Minister Gwede Mantashe unveiled a multi‑billion‑rand renewable‑energy rollout that could slash blackouts, create thousands of jobs, and help the country meet its climate goals. Picture Credits: Daily Investor
By Duncan Mnisi
South Africa is gearing up for a major shift in its energy future. On November 3, 2025, Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe unveiled an ambitious plan to accelerate renewable energy generation across the country.
The initiative—introduced under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP)—will inject 1,760 megawatts (MW) of new clean energy into the grid, combining 784 MW of wind power and 975 MW of solar energy.
The rollout represents an investment of R34.3 billion, driven entirely by private-sector funding, with construction on the first projects expected to begin in early 2026.
Minister Mantashe said the move will provide meaningful relief to South Africans who have endured years of load-shedding.
“Renewable energy projects are coming onstream and are reducing the severity of load-shedding,” he said. “But you will not solve load-shedding through renewables alone. We must also use coal, gas, or nuclear power to make sure the lights stay on.”
Beyond clean energy, the programme promises a significant economic boost. The projects are expected to create over 7,700 job-years during construction and operation. Around R1.9 billion has been set aside for skills development, community upliftment, and support for local enterprises located near project sites.
Local participation remains a core priority of the initiative:
- Almost 50% of project ownership rests with South Africans.
- Nearly half of all construction activity will be carried out by local companies.
These targets align with the government’s broader goal to create 25,000 green jobs and attract R15 billion in investment by 2030.
However, the challenges ahead remain significant. South Africa’s electricity grid is still constrained, limiting how quickly renewable energy can be connected. Minister Mantashe called on Eskom to accelerate grid expansion and upgrades so the new power plants can operate without delay.
If implemented effectively, the plan could reduce the frequency of blackouts, cut emissions, and stimulate economic growth—ushering in a cleaner, more reliable energy era.
“This is just the beginning,” Mantashe said. “We are building a brighter, greener South Africa.”
