The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, highlighted the severe impact of load shedding saying it cost the country’s economy R1 billion per day.
Mantashe addressed delegates at the opening of the 2023 Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town on Monday.
Mantashe reflected on the severe electricity supply disruptions and their impact on the country, particularly in 2022.
In November, mining production contracted by 9%, marking a 10th consecutive month of contraction in volumes produced.
Mantashe said that despite this, the mining company Goldfields managed to increase its production due to reforms in the energy sector that permitted embedded energy generation.
“Goldfields took the advantage of generating their own additional energy when the industry was declining 9% year-on-year, Goldfields grew 10% and, therefore, we are seeing a number of mining companies beginning to follow the Goldfields example… that is innovation and that is what will save a number of jobs.”
Mantashe reassured investors of the government’s commitment to end load shedding within the next 12 months.
-EWN
In other news – Tango Ncetezo (Paulina) kisses goodbye to The River
Mzansi’s favourite shebeen queen Paulina has bowed out. The character played by Tango Ncetezo on 1Magic’s The River officially bid goodbye to the small screens on the season finale on Friday, 3 February.
Tango took to social media to thank the show and the fans of the show. The show will also be coming to an end after its upcoming sixth season, which kicks off on Monday 6 February. “What a ride! To the Kingdom of Refilwe, you are the epitome of talent, and thank you for holding me down each day, with grace and friendship. For teaching me and guiding me. Learn More
