Energy Matters: Business Dialogue with Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré

With extensive experience across both the private and public sectors, the Deputy Minister provided a unique perspective on the reforms, challenges, and opportunities shaping South Africa’s evolving energy landscape.

Key Highlights from the Address

A Just Energy Transition

The Deputy Minister emphasized that South Africa’s energy future must go beyond simply securing supply. It must be a just transition – one that creates jobs, protects vulnerable communities, lowers emissions, and positions South Africa competitively in the global economy.

Energy Efficiency as the “First Fuel”

Energy efficiency was highlighted as a cornerstone of energy security. From retrofitting public buildings and industries to modernizing municipal infrastructure, efficiency measures not only reduce demand but also unlock cost savings and innovation.

Progress in Nuclear Energy and Medicine

Recent reforms in the nuclear sector are strengthening safety, research, and healthcare outcomes. Investments in new facilities will expand South Africa’s capacity for nuclear medicine, ensuring both domestic and global contributions in this vital field.

Municipal Reform as a Key Enabler

Municipalities were identified as being at the coalface of South Africa’s energy transition. Reforms in revenue models, direct procurement from Independent Power Producers, and small-scale embedded generation will be crucial to ensuring sustainability and innovation at the local level.

Empowering Women in Energy

Through initiatives such as the Women in Energy programme, the Deputy Minister underscored the need to increase women’s participation and leadership in technical and strategic roles across the energy sector. Building inclusivity is both an economic and social imperative.

Renewables, Manufacturing, and Carbon Markets

The South African Renewable Energy Masterplan will anchor industrialisation, local content, and skills development in the clean energy transition. Additionally, work is underway to establish credible carbon markets, creating new opportunities for investment, innovation, and community development.

South Africa–Germany Partnership

The Deputy Minister reaffirmed that Germany remains one of South Africa’s most important partners in advancing a stronger, cleaner, and fairer energy future. Ongoing cooperation spans technical partnerships, climate finance, and private sector development – with opportunities for collaboration in renewables, hydrogen, EVs, storage, and digital solutions.

Q&A Session

The keynote address was followed by a thought-provoking Q&A session, expertly led by Jens Hauser, Head of the SAGCC Competence Centre Climate & Environment. The exchange deepened discussions on policy, investment, and collaboration opportunities between South Africa and Germany.

Closing Remarks

In closing, the Deputy Minister emphasized that energy transformation is not only about infrastructure – it is about people, dignity, and opportunity. With continued partnerships and reform, South Africa is poised to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy system.