Mantashe announces limit for self-generation after continued pressure by AfriForum

13 August 2021

On 12 August 2021 Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, announced the new 100 MW limit for private power generation without a licence after continued pressure by AfriForum.

Dr Eugene Brink, Strategic Advisor for Community Affairs at AfriForum, says it was the right step. Although it is late and no apology has been given for the delay, we are pleased about this. It shows that pressure by civil society is effective and that government does indeed respond to it.

“This year was already one of the worst years regarding loadshedding and we have now reached a turning point where only radical solutions are necessary. Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa is Mantashe’s superior and he must execute the president’s announcements conscientiously.”

According to Brink communities, businesses and municipalities can and must grab the new opportunity to effect energy independence. “The country is permanently faced with a power supplier that cannot get off the ground properly. We have been emphasising for years that self-generation is the only way to ensure electricity supply to the advantage of the economy and country.

“AfriForum will grab this new opportunity and include it in our self-management strategy. We encourage all relevant roleplayers to do the same. This is the only way that real energy independence, prosperity and stability can be ensured,” Brink concluded.

Issued by Andrea van Wyk, Media Relations Officer, 13 August 2021