ready for capital. In practical terms, the friction points tend to cluster around:

  • Revenue certainty: offtake, tariff realism, creditworthiness and enforcement
  • Grid access: connection capacity, timelines and the transmission build-out required to make delivery feasible
  • Permitting and land: predictable sequencing, timeframes and stakeholder alignment
  • Risk allocation: clarity on what sits with the developer, the offtaker, the state and the financiers
  • Project preparation maturity: data room readiness, governance, delivery capability and credible timelines
  • Country and currency risk: the real cost of hedging, indexation and macro volatility

Africa does not lack projects. It lacks projects that are investable at speed.

What changes when you engineer the conversation

This is the logic behind the Project & Investment Network (P&IN) (https://apo-opa.co/4lo8Sha) at Enlit Africa: to create structured, decision-oriented engagements that help shorten the path from early interest to investable next steps.

In practice, that means designing a deal-making environment around mechanisms rather than marketing. The aim is not to create a “conference meeting calendar”. The aim is to reduce friction and increase the quality of conversations, by ensuring that the right people are in the room with the right level of information and the right intent.

P&IN is built around:

  • Structured matchmaking based on investor mandates and project characteristics, not general networking – the business breakfast on 19th May will provide insights into small structural or programmatic shifts and how they can exponentially change focus, delivery and outcomes. Join Bruce Whitfield, award-winning business journalist and best-selling author as we explore the business landscape for power infrastructure.
  • Targeted project briefings that focus on mitigating delivery constraints and risk allocation and realistic readiness milestones
  • Curated discussions with decision-makers from utilities, government and finance to pressure-test what is required to move projects forward
  • A practical emphasis on what happens next: defining the immediate milestones that shift a project towards bankability

Why this matters now

Africa’s infrastructure constraints are now delivery constraints. Grid expansion, reliability and industrial growth cannot wait for perfect conditions. Yet capital will only move at scale when opportunities are structured, risks are priced and delivery capability is evident.

P&IN exists to help close that gap by turning project intent into investable conversations and investable conversations into disciplined next steps.

Call to action:

For developers: Apply to present your project (https://apo-opa.co/40tikq6) to investors and DFIs through P&IN
For investors and DFIs: Request the investor pack and participation criteria
For utility and public sector leaders: Participate in decision-focused dialogues (https://apo-opa.co/4deEeEY) on delivery constraints and investment readiness

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4rzRWWx

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About Enlit Africa: 
Enlit Africa brings the top manufacturers, associations, institutions and government leaders together to shape a prosperous energy and water future for Africa. Co-located with Water Security Africa, Project & Investment Network, Utility CEO Forum, Municipal Forum and Women in Energy, Enlit Africa is designed to provide a unique platform to connect decision-makers and determine Africa’s future direction of travel.

Enlit Africa will take place from 19 – 21 May 2026 at the CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa. The event is CPD accredited by the SAIEE and SAICE, thereby contributing to the professional development of industry experts.

For more information and to book your pass, visit the Enlit Africa website: https://apo-opa.co/4rzRWWx
For speaking opportunities, contact Claire Volkwyn: Claire.volkwyn@wearevuka.com
For sponsorship and exhibition enquiries, contact Marcel du Toit: marcel.dutoit@wearevuka.com

About the event organisers: VUKA Group: 
VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com) connects people and organisations to information and each other, across Africa’s energy, mining, infrastructure, mobility, green economy and technology sectors through innovative events, content, and strategic networking. By integrating industry introductions, curated events and digital engagement, the group empowers businesses to navigate complex markets, forge valuable connections and drive sustainable success.

Venture partners to The Global Trust Project, Founders of WomenIN empowerment platform and leaders of NPO, Go Green Africa. The VUKA Group’s diverse portfolio acts to contribute to its purpose of ‘Connecting Africa to the World’s Best, to Influence Sustainable Progress’. Discover more at https://WeAreVUKA.com

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Chevron Taps Emmanuelle Garinet to Lead Exploration Across Sub-Saharan Africa and the America

Source: APO


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Energy supermajor Chevron has appointed Emmanuelle Garinet as Director of Exploration for the Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa, bringing one of the upstream industry’s most experience exploration geophysicists into a strategic leadership role overseeing discovery efforts across two of the world’s most important hydrocarbon regions.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – as the voice of the African energy industry – welcomes the appointment, with Garinet’s move to Chevron serving as a positive signal for Africa’s exploration sector. For the Chamber, placing an executive with decades of African exploration experience at the helm of a major international oil company’s discovery strategy could help unlock new investment across frontier basins, accelerate geological understanding and strengthen collaboration between operators and host governments.

Expanding Exploration Across Sub-Saharan Africa

Chevron’s African portfolio is entering a new phase of exploration-led growth as international energy companies continue to pursue new discoveries across frontier basins and established producing hubs.

Namibia has emerged as one of the most closely watched exploration regions in the world following a series of major deepwater discoveries in the Orange Basin. Chevron is currently evaluating prospects in the Walvis Basin, where the company plans to drill a new exploration well in PEL 82 between 2026 and 2027. The campaign follows earlier drilling in the Orange Basin, reflecting the company’s continued interest in Namibia’s rapidly evolving offshore petroleum system.

In West Africa, Chevron is expanding its deepwater presence in Nigeria after acquiring a 40% stake from TotalEnergies in offshore licenses PPL 2000 and PPL 2001. The company is expected to deploy a drilling rig in late 2026 targeting resources near the Agbami field as part of a broader deepwater growth strategy.

Angola remains a cornerstone of Chevron’s African portfolio where, in December 2025, the company achieved first oil at the South N’dola platform in Block 0, producing approximately 25,000 barrels of oil per day using existing infrastructure. Associated gas from the project is routed to the Angola LNG plant, supporting the country’s gas monetization strategy while reducing flaring.

For the AEC, these developments highlight the continued importance of exploration in unlocking new energy resources across the continent while supporting regional economic growth and energy security.

Americas Portfolio Provides Additional Growth

Beyond Africa, Chevron maintains a large upstream portfolio across the Americas.

In the U.S. the company continues expanding production in the Permian Basin, where output is projected to reach around one million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2026. Deepwater developments in the Gulf of Mexico also remains a key component of Chevron’s portfolio, contributing to long-term production growth.

In South America, Chevron’s position in Guyana’s prolific Stabroek Block – obtained through the company’s acquisition of Hess Corporation – places it within one of the world’s fastest-growing offshore petroleum provinces. Meanwhile, unconventional development in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta formation continues to support production growth in the region.

A Career Built on Global Exploration

Garinet’s career reflects more than three decades of experience in exploration geology, subsurface interpretation and international upstream leadership.

She began her career as a geophysicist, working on seismic analysis and subsurface evaluation before moving into management roles overseeing large exploration portfolios. Over time, she held senior leadership positions across multiple continents, including roles managing exploration programs in Nigeria, Gabon and South America.

Her tenure at TotalEnergies also spanned the transformation of the company from Elf Aquitaine to ToalFinaElf and ultimately TotalEnergies.

One of her most notable achievements was leading the exploration team behind the Venus discovery offshore Namibia – one of the largest deepwater oil finds in recent years and a project expected to move toward a final investment decision in 2026.

“Exploration leadership with deep technical expertise and real experience in Africa’s basins is critical as the continent seeks to unlock new resources and attract global investment,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC. “Emmanuelle Garinet brings decades of geological insight and international exploration leadership. Her appointment at Chevron sends a strong signal about the continued importance of African energy development.”

Garinet has also been a prominent advocate for African energy development and has frequently spoken at the annual African Energy Week conference in Cape Town, where she has highlighted the role of advanced seismic data, frontier exploration and efficient permitting systems in unlocking new opportunities across the continent. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Remarks by Deputy President Paul Mashatile during the Presidential Title Deed Handover to the Mtshoeni/Mtsweni family (Schulk Marhiqa CPA), Grootvlei Farm, Secunda, Mpumalanga

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director; please allow me to start by acknowledging our hosts;
MEC of Human Settlements and COGTA, Mr Speedy Mashilo, who is also representing Premier Mandla Ndlovu;
MEC Khetiwe Moeketsi for  Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs;
Executive Mayor of Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, Cllr Nhlakanipho Zuma;
Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District, Cllr Walter Mngomezulu;
Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Honourable Mzwanele Nyhontso;
Deputy Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Honourable Stanley Mathabatha;
Chief Land Claims Commissioner, Ms Nomfundo Ntloko;
Chairperson of Schulk Marhiqa Communal Property Association, Mr Madlozi Mtshoeni;
Our esteemed Traditional Leaders present, 
Most importantly, the distinguished Beneficiaries of the Schulk Marhiqa Communal Property Association, Osingabo;

Ngiyanibingelela nonke ngalolu suku olubalulekile kangaka!

I stand before you today with a heart filled with excitement as we celebrate a critical milestone in our path towards advancement, development, and restorative justice. 

Today, we do more than hand over paper, we hand back dignity. The achievements of the Schulk Marhiqa Communal Property Association mark true progress in the restitution of land. This progress restores dignity, uplifts communities, and secures lasting opportunities for citizens. Your journey reflects a national story of unity, resilience, and the enduring promise of restoration.

When we talk about restoration, we are talking about a journey that Sol Plaatje so eloquently characterised in 1916 when he wrote of waking up one day as “a pariah in the land of his birth”. This sentiment encompasses not only the loss of land but also a struggle for dignity and recognition for many communities. 

This statement further highlights the cruel paradox faced by indigenous people, those who have ancestral ties to the land, who are marginalised and treated as outsiders, compelled to justify their rightful place in their ancestral territories.

This has been the story of many in South Africa including the Mtshoeni family. In the late 1700s, the family of Mtshoeni, settled in Grootvlei in this beautiful province of Mpumalanga.

The household of the family was led by Mr Schulk Ngazimbi Marhiqa Mtshoeni, who owned a large portion of land before it was appropriated under the Natives Land Act of 1913 and allocated to the Frans Herbs family.

Baba Marhiqa was recognised as one of the most successful farmers, cultivating maize, corn, and raising herds of cattle and sheep. Around 1934, the farm was taken from him, and the Herbs family entered into an agreement to cultivate maize and corn, with the profits shared equally.

The Native Land Act resulted in significant socio-economic consequences for his descendants, who were relegated to the status of farm workers, lost their livestock, and were deprived of their rightful inheritance, reflecting the broader impact of systemic land dispossession on indigenous populations.

We are pleased to note that your story as the Mtshoeni family does not conclude with the event of human rights abuse related to dispossession. Instead, your narrative aligns with the sentiments of many South Africans who assert that our collective story must evolve beyond a history of exclusion, especially now that there exists a democratic dispensation in which there is a mechanism for restoration through land restitution.

In this regard, in 1998, the family initiated a claim to restore their ancestral land, a process that entailed extensive years of investigation, negotiation, and even personal sacrifice. This claim has since been validated, culminating in the return of more than 627 hectares of land, specifically Portions 24 and 26 of Grootvlei Farm, to its rightful custodians. 

The return of this land therefore embodies the restoration of identity, a sense of belonging, and opportunities for the family that were dispossessed.

What makes this title deed handover special for us is that it takes place during Human Rights month, transforming a routine administrative task into a powerful act of restoring human dignity and reversing historical injustices.

Each hectare restored is not only a stride toward healing, but a living testament to justice fulfilled. 

Each title deed handed over is a promise kept by our democratic Government, a covenant between the democratic state and its people.

These title deeds are the direct consequence of honouring land restitution rights. For thirty years, the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights has stood as a pillar of transformation, steadfast in its mission to heal the wounds of our past.

Today’s celebration is living proof that restitution is practical, that it is empowering, and it is nation‑building. 

Receiving land is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of responsibility. Now a new chapter opens, one that demands stewardship, productivity, and vision. If the land remains fallow, the promise of restitution is left unfulfilled. It is therefore important that we dedicate ourselves to cultivating the land whether through farming, sustainable development, or community projects. By doing so, we transform restitution into restoration.

I can never over emphasise this, ladies and gentlemen, that we must never neglect the land. For it is the soil beneath our feet that carries the memory of our ancestors and the promise of our children. To neglect it would be betrayal to the very struggle that defined our liberation.

We must prove through action that our fight for the land was worth it and that it was not in vain. We must not allow any action that will make our policies appear detached from the daily lives of our people. Rather, they must be living instruments of justice, ensuring that the farmer tills with hope and the nation prospers with unity.

I commend the Schulk Marhiqa CPA which I am told is already farming 100 hectares of maize and 30 hectares of soybeans, alongside livestock. We all know that Mpumalanga is one of South Africa’s breadbaskets, producing millions of tons of maize and soybeans annually. 

With the support of the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development and partners such as SAGRA, this community is positioned to thrive and prosper.

Government is pleased that post-settlement support has provided tractors, planters, trailers and livestock. More importantly, it has created jobs, built skills, and opened pathways for youth and women to participate in agriculture. This is economic empowerment in action.

On a broader scale, Government is facilitating community land management through Communal Property Associations (CPAs). On October 9, 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Communal Property Associations Amendment Bill, which modifies the 1996 Communal Property Associations Act. 

These amendments aim to enhance the rights of community members involved in CPAs and clarify their objectives, establishing that land ownership lies with the residents who are part of these associations, as opposed to the associations themselves.

Government is leveraging land redistribution to rectify historical injustices while concurrently promoting agricultural production, stimulating rural economies, and generating employment opportunities. By employing rights-based interventions and addressing disparities in ownership and wealth distribution, the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme is striving to improve living conditions and welfare, effectively rectifying past injustices.

Today, as we hand over these title deeds, we affirm that South Africa belongs to all who live in it. We affirm that dignity denied can be dignity restored. And we affirm that the promise of our Constitution, to heal the divisions of the past and build a united prosperous future, is alive here in Grootvlei and it will continue to spread across all corners of South Africa.

Let us leave here with renewed commitment to protect this land, to cultivate it, and to ensure that justice is lived in the daily lives of our people.

Let Grootvlei be a beacon that justice delayed can be justice delivered, and that restoration here is restoration everywhere.

Once more, congratulations to the Schulk Marhiqa CPA.  

Siyabonga kakhulu, Thank you!

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President Ramaphosa outlines plan to get NDP back on track

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa outlines plan to get NDP back on track

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is implementing the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) to address structural challenges in the economy and place South Africa back on a path toward achieving the goals of the National Development Plan (NDP).

The President was responding to oral questions in the National Assembly on Thursday following a question on whether the NDP’s targets of reducing unemployment to 6%, achieving 5% economic growth and building a capable state by 2030 are still attainable.

The President said a Ten-Year Review of the NDP released by the National Planning Commission in September 2023 found that the targets relating to the elimination of poverty and the reduction of inequality and unemployment will not be met by 2030.

However, he noted that progress has been made in several areas. 

“While progress has been made on other NDP targets – such as access to education, health, water, electricity and social assistance, South Africa remains highly unequal, marked by wealth disparities that span generations,” the President said.

He explained that several internal and external factors had slowed progress in achieving the NDP goals.

Among these were the lingering effects of the global financial crisis between 2007 and 2009, the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the period of state capture during which billions of rands were siphoned from the state and investor confidence declined.

President Ramaphosa also cited the weakening of key State-owned enterprises such as Eskom and Transnet, years of unreliable electricity supply and declining performance in ports and rail infrastructure as additional constraints on economic growth.

Other challenges include declining state capacity, particularly at local government level, reduced fixed investment and poor coordination across government.

To address these challenges, the President said the MTDP has been developed to accelerate inclusive economic growth and job creation.

The MTDP aims to drive inclusive growth and job creation through structural reform and large-scale investment in energy, logistics and water infrastructure.

“It is focused on encouraging investment and creating employment in sectors like mining, agriculture, tourism and the green economy, while providing support for small and informal enterprises,” he said. 

Government is also working to reduce poverty and the high cost of living through expanded social protection, improved healthcare, stronger foundational education and targeted skills development.

The President said the MTDP also prioritises building a capable and ethical state by professionalising the public service, strengthening law enforcement, improving local government performance and tackling corruption.

The plan includes a results framework that sets measurable targets, strategic interventions and indicators to be achieved over the five-year period.

These targets inform the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and are reflected in departmental annual performance plans and budgets.

President Ramaphosa added that performance agreements concluded with ministers include key priorities and measurable indicators derived from the MTDP.

“Through the implementation of the MTDP and the work that has been underway over the last five years, we are steadily rebuilding our economy and restoring the capability of the state so that we can accelerate progress towards the achievement of the goals of the National Development Plan,” he said.

Government strengthens role of traditional leaders in governance

Meanwhile, responding to another question, the President outlined steps taken to strengthen the participation of traditional leaders in governance and service delivery. 

The President said traditional and Khoi-San leaders are recognised as key governance partners under the District Development Model.

He said the legal framework supporting their participation includes the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, which enables traditional councils to support municipalities in identifying community needs.

In addition, the Municipal Systems Act requires municipalities to consult traditional leaders when developing Integrated Development Plans, while the Municipal Structures Act allows recognised senior traditional and Khoi-San leaders to participate in municipal councils as ex officio advisory members.

These provisions allow traditional leaders to attend council meetings, address councils on issues affecting their communities and contribute to discussions on policy, by-laws and service delivery.

“While the framework is robust, implementation across municipalities remains uneven. To address this, the Medium-Term Development Plan now includes a specific indicator for the participation of Traditional and Khoi-San leadership in planning, implementing and monitoring government programmes,” the President said. 

He said the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has begun capacity-building workshops in district and metropolitan municipalities to improve compliance with the legislation.

The review of the White Paper on Local Government currently underway is also expected to propose stronger cooperation between municipalities and traditional leadership institutions.

“The Government remains firmly committed to ensuring that the institution of Traditional and Khoi San Leadership is fully recognised, empowered and integrated into our governance system. Their wisdom, legitimacy and proximity to communities are indispensable to building a capable state and improving service delivery for our people,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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