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9 June 2008

Minerals and Energy Minister Buyelwa Sonjica has commended the Gauteng Provincial Government (gpg) for its innovative initiative in promoting public involvement in the country's energy efficiency campaigns.

This after the provincial government hosted a three day Energex Exhibition at Nasrec that attracted 5 000 visitors to view a variety of energy saving products on offer.

The exhibition brought together about a hundred service providers who offered such products as energy saving bulbs, solar powered roofing insulation systems, ripple control geysers, geyser blankets and even a battery powered car.

Addressing delegates at the exhibition on Saturday, 7 June, Sonjica called on other provinces to emulate the Gauteng Provincial Government in ensuring that the country conserves electricity to offset possible future power outages.

Sonjica congratulated Local Government MEC Qedani Mahlangu for her leadership in organising the exhibition.

The exhibition, said to be the first of its kind in the history of South Africa, was held under the theme: "Making Gauteng an Energy Efficient Global City Region". It ran parallel with briefing and discussion sessions on the national electricity response to the electricity crisis, renewable energy strategy, the retrofitting programme for government buildings and the role of the banking sector.

MEC Mahlangu reiterated the Gauteng Provincial Plan to contribute to the agreed 10 percent energy saving target and to grow the economy.

"As the country's economic engine, Gauteng is committed to grow the economy by eight percent by 2014. The province is also committed to reaching the 2012 electricity target," she said.

Mahlangu announced that the energy saving expo would take place again next year.

She commended the province and all its 14 municipalities for putting their weight behind government's plan to conserve energy.

She said that as the provincial government moved forward in making Gauteng an energy efficient province, it would engage each sector to fully understand their programmes and plans in contributing to energy saving. The province now has a database of all service providers committed to assisting government in its efforts to save energy.

Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
9 June 2008
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gpg.gov.za)