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30 June 2008

In his 2008 State of the Nation Address, President Mbeki committed to announce a Team of 'Energy Champions' consisting of prominent and knowledgeable South Africans who will assist government with the energy efficiency campaign and inform communities and investors on the energy situation. Today, Monday, 30 June, Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo–Ngcuka supported by the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Buyelwa Sonjica convened the inaugural National Energy Champions workshop in Johannesburg.

The Energy Champions representing a cross section of society are expected amongst others to:

* Popularise the demand–side management or energy saving interventions aimed at efficient use, of electricity.
* Popularise the importance of reducing consumption.
* Encourage all consumers to use alternative energy sources, e.g. solar powered geysers and gas stoves so that we can achieve the 10% saving target.
* Help government and society to find ways to minimise negative costs to society.
* Inform and educate the public about the importance of efficient and responsible use of energy and other scarce resources like water.
* Help to identify and overcome obstacles that various communities/constituencies may face in reducing electricity usage, either because of technical problems or misunderstandings.
* Communicate positive and truthful messages to South Africans to mitigate negative perceptions, therefore boosting the national mood.
* Highlight progress being made and what people from all walks of life are achieving in Demand Side Management.

Represented in today's meeting amongst others were the following Energy Champions.

1. Prof Kader Asmal
2. Mr Sizwe–Nxasana, Banking Council of South Africa
3. Ms Buhle Mthethwa: National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC) President
4. Dr Blade Nzimande, South African Communist Party (SACP) General Secretary
5. Mr Sidumo Dlamini, Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) President,
6. Ms Myrtle Witbooi, South African Domestic Workers Union SG
7. Mr Moss Ngoasheng, Coega Development Corporation
8. Mayor Obed Mlaba, South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Deputy Chairperson
9. Mr Andre Fourie: National Business Initiative
10. Mr Dirk Herman, Solidarity Trade Union
11. Ms Mary Malete: Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) President
12. Ms Phindi Nzimande, Chief Executive Officer: Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
13. Mr Sipho Nkosi, Chamber of Mines
14. Mr. Narius Moloto, Construction and Allied Workers' Union (BCAWU) and National Council of Trade Unions (NACTU) Central Committee member,
15. Mr Guy Preston, Working for Water Programme
16. Ms Noluthando–Mayende: Sibiya, National Education, Health And Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) President and co-convenor of the Progressive Women’s Movement
17. Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi, ex-National Electricity Regulator, now based at Billiton
18. Ms Almorie Maule, Ex-CEO of Engen
19. Ms Ayanda Noah, Eskom
20. Mr Fani Zulu, Eskom

Kindly note that the above were not the total sum of Energy Champions at the meeting.

Representatives from the religious sector, youth, sporting bodies, and media also form part of the Energy Champions.

The Energy Workshop ended at noon with all participants positive and committed to ensuring that we bring to fruition the call by Deputy President Mlambo–Ngcuka to promote the efficient use of energy and achievement of the 10% saving target.

For more information on the Energy Workshop, contact:
Nomfanelo Kota
Cell: 082 459 3787
E-mail: Nomfanelo@po.gov.za

Bheki Khumalo
Department of Minerals and Energy
Cell: 082 773 2388

Issued by: The Presidency
30 June 2008
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za)