Energy Council of South Africa Launches “Energise Mzansi” Campaign, Empowering the Nation with Energy Transition Literacy.

[Johannesburg, South Africa] – The Energy Council of South Africa has launched Energise Mzansi, a nationwide campaign to boost energy literacy and empower South Africans to engage in the energy transition. Through a dedicated website and coordinated communications, the campaign makes key information, data, and tools accessible – enabling inclusive, informed dialogue on the path to a sustainable and equitable energy future.

The campaign comes at a crucial time for South Africa’s energy sector. While 2024 far exceeded our best expectations of an energy recovery, we have not solved our challenges as highlighted by the recent return of loadshedding. We are still facing severe and urgent risks to achieving a sustainable, affordable and reliable energy system. With a narrow window of opportunity to implement complex reforms and deliver significantly higher sector investment levels, failure to act decisively could see the country return to a major energy and economic crisis before 2030.

In the SONA 2025 address, President Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of the reform agenda and specifically the time pressure to accelerate delivery in 2025. The President also emphasised the role of the Energy Action Plan (EAP) and collective measures executed through NECOM by all stakeholders. This campaign aligns with government stated objectives and will equip key stakeholders – society, business, and government – with better knowledge and insights to drive informed, balanced discussions and decision-making.

Structured to maximise reach and engagement, Energise Mzansi leverages a strategic mix of traditional and digital media platforms, delivering a unified message that fosters a shared understanding of South Africa’s energy transition among key stakeholders. Backed by ongoing research and energy modelling, the campaign focuses on 6 technical energy topics key to understanding the energy transition:

1. Energy is an integrated system: Shifting from a polarised “supply mix” ideology to a practical, integrated system planning and delivery approach. This aims to balance Supply side actions with Demand response and changing trends, the increasing importance of infrastructure and digital integration and the critical issue of a competitive marketplace.
2. Our vital emissions obligations: South Africa has an intensive carbon footprint and is now exposed to carbon tax and carbon border adjustments from 2026 with our biggest trade partner, Europe. What is the impact of emissions, do we have practical pathways to address them and how do we align to international commitments and policies driving the country’s transition to a lower-carbon future?
3. Our ongoing coal dependency: Examining coal’s critical role in South Africa’s energy mix, which is still planned to be in operation well beyond 2026. The need for cleaner, reliable and more efficient use, and the pathway to a strategic, balanced transition not compromising energy security and economic stability.
4. Bridging the transition with gas: Exploring how gas could provide crucial support to South Africa’s energy system by meeting fluctuating demand, system variability and bridging the gap as renewable energy grows and large coal stations are decommissioned.
5. Scaling renewables and storage: Evaluating the growing adoption of solar and wind energy as well as battery storage, focusing on the advantages of renewable energy, the barriers to widespread deployment, and the role of technology in making renewables a central part of South Africa’s energy future.
6. Reforming the Energy Market: Understanding the critical need and benefits of a competitive wholesale electricity market to unlock investment, drive efficiency and lower prices, as well as anchor South Africa’s future power sector eco-system.

“Energy literacy is more than just understanding the basics, it’s the foundation for informed decision-making, constructive collaboration, and ultimately driving investment and economic growth through gained public positive sentiment,” said James Mackay, CEO of the Energy Council. “Through this campaign, we aim to connect South Africans with the factual information they need to make sense of the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities presented by the energy transition.”

This clarity is particularly important as we look ahead to the monumental investments needed to modernise South Africa’s energy system. The Energy Council estimates that R2 trillion will be required by 2035 for new technology financing and system upgrades. Government policy and commitment is clear. The two key drivers of our energy reform agenda are now anchored in law: The Electricity Regulation Amendment (ERA) Act, 2004 and the Climate Change Act, 2024.

It is critical that informed responses lead the transition, ensuring collaboration across all stakeholders to create sustainable, long-term solutions for South Africa’s energy future.

For more details on how to Energise Mzansi, visit our website at www.energycouncil.org.za/mzansi or follow us on LinkedIn, X and Instagram at #EnergiseMzansi.