South Africa’s first District Energy Council (DEC) launched in Upington, Northern Cape today (Thursday 25 June). Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy Samantha Graham-Maré led the launch at the ZF Mgcawu District Municipality. The event brought government, Eskom, municipalities, farmers, businesses and civil society together under the same roof. In other words, the District Energy Council South Africa initiative marks an important milestone for energy collaboration.
Graham-Maré described the day as historic on two fronts: Bafana Bafana qualified for the Football World Cup knockout stages for the first time, she said to delightful patriotic, sports-mad roars, and the DEC carried a weight that was far more than equal. “South Africa has also launched a structure such as this for the very first time. Both achievements are significant moments for our country, and District Energy Council South Africa will leave a lasting legacy.”
The Executive Mayor of Dawid Kruiper Municipality attended, as did the Speaker and Executive Mayor of ZF Mgcawu District Municipality, the mayors of Kgatelopele, Tsantsabane, !Kheis and Kai !Garib municipalities. Council members signed a pledge at the event. They expressed confidence in the council’s vision and committed to its success.
What the DEC aims to achieve
The DEC aims to:
- close the gap between Eskom and municipalities,
- strengthen collaboration between the DEE and municipalities,
- incorporate large off-takers such as agriculture and business, along with broader society,
- ensure energy-related matters remain front and centre across each local municipality within a district, which is a core purpose of the District Energy Council South Africa project.
How the council will operate
Graham-Maré’s office, which developed the DEC as a 12-month pilot, said it will sit within the Department of Electricity and Energy’s (DEE) Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP). The council includes representatives of the department, Eskom, district and local municipalities, the agriculture and business sectors, and broader society.
It will meet at least quarterly. The DEE will roll out several initiatives and programmes through it. Members can influence policy and contribute actively to planning. This approach holds all participants accountable and ensures consistent energy supply throughout the district. Furthermore, District Energy Council South Africa strives to be a unifying force for sustainable energy policy.
Grounded in the constitution
The constitutional foundation for the DEC is clear. Spheres of government are cooperating with one another through intergovernmental relations, as per Chapter 3, Section 40, not to mention the provisions in the Municipal Systems Act for community participation at municipal level.
National rollout on the horizon
The DEE plans to pilot the DEC in three more district municipalities: Bojanala Platinum, Sarah Baartman and Cape Winelands in North West, Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces respectively. It will announce activation dates for remaining DECs in due course.
After the pilot period, the department will introduce it to other areas across the country. It will use this period to refine the council, strengthen collaboration, enhance communication and address energy matters promptly. With this in mind, District Energy Council South Africa has the potential to transform local energy governance.
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