- Mantashe urged critics to see the need in building the economy on existing resources
- Argues for a systematic transition to low carbon emissions
The South African Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwedebe Mantashe, has asked critics to allow South Africa to build for the future using its existing resources, including Coal which accounts for at least 75% of electricity generation in the country. He made this known when he gave the keynote address at an energy summit gala hosted by the South African Youth Economic Council.
“People are simplistic about it; they say it’s a transition from Coal to renewables. And I’m saying, no, no, no. It’s a transition from high carbon emission to low carbon emission.” Mantashe said.
“..therefore, any programme that we’re going to take must be systematic, it must protect livelihoods, it must protect lives,” he added.
“When we talk about experimenting with clean coal technologies, people immediately give me papers that we’ll take you to court on this. But the reality of the matter is that it’s a resource that the country has; let’s experiment with this.” Mantashe stated.
“You don’t destroy what you have on the basis of hope that something better is coming. You build for the future on what you know and what you have. So that approach to me is scientific, is systematic, it protects the present ability of the state to supply energy.” he added.
Mantashe stated that the South African economy hugely benefits from Coal, and therefore the country must build on its existing resources in shaping the pathway for the future.
“[Coal] has made a huge contribution to the economy. It is growing. It is iterating revenue,” Mantashe explained. “Do we set it alight and destroy it? My argument is that let’s allow it to benefit as long as it can,” he added.
“I don’t want you to inherit any future. I want you to build that future. If you want to build it, then you shape the kind of future you want.” Mantashe pleaded.