Energy is more than keeping the lights on. It is a key driver of industrialisation and job creation.

This was a central message from Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy, in his recent Inaugural Lecture to Wits Business School's Energy Leadership master’s students. Drawing on geopolitical shifts, the 11 global megatrends and South Africa's own challenges as well as its abundant resources, he made the case for putting localisation and the national interest at the top of the energy agenda.

Dr Ramokgopa opened his lecture referring to a century-old “existential question” facing the country, one that General Jan Smuts observed in the 1920s:  electricity is the “oxygen for industrialisation”.

The lecture incorporated a sweeping view of recent developments both locally (the significant disruptions to the economy caused by loadshedding) and geopolitics (notably the ongoing conflict in the Middle East) where energy has become weaponised and an instrument of exclusion. 

Geopolitics, conflict and market forces require countries to rethink their sovereignty and national interest. “South Africa and the continent must build energy sovereignty, with beneficiation at source and localisation central to our decarbonisation agenda, skills development, high-quality jobs and economic growth,” Dr Ramokgopa said.

Africa's energy demands are significant. He highlighted that of Africa's 1,4 billion people, 600 million have no access to electricity, and the continent's rich critical mineral resources vital for transition to low carbon economy, and its abundant solar irradiation and coastal wind resources will help meet that demand.

Responding to South Africa’s socio-economic fault lines, Ramokgopa drew attention to South Africa “energy quadrilemma”. While developed nations prioritise energy security, sustainability and affordability, South Africa must address historical inequalities, equitable access, inclusive participation and localisation in its energy transition. 

“In a country where people go hungry daily, the priority must be transformation, socio-economic development, inclusion, and equitable distribution. You can't worry about security of supply when there's a deficit; you can't worry about affordability if it's not available. Energy sovereignty and the national interest must inform our policy choices." 

Organised by the African Energy Leadership Centre (AELC) at Wits Business School, the lecture is the first in a series connecting students with government and industry thought leaders with the aim of graduating a new cohort of visionary, solutions-oriented leaders in the energy field.