As we reflect on the release of the latest Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), one message rings clear: our energy sector is in transition, and ordinary South Africans need to be more actively involved in the nation's energy policy trajectory and have a better grasp of its challenges.  With the need to eradicate load-shedding, liberate the South African energy sector and transition to a low carbon economy, public engagement is paramount. This moment presents an opportunity for all citizens to have a voice and contribute meaningfully to the development of a sustainable and robust energy landscape for our nation.

Bayakha Infrastructure Partners and the African Energy Leadership Centre (AELC) at Wits Business School are pleased to launch the Energy Conversations Podcast, a groundbreaking series which seeks to bridge the knowledge gap surrounding the Just Energy Transition.

Aimed at demystifying the South African energy sector, our bi-monthly episodes of Energy Conversations will be available on all major podcast platforms, giving listeners the opportunity to not only enhance their understanding of the complexities of the energy sector, but also engage with our experts.

Join us for our inaugural episode on 20 February 2024 titled "Unpacking the Integrated Resource Plan," as we discuss the latest IRP which is open for public comment until 23 March 2024. Our energy experts are Dr Steven Mathetsa from the AELC and Kiren Maharaj, Chairperson of the South African National Energy Association (SANEA).

Key Features of the Energy Conversations Podcast:

• Conversations with Industry Specialists and Experts: Prominent figures from academia, activism, policymaking, and industry leadership will decode complex concepts.
• Q&A Interviews: Public queries will be addressed, promoting grassroots understanding and active participation.
• Democratising the Energy Sector: Ordinary South Africans will be empowered to actively contribute to shaping a sustainable energy future for the nation, catalysing positive change and progress.

Join us on this transformative journey towards a more sustainable and just energy future!

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About Bayakha:

Bayakha Infrastructure Partners is a research-led infrastructure advisor and authorised Financial Services Provider with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority whose mission is to bring about development impact through equity investments in large scale energy, water, transport and ICT infrastructure projects in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

As a fund manager with a mandate to invest institutional capital, including pension funds, Bayakha recognizes its responsibility to uphold the interests of the ultimate investors. Bayakha is proud to support Energy Conversations, a podcast that will connect ordinary South Africans with the energy sector, this underscores Bayakha’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and alignment with the values of those whose pension fund contributions fuel infrastructure investments.

About the AELC:

Founded In 2017, the African Energy Leadership Centre (AELC) at Wits Business School Is the first of Its kind on the continent. The aim of the AELC Is to sculpt leaders In the energy sector who think strategically and have the skills needed to navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving energy landscape.  The AELC Is driven by three key activities: research and thought leadership, postgraduate and executive education, and networking and professional development.

About WBS:

Wits Business School, the graduate school of business administration of the University of the Witwatersrand is one of the oldest and most respected business schools in Africa and continues to grow, evolve and innovate – repeatedly spearheading new areas of study to take the next generation of African business leaders into the future. Apart from our AMBA-accredited MBA, WBS offers the widest range of specialist Master of Management programmes in South Africa and leads the field locally in new areas of research, including digital business, energy leadership and African philanthropy.

Media enquiries:

Alison.gaylard@wits.ac.za

Thokozile@bayakha.co.za