Green Economy Journal Issue 41

Economy 

G r e e n 

journal 

Issue 41 | 2020 

R29.00 incl VAT 

9 772410 645003 

11025 

REFORMS Is the green economy the bridge to recovery? 

REPORT Building it back better 

ENERGY The need for the implementation of IRP 2019 

WATER Wash for human protection

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G r e e n 


journal 

04 

06 

NEWS & SNIPPETS 

Green hydrogen, renewable energy, 

IRP 2019 and the economy 

SPECIAL REPORT 

Green Economy Journal speaks to 

industry leaders about building it back 

better after the pandemic 

11 INFRASTRUCTURE 

GBCSA provides insight into the benefits 

of a Green Recovery 

12 EVENTS 

CTICC is green at heart 

GROWTH REFORMS 

14 Outcomes of the inaugural Sustainable 

Infrastructure Development Symposium 

of South Africa 2020 

16 ENERGY 

Karen de Bruyn, the co-founder of 

#WEConnect, shares her observations 

about women and the energy sector 

18 PROFILE 

Veolia South Africa is fully mobilised to 

safeguard the continuity of services 

20 WATER 

The provision of safe water, sanitation, 

and hygienic (WASH) conditions are 

imperative for human health protection 

during all infectious disease outbreaks, 

including Covid-19 

23 ENERGY 

SAWEA is pushing for a Green Recovery 

24 MINING 

SRK Consulting shares the lessons 

learned in creating an environment that is 

conducive to self-sustainable community 

development during the life of a mine 

26 PAPER 

Packaging requires collaborative 

responsibility, says Fibre Circle 

28 AIR 

National Metrology Institute of SA 

supports the automotive sector 

30 ENERGY 

Green Economy Journal speaks to Nivesh 

Govender, COO of SAPVIA, about the 

need for the IRP 2019 to be implemented 

ontents 

14 

20 

30 

greeneconomy.media 

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G r e e n 


journal 

GREEN RECOVERY 

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy of South 

Africa cannot be overstated. It represents a significant decline not 

just to the South African economy but to the global economy as 

a whole. In the midst of all the negative economic outlooks there 

is good reason to be optimistic about the future in paraphrasing 

Winston Churchill’s, never waste a good crisis sentiment. 

There is an opportunity afforded by the present crisis, to 

catalyse the transition towards a resilient sustainable future, and 

to build things back better than before. And through this time, we 

can’t forget that the environmental and socio-economic crisis is 

much larger than the health pandemic we are facing now. 

In view of these crises generated by the Covid-19 pandemic, 

numerous voices are emerging from all areas of society 

suggesting we use this moment of recovery as an opportunity 

to drive the transition to a new socio-economic model that is 

climate-friendly, resilient, sustainable and inclusive. This is what 

is known as the Green Recovery. 

In this edition we have gathered insights from sustainability 

experts on what this green recovery opportunity looks like for 

South Africa. Our expert contributors provide insights on key 

green economic recovery opportunities that are taking shape 

as the local and global economy rushes to get back to its feet in 

the Building it back better special report. 

During the next decade, green buildings represent a significant 

low-carbon investment opportunity in emerging markets such 

as South Africa – currently estimated at $24.7 trillion by 2030 

by the World Bank. Lisa Reynolds, the new CEO of the Green 

Building Council South Africa, unpacks these opportunities for 

our readers. Reynolds is no stranger to kick-starting what would 

be initially deemed as an impossible task having built her strong 

sustainability career on making the impossible seem possible! 

Going into Women’s Month, I am also encouraged that my fellow 

sustainability colleagues are actively taking up space in positions 

of leadership in driving the sustainability agenda in society and 

in the renewable sector. Karen de Bruyn, Head of Development, 

G7 Renewable Energies, and co-founder of #WEConnect, tells us 

how their networking platform acts as a lever for women working 

in the renewable energy across South Africa. 

Given the strong editorial contributions by the women 

leaders in this edition it can be said it is the women that are 

taking us to a green recovery with great urgency! 

Songo Didiza 

Editor-in-Chief: Gordon Brown 

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ISSN NUMBER: 2410-6453 

PUBLICATION DATE: July 2020 

G r e e n 


journal 

R29.00 incl VAT 

9 772410 645003 

11025 

REFORMS Is the green economy the bridge to recovery? 

REPORT Building it back better 

ENERGY The need for the implementation of IRP 2019 

WATER Wash for human protection 


PUBLISHER 

GreenEconomy.Media 

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Green Economy Journal 

is audited by ABC 

Associate Editor 

Cover image: Pexels 

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any way or in any form without the prior written permission of the Publisher. The opinions expressed herein are not 

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2 greeneconomy.media

YOU SEE USED 

BOTTLES. 

COLLECTORS 

SEE VALUE. 

Recycling PET plastic bottles creates over 60 000 income 

opportunities every year in South Africa. Many of these are 

reclaimers, who helped divert upwards of 95 000 tonnes 

of PET plastic bottles from landfill in 2019. The used bottles 

they collect are recycled, ensuring that they become 

bottles yet again. This creates yet more jobs in the process, 

contributing positively to our country’s GDP while eliminating 

the chance that they end up harming the environment. 

Recycling ensures that a circular economy is established 

where the value of plastic bottles continues indefinitely. 

Plastic bottles are not trash. 

18.2 BILLION 

PET plastic bottles 

collected for recycling 

R7.7 BILLION 

injected into South 

Africa’s economy 

65 900 

income opportunities 

created** 

** 2019 specifically 

1905356_FP_E

News & Snippets 

POWER OPTIONS COUPLES WIND AND HYDROGEN WITH POTENTIAL 

TO DRIVE EXPORTS MARKET 

Green hydrogen can be produced from wind 

energy and is a clean-burning fuel that can be 

used for long-term energy storage and to help 

decarbonise transport, heating and industrial 

processes such as steel and cement making 

or it can even be combined with captured 

CO 2 to produce carbon-neutral aviation fuel. 

Energy agencies around the world are looking 

to developments in green hydrogen and wind 

power to boost clean energy supply. 

Sector experts believe that the case for 

hydrogen is strong and demand is likely to grow 

exponentially in a world increasingly seeking 

green energy and lower carbon emissions. 

Currently, the price of green hydrogen (where 

renewable energy is used in the electrolysis 

process to produce hydrogen) is more than the 

cost of grey hydrogen. However, with advances 

in technology, falling renewable energy 

technology costs, increased efficiencies, and 

the benefit of scale through more user uptake, 

the price will likely become competitive in the 

medium term. 

“The production of carbon-free electro-fuels 

such as hydrogen from renewable electricity 

can play a significant role in the context of 

decarbonisation of the energy sector, beyond 

electricity. Additionally, the production of hydrogen 

offers significant flexibility for a power 

system, as well as seasonal storage of renewable 

electricity by blending hydrogen into natural 

gas grids,” explained Ntombifuthi Ntuli, CEO of 

SAWEA (pictured). 

The idea is to create a hydrogen economy 

and an export product, in the same vein as 

the way that the South African government’s 

Operation Phakisa looks to create an oceans 

economy by beneficiating a resource – in their 

case, the ocean. It aims to grow the Ocean 

Economy’s contribution to the country’s GDP to 

R129-177 billion by 2033. This could be 

bolstered by integrating hydrogen production 

into Operation Phakisa and contributing to 

the National Development Plan through the 

implementation of a hydrogen strategy. 

NATURE MATTERS 

A report Nature Risk Rising: Why the Crisis Engulfing 

Nature Matters for Business and the Economy shows 

that $44-trillion of economic value generation – over 

half the world’s total GDP – is moderately or highly 

dependent on nature and its services, and therefore 

exposed to risks from nature loss. 

www.weforum.org 

RENEWABLE HOPES FOR ENERGY 

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe, held a virtual meeting with renewableenergy 

stakeholders in mid-July to open communication on the roll-out of renewable energy in 

South Africa. Mantashe urged stakeholders to offer solutions to the current limitations facing the 

electricity supply industry. 

The event was addressed by Eskom, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), 

Business Unity South Africa, Black Business Council, Association of Municipal Electricity 

Distributors of South Africa (AMEU) and the Energy Intensive Users Group (EIUG). Energy expert, 

Chris Yelland, facilitated the meeting. 

SAWEA CEO, Ntombifuthi Ntuli, proposed that the forum meet quarterly and that its initial 

agenda be set to resolve obstacles to the implementation of the IRP 2019, as well as to engage 

on tariff issues. All the energy associations that participated in the event welcomed the 

establishment of a prescribed engagement forum. 

Mantashe said he hoped the event would set the tone for regular engagements on resolving 

the country’s energy issues. 

SOLAR INDUSTRY 

BODY SAPVIA 

ELECTS NEW BOARD 

The 2020 SAPVIA board members are Frank 

Spencer of Mettle Solar Investments, Maloba 

Tshehla of ED Platform, Norman Moyo of DPA 

Africa, and Wido Schnabel of Canadian Solar 

Inc. elected as Chairperson. 

The new board will serve a two-year term 

of office. 

RESETTING THE 

ENVIRONMENT 

A recent policy paper to which the World 

Economic Forum contributed estimates that 

building a nature-positive economy could 

represent more than $10 trillion per 

year by 2030 – in terms of new economic 

opportunities as well as avoided economic costs. 

In the short term, deploying around 

$250 billion of stimulus funding could 

generate up to 37-million naturepositive 

jobs in a highly cost-effective 

manner. Resetting the environment should 

not be seen as a cost, but rather an investment 

that will generate economic activity and 

employment opportunities. 

www.weforum.org 

4 

greeneconomy.media

News & Snippets 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 

GLOBAL START-UP COMPETITION 

Led by the World Tourism Organisation 

(UNWTO), the UN agency responsible for 

promoting sustainable, accessible and inclusive 

tourism, this competition aims to encourage 

the global innovation and entrepreneurship 

ecosystem to embrace sustainability and to 

deliver impact during the United Nations 

Decade of Action starting this year. 

Start-ups from all walks of life, from all over 

the world and all economic sectors are invited 

to participate if they meet with the criteria. 

B4SA RELEASE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN 

Business For South Africa (B4SA), the 

organisation which represents a majority of 

South African businesses partnering in their 

response to Covid-19, released a 12-point 

plan that it says will accelerate the country’s 

economic recovery. B4SA says the plan, in 

conjunction with policy interventions, could 

increase GDP by R1 trillion, create up to 

1.5-million jobs and increase tax revenues by 

R100 billion per annum. 

Some of the interventions include securing 

affordable electricity supply, fast-tracking 

the green economy, expanding ports, and 

accelerating e-commerce. 

B4SA estimates its economic recovery 

plan will require R3.4 trillion in funds over 

the next three years. This would push public 


All ways of innovation are welcome: new 

methods, processes, governance models, 

social impact initiatives, and technologies. 

The competition features 17 categories, each 

one representing a Sustainable Development 

Goal. Each participating start-up should 

select the SDG in which can generate the 

greatest impact. 

Deadline for entries: 20 September 2020 

www.unwto.org 

sector debt from R4 trillion to R6.4 trillion. 

The estimate does not consider the potential 

rescue funds for corporates or unforeseen 

bailout for state-owned enterprises. 

B4SA said that about $10 trillion of capital 

is available from international markets, 

including Sovereign Wealth Funds and 

Development Finance Institutions, among 

others. South Africa could successfully 

compete for this funding by securing investor 

confidence, for example by improving ease of 

doing business. 

“In the absence of growth-enhancing 

structural reforms, budget deficits are 

expected to remain high and government 

debt is expected to exceed 100% of GDP in 

2023,” B4SA said in a statement. 

SAWEA ADDRESSES 

WIND INDUSTRY’S 

ROLE IN POST- 

COVID-19 ECONOMY 

The first of a series of webinars, under SAWEA’s 

Windaba banner was launched in June. The 

topic was the Role of Wind Power in SA’s 

Economic Recovery, post-Covid-19. The key 

take-out from panellists was that the South 

African government needs to accelerate the 

implementation of its Integrated Resource Plan 

2019 (IRP 2019) as part of the country’s post- 

Covid-19 economic recovery package. 

Meridian Economics MD Dr Grové Steyn, who 

is currently modelling the economic impact of 

such acceleration with the Council for Scientific 

and Industrial Research (CSIR), argues that a 

large renewables-led green stimulus was one 

of the few substantial recovery opportunities 

available that did not require any fiscal resources. 

Steyn calls for political will and policy certainty, 

to push for an accelerated renewable roll-out to 

deliver material economic and social benefits, 

while also bolstering much-needed energy 

security. This will create immediate economic 

and employment opportunities while opening 

prospects for the domestic manufacturing of 

renewables components. Additionally, this rollout 

will increase capital expenditure over the 

period to 2030 and lead to thousands of muchneeded 

jobs, which will become even more 

crucial post-Covid-19. 

Dr Tobias Bishof-Niemz estimates that the 

wind sector alone would invest between R300- 

and R400-billion and create 25 000 construction 

and operations jobs in South Africa by 2030 

should the 1 600-MW allocation be sustained. 

There is an opportunity to increase this green 

stimulus plan to a yearly allocation of 3 000MW, 

which would translate the investment value to 

between R600- and R800-billion, while almost 

50 000 construction and operations jobs would 

be created. 

5


Building 

it back 

BY Mary Anne Constable 

Better 

Green Economy Journal interviews various stakeholders across the built environment 

public and private sectors, questioning what a post-Covid-19 world might look like, and 

asking, how can we build it back better? 

Although the Covid-19 pandemic has temporarily crowded out 

the global climate agenda from the news, while also incidentally 

contributing to a decrease in global pollution, our need to create 

a low-carbon economy continues in full force. The built environment and 

property sectors have a huge role to play in driving this agenda forward. 

There is an opportunity afforded by the present crisis, to catalyse the 

transition to a resilient sustainable future, and to build things back better 

than before. We asked several stakeholders how Covid-19 might inform 

some of the decision-making along the value chain of design, construction 

and operation of buildings and infrastructure in South Africa. 

Photo by Ihsaan Haffejee 

DR. KGOSIENTSO RAMOKGOPA 

Head of Investment and Infrastructure Office, South African Presidency 

www.thepresidency.gov.za 

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE 

The significance of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy of South 

Africa cannot be overstated. It represents a significant decline not just to 

the South African economy but to the world economy. It is also unique 

in that it is both a supply-side and demand-side shock. South Africa 

entered this challenging period in a weakened position with limited fiscal 

headspace due to the technical recession at the end of 2019 and the 

downgrade of our sovereign debt by Moody’s to sub-investment grade. 

As such a supply-side stimulus is required by government to get supply 

chains moving while encouraging localisation and job creation. 

Given South Africa’s limited fiscal headspace, the funding of the 

post-Covid recovery needs to crowd-in sources of funding from outside 

of government. This has led to engagements with the multilateral 

development banks, the development finance institutions, commercial 

banks, and infrastructure facing business organisations. They have 

indicated the need for an updated country infrastructure pipeline 

and have committed resources to the evaluation of said pipeline. This 

process will culminate in the Sustainable Infrastructure Development 

Alignment of the SIDSSA to the SDGs and the 

National Development Plan allows for South 

Africa to access a greater pool of 

liquidity and at preferential rates for the 

funding of the project pipeline. 

Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) on 23 June 2020. The ‘Sustainable’ 

in SIDSSA refers to the need for the project pipeline to align with South 

Africa’s commitments in terms of the UN Sustainable Development 

Goals (SDGs). 

Alignment of the SIDSSA to the SDGs and the National Development 

Plan allows for South Africa to access a greater pool of liquidity and at 

preferential rates for the funding of the project pipeline. 



Georgina Smit 

Head of Sector Development and Market Transformation, Green Building Council of South Africa 

www.gbcsa.org.za 

GREEN BUILDINGS PLAY A VITAL ROLE 

The reference to ‘building it back better’ developed in response to natural 

disaster relief efforts, such as fires or hurricanes. Within the context of 

Covid-19, which is a more longstanding health and financial disaster, I 

believe it means how we will shape our fiscal stimulus policies, long-term 

infrastructure planning and detailed design thinking to plan for a future 

in which sustainability is prioritised and incentivised. It is about using 

the opportunity to rebuild our systems, cities and communities in a way 

that learns from our mistakes in the past and corrects them with in-built 

resilience and good design. What this means to me as a representative of 

the GBCSA, is that we believe that green buildings play a vital role in our 

future’s green recovery. 

Post Covid-19, I think we are going to see an increased focus on healthy 

buildings – in terms of providing improved air quality, appropriate 

surface design and selection (to mitigate against viral and bacterial 

contamination and spread) and enhanced workspace efficiency. 

Decision-making will be informed by selecting options that improve a 

building’s ability to continue operating in the time of health crises. 

The government should consider policies and stimulus packages 

that promote sustainability options that deliver on green economy dual 

benefits such as job creation and improved quality of living standards. 

We need to have a local understanding and pool of talent to drive green 

economy solutions in South Africa. Enablers for this include incentives 

for going green to developers and project owners. 

Lesley Sibanda 

C40 Technical Officer, Energy Efficiency in New Buildings (SA Buildings Programme), 

Sustainable Energy Africa 

www.c40.org 

RESILIENT CITIES PAVE THE WAY FORWARD 

Post Covid-19, more emphasis will be given to occupant health and 

comfort and strategies aimed at improving health through improved 

ventilation, access to natural light, less toxic material use, indoor plants, 

open green spaces for exercise and relaxation. The concept of adaptive 

reuse of buildings is likely to become more prominent as buildings are 

repurposed for new functions. Also, reduced commuting needs, as more 

people work from home, will result in transformed mobility patterns, and 

reimagining digital infrastructure across the cities. 

The urban planning and sustainable design of a city’s agenda in 

the post-Covid-19 world will need to focus on building resilience to 

pandemics such as disease, climate change, natural hazards, and unrest. 

Urban planning will need to make cities more inclusive, resilient, safe, 

and sustainable. Mixed-use precinct development will likely be on 

the rise with a renewed focus on promoting local lifestyles as well as 

healthier and safer spaces for all. 

The government needs to develop economic stimulus packages that 

have climate action and resilience to future shocks as the core principles. 

These recovery stimulus packages to build the economy must prioritise 

the transition to a low-carbon future while simultaneously reducing 

exposure to future crises and reducing health threats to the most 

vulnerable people in our society. 


Stimulus packages must facilitate investments in low carbon urban 

infrastructure, and local renewable energy production to avoid a 

rebound of greenhouse gas emissions. These stimulus packages include 

supportive structures and mechanisms for local government to actively 

engage in decentralised renewable energy production, stimulate local 

economic development and localisation of products through financial 

incentives and building strong partnerships between the spheres of 

government, business, unions, civil society, communities and academics. 

The government needs to develop economic 

stimulus packages that have climate action and 

resilience to future shocks as the core principles. 

7


Rudolf Pienaar 

Chief Development and Investment Officer, Growthpoint 

www.growthpoint.co.za 

ADAPTING TO CHANGE IN COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 

The socio-economic impacts of Covid-19 have given rise to the 

opportunity, and the necessity, to take stock and adjust the course 

towards a better future. For a commercial property development to be 

sustainable, it must be relevant post-Covid-19 and for a long time into the 

future. Developers need to be able to adapt to constant change. 

The role that workspaces play in protecting people’s health and safety 

has rapidly become a critical factor for the commercial property industry. 

Fortunately, many considerations for the health and wellness of building 

occupants are aligned closely with the considerations already in place 

for green building and the WELL certification. 

‘Building it back better’ allows us to imagine what we would like 

the future to be, and to play an active part in creating the quality and 

sustainable spaces that will be the building blocks of this better future. 

For Growthpoint, our drive continues to provide quality, green, healthy 

spaces that work best for our clients, our communities, and our world. 

The recent move towards densifying office space is likely to be 

reversed for apparent reasons. Also, the lockdown has highlighted our 

deep human need for collaboration and connection, with so many 

people saying they miss tapping into the energy that they feel in their 

workspaces. While this trend was already observable before Covid-19 

arrived, the workplaces of the future will be designed and developed 

with more collaborative spaces to embrace interaction and facilitate 

formal and informal meeting. This is as true for office space as it is for 

retail space, where people also seek to meet their social needs. 

With many workers and employers having experienced some of the 

benefits of working from home and invested significantly in making 

this possible, working is likely to become a more agile activity in future. 

Workspaces will become more flexible platforms that include everything 

from remote working solutions to spaces that accommodate more 

traditional home activities, such as interactions with family and pets. 

Relevant, sustainable buildings will need flexibility built in. To some 

extent, the office is now competing with the home. We expect that this 

will also be incorporated in workspace design. 

Being able to live, work, shop, exercise and more in our communities 

became a necessity during various Covid-19 lockdown levels. Those 

residing in mixed-use environments were able to appreciate the benefit 

of their environment to the fullest and were better able to comply with 

the regulations. To this point, when commercial, retail, and residential 

activity co-exists, it offers enormous health, wellness and lifestyle 

benefits, not to mention lower transport costs and carbon emissions. 

Mixed-use environments can embrace different economic groupings 

in thoughtful and inclusive ways. Access to open space has been 

highlighted, and ‘green lungs’ and other public areas are a sacrosanct 

component of mixed-use development. 

‘Building it back better’ allows us to imagine what 

we would like the future to be, and to play an active 

part in creating the quality and sustainable spaces 

that will be the building blocks of this better future. 

Photo by Ihsaan Haffejee 



Yovka Raytcheva-Schaap 

Associate, ESD Consulting and Project Management, Aurecon 

www.aurecongroup.com 

SHIFTING TRENDS IN DESIGN 

Working in the South African built environment, I have observed important 

shifts driven by Covid-19 in designing spaces within the buildings; provision 

of fresh air, increased monitoring of internal conditions, maintenance and 

cleaning activities, and different procedures for entering the buildings and 

using facilities. All measures are taken to ensure the health and wellbeing 

of occupants and visitors of buildings and communities at large. 

South African’s geographic location is such 

that a much higher proportion of the national 

energy mix could be attributed to renewable 

sources, however, the legal and the regulatory 

framework as well as the government procurement 

policies need to change to enable this shift. 

In terms of infrastructure, many leading global cities are changing 

the way public transport works by making a concerted effort to increase 

alternative mobility, i.e. non-motorised transport, including cycling lanes 

and bicycles, e-scooters, and pedestrianising the inner cities. 

In returning to a ‘normal’ post-Covid19 world, our efforts towards a more 

sustainable future must be renewed and intensified – as we are rebuilding 

parts of the economy that have been negatively affected or introducing 

new industries. It is our responsibility to shape a more sustainable future. 

It is the government’s responsibility to lead the shift towards a 

decarbonised economy and inclusive communities, and as such, the 

first step would be to remove the impediments to produce energy from 

sources other than fossil fuel. 

South African’s geographic location is such that a much higher 

proportion of the national energy mix could be attributed to renewable 

sources, however, the legal and the regulatory framework as well 

as the government procurement policies need to change to enable 

this shift. 

The government should incentivise local capacity in the sustainable 

environment to create a leading industry that facilitates the decarbonising 

of the economy while creating jobs and uplifting the communities. 

Dhesigen Naidoo 

CEO, Water Research Commission 

www.wrc.org.za 

A TURNING POINT FOR THE WATER SECTOR 

According to psychologist Rucksana Christian, the first responses to this 

pandemic have been very classical flight, fight or freeze responses. And 

this has been illustrated in the reactions to the pandemic – first the global 

and local lockdowns, which were reasonably successful in the initial phase 

of viral containment, have already exacted severe economic and social 

costs. An economic stagnation followed that has pushed the water sector 

toward a financial crisis with the conventional wisdom predicting a 4.5% 

decrease in African GDP. This has put an unwieldy strain on resources for 

aspirations such as universal access to clean water and safe sanitation as 

envisaged by SDG 6. 

But there is always opportunity in crisis. The global ‘Great Pause’ 

caused by Covid-19, has shown many benefits, perhaps in ways that we 

did not expect. The halting of industrial processes, smaller numbers of 

vehicles on the road and a diminishing of human activity have given the 

earth a chance to breathe. We have been given a brief glimpse of a lower 

carbon world. Secondly, in our quest to keep the wheels of the world’s 

socio-economy functional, Covid-19 has been the big disruptor and the 

real catalyst for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We have had a taste of 

the virtual way-of-work and made the gig economy a reality. 

As we begin to return to ‘normal’ post-Covid-19, we would be wise to 

engage these recent learnings and express some ambition. This could 

This could be the turning point the African water 

sector has been hoping for; an opportunity to 

redirect and prioritise funding to water and 

sanitation projects as a major safeguard against 

the spread of infection and wellbeing. 


9


be the turning point the African water sector has been hoping for; an 

opportunity to redirect and prioritise funding to water and sanitation 

projects as a major safeguard against the spread of infection and 

wellbeing – which means further attainment of water security deals. 

According to the Global Risk Register of the World Economic Forum, 

water has been in the top five risks to the global economy over the past 

nine consecutive years. 

Finally, we can advance more rapidly to a greener lower carbon future 

on the back of groundbreaking scientific and engineering developments 

like low-energy wastewater treatment and no-sewered-sanitation. With 

the right choices, in the direction of better water infrastructure and 

new sanitation, the recovery and stimulus packages being considered 

by governments worldwide could usher in a greener, more inclusive, 

healthier world. 

Jason F. McLennan 

Architect and Founder of the Living Building Challenge 

www.mclennan-design.com 

REFLECTING ON ARCHITECTURE FROM A GLOBAL 

PERSPECTIVE 

When it comes to Covid-19, it is our policies that need to change more so 

than architecture. Yet, the mission related to creating living buildings and 

communities and reducing environmental impact has not changed at all. 

This year is turning into a ‘pause’ year and we still must get back to the 

same mission with renewed vigour. 

About 2020 being forecast as the year of twenty-twenty ‘perfect’ vision, 

I have been saying that life imitates art sometimes. This is turning out to be 

an incredible year of reflection where it has become obvious to so many, 

how society needs to change – and now social justice issues in addition to 

the issues of health and inequities tied to resources are evident. Hopefully 

with all of this introspection – plus here in the United States, it’s a pretty 

important election year – it is a ‘shaking up’ moment: “Do we truly see 

clearly, or not?” It’s as if the glasses that were fogged have been taken off 

and we have to rub our eyes and see the world as it truly is – one that 

needs to change radically if humanity is to persist. 

Post Covid-19, there will be a transition period, but I do think things will 

tend to go back to more ‘normal’ in terms of architectural spaces required. 

Physical distances are not what we need in the long term once we have a 

vaccine. People need to be with people again! 

This is turning out to be an incredible year of 

reflection where it has become obvious to so many, 

how society needs to change – and now social 

justice issues in addition to the issues of health 

and inequities tied to resources are evident. 

And through this time we can’t forget that the environmental crisis is 

much larger than the pandemic we are facing now. We have hit pause on 

dealing with climate, and emissions are temporarily down, but we must 

act with urgency to continue reducing climate impacts even when things 

go back to normal. This is the fundamental design assignment for us – to 

change design relative to environmental impact, bringing people together 

again in truly regenerative spaces. 


INFRASTRUCTURE 

GBCSA and the 

Green Recovery 

BY GBSCA 

South Africa must recover economically, so why not make it 

a Green Recovery? 

current crisis compels humanity to reconsider how we 

connect and interact with each other and with the planet. 

“The 

Now, more than ever, we must consider our impact on the 

world around us. Recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic 

is inevitable, so we have an unprecedented opportunity to drive a green 

recovery led by sustainability and green solutions,” says GBCSA CEO, 

Lisa Reynolds. 

The impact of Covid-19 and the associated risks it poses to business is 

foremost in the minds of companies. However, the risks of climate change 

should not fall off their radars. The lack of energy and water security due to 

climate change will exacerbate the economic and viability of business risks 

resulting from Covid-19. The solution is to rebuild the economy in a way 

that mitigates climate change risks. A strategy of simultaneous solutions – 

a Green Recovery strategy! 

The International Energy Agency (IEA) published a Sustainable Recovery 

Plan. According to the analysis conducted in co-operation with the 

International Monetary Fund (IMF), the IEA estimates that targeted policies 

and investment between 2021 and 2023 could boost global economic 

growth by an average of 1.1% a year. Its Sustainable Recovery Plan would 

also save or create around 9-million jobs a year and reduce energy-related 

greenhouse gas emissions by 4.5-billion tonnes globally. 

A Green Recovery could benefit the planet, climate, human health and 

prosperity. But what does this mean and how comprehensive would a 

Green Recovery be across sectors? (Thank you to UCL’s Chair in Sustainable 

Global Resources, Raimund Bleischwitz for these insights). 

Creation of green jobs 

“Governments have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reboot their 

economies and bring a wave of new employment opportunities while 

accelerating the shift to a more resilient and cleaner energy future,” says IEA 

executive director, Dr Fatih Birol. Energy efficiency in the manufacturing 

of construction materials, textiles and food industries could increase 

employment and minimise resource security risks. 

Better buildings 

There is a huge job creation potential in the refurbishment of buildings 

to improve both energy and water efficiency. Mass retrofitting of 

buildings with energy efficiency interventions, water-efficient fixtures, 

water recovery storage and renewable energy sources can be a source of 

employment for many. 

Why would businesses be interested in these refurbishments? Because 

it results in assets that have lower running costs, are resource-efficient, are 

healthier for its occupants and thus more attractive to potential tenants. 

The improved “health” of green buildings was always an intangible benefit 

to going green. At the time where the health and wellness of our spaces 

are paramount, this benefit becomes very tangible. 

Another reason for doing these refurbishments is that they reduce 

resource security risks. Projects where rainwater and/or greywater 

harvesting storage systems could be shared between buildings, precincts 

or neighbourhoods will be able to assist water-poor areas in mitigating 

future water shortage risks. This plays a role in minimising the health risk 

for communities where there is no easy access to clean, running water. 

Green cities and neighbourhoods 

Planning and installing green spaces within cities and neighbourhoods 

assists with employment, the health and wellbeing of communities, as 

well as mitigating the impacts of climate. Less hard surfaces within these 

areas add to the “sponge city” effect. When it rains or when it storms, these 

areas absorb the rain and there is less stormwater flooding along the 

streets, pavements and highways. 

Low carbon transport, e-mobility and infrastructure 

Once again South Africa is feeling the effect of the exchange rate and 

our dependence on oil! Throughout the world, oil prices have dropped 

to historical lows, yet, in South Africa, fuel prices are increasing. Moving 

to electric vehicles and e-mobility public transport reduces exposure to 

the cost of fuel. And yes, taxis are included in the e-mobility concepts. 

Taxi ranks are a perfect place for charging stations and can be part of the 

e-mobility infrastructure plans. 

The building of the infrastructure and the moving of public transport to 

electric will create massive employment possibilities. The added benefit is 

the higher productivity due to the reduction of traffic. 

Bonus – South Africa achieves carbon reduction targets. 

Leaders throughout the world have been asking for strategies and action 

plans to achieve ambitious carbon reduction targets. The world also needs 

to move towards Net Zero carbon goals and more circular economies. The 

Green Recovery assists South Africa to achieve the carbon reduction goals 

it agreed to in the Paris Accord on climate change. 

The IEA Sustainable Recovery Plan states that: “Past financial recoveries 

– for example following the 2008/09 crisis – have been matched with 

rebounding global carbon dioxide emissions. Along with bringing 

projected emissions in 2023 significantly below where they currently 

are, the sustainable recovery plan would also see air pollution improved, 

reducing health risks around the world. Increased efficiency and lower 

carbon energy generation, as laid out in the plan, have the potential to 

make 2019 the ‘definitive peak’ in global emissions, putting us on a path to 

achieve longer-term climate goals, including the Paris Agreement.” 

Towards the Green Recovery 

“As we emerge from lockdown, we know we are in for a tough time for a 

while, but it is also an ideal time to think innovatively and drive a Green 

Recovery where we also deal with the persistent threat of climate change. 

I encourage everyone to embrace a Green Recovery – creating healthier, 

resource-efficient and meaningful spaces in the built environment that 

respond to climate-related challenges,” concludes Reynolds. 


11

EVENTS 

Green at Heart BY 

CTICC 

The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) lies in the business hub of Cape 

Town, welcoming delegates from across the globe in the quest to expand the knowledge 

economy and create jobs by connecting people. 

CTICC Nurture Our World Team 

CTICC 2 ground floor. 

Designed from the outset to be green at heart, the CTICC is 

proud to continue its contribution to sustainability in the 

events industry. At the time it was built, CTICC 1 achieved a 

77.1% compliance with South African Energy and Demand Efficiency 

Standards, while the innovative design of CTICC 2 earned a 4-star 

Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of South 

Africa. Both CTICC 1 and CTICC 2 maximise the use of natural light, 

emission-minimising climate control and energy saving technologies. 

Ongoing retrofits have included the installation of sensor-operated 

escalators, LED lights, soft-touch taps, dual flush toilets and a closed 

climate control system that actively manages unnecessary usage. 

To ensure sustainable water usage, the CTICC invested R8 million into a 

reverse-osmosis plant, combined with an extra storage capacity of 400 000 

litres. Greywater and rainwater harvesting, for use inside and outside the 

complex, are two additional initiatives the centre has in place to save water. 

When it comes to the events hosted at the CTICC, clients are offered 

the opportunity to ‘green’ their events, through various ways such as 

completing the ‘Event Greening Checklist’ early in their planning process. 

This ensures that greening is top of mind at every step of their event 

planning and execution. 

The CTICC takes extra care to ensure that the majority of the ingredients 

used in the catering offering is sourced from local suppliers within a 

50km radius, with the exception of food items sourced from upcountry to 

accommodate specific client requirements. 63% of the Centre’s recyclable 

waste, including kitchen waste, is diverted from landfill. 

The kitchen waste is segregated and sent to fly farms, while unpackaged 

food waste, as well as any horse manure and straw from the annual Cape 

Premier Yearling event, is sent to a composting contractor, who distributes 

the waste for use in bokashi. Bokashi is a composting method where 

scraps of organic food waste are placed in a container filled with a special 

type of bran, which is tightly covered for 10 to 12 days. The waste becomes 

pickled and is then ready to be used in the garden. 

Event waste such as wood from custom stands, furniture left behind at 

events, and packaged non-perishable food, is donated to organisations in 

need for upcycling and reuse. 

The Investing in African Mining Indaba is a good example of green 

events hosted at the CTICC. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, 

organisers created an event that brought the issue of sustainability to the 

attention of its 6 050 delegates. One of the initiatives included a waste 

recycling programme that saw 24 000kg wood donated to the Orion 

Organisation, a school for persons with disabilities, and Cabrico Genuine 

Clay Face Brick and Pavers. 

The centre work with the event organisers and stand builders to 

guarantee that the event break-down procedure was well briefed 

and methodically managed, and ensured that the wood was carefully 

dismantled and contamination avoided. 

Additionally, one of the centre’s contractors assisted in arranging and 

delivering the event fabric, banners and signage to Sealand Gear, who 

reused the material to make upcycled goods. 

Not only did the CTICC and Investing in African Mining Indaba meet 

their goal of creating an environmentally sustainable event, but the 

diversion of this waste helped create multiple jobs. 

The CTICC’s commitment to ‘green’ events extends to the Centre’s 

participation at exhibitions as well. This year CTICC won the Small Stand 

Award category in the Event Greening Forum Awards at Meetings Africa 

2020. The stand was created to be used at multiple events for the next two 

to three years, with minor touch-ups. To ensure a sustainable exhibition 

stand, during the design phase, the Centre specifically chose construction 

elements that could be upcycled, recycled or reused at the end of the 

stand’s lifespan. While the stand is not in use, it is be stored in a warehouse. 

It is no wonder the CTICC is an iconic world-class convention centre, and 

a business whose reputation for inspirational leadership in the meetings 

and conference industry is underpinned by its triple bottom line strategy; 

people, planet, profit. The CTICC is undoubtedly green at heart. 


13


Government plans 

to boost economy 

The Sustainable Infrastructure Development 

Symposium of South Africa BY Calyn Moneron 

In June 2020, the inaugural Sustainable 

Infrastructure Development Symposium of 

South Africa (SIDSSA) was held. SIDSSA hosted 

virtual and in-person roundtable discussions 

about investing in key sectors of the South 

African economy. 

SIDSSA has been in the making since February 2020 when President 

Cyril Ramaphosa called an emergency meeting with financiers 

and stakeholders to discuss the challenges of how to boost the 

country’s economy. “The pro-activeness of government to initiate a 

suite of interventions and growth reforms aimed at recalibrating the 

country’s economic trajectory to promote inclusive growth, economic 

transformation, spatial justice, and create a globally competitive 

economy can only stimulate investor confidence going forward,” 

reported the Investment and Infrastructure Office of the Presidency. 

The discussions aimed to find solutions to achieve the targets set out by 

the National Development Plan 2030. For this, SIDSSA focused on six key 

sectors of South Africa. 



Green economy 

Out of the 25 projects related to the energy sector that were reviewed, 

only 11 projects were chosen. The projects had an estimated investment 

value of R270 billion. When evaluating projects, the environmental, social 

and governance (ESG) matters, legal and regulatory aspects as well as the 

market potential of each project were considered. 

These projects will include technologies such as solar, wind, gas turbines 

and energy efficiency measures. With the use of these technologies, 

3125-million CO 2 emissions could be reduced. It is believed that these 

projects will create more than 200 000 jobs, either directly or indirectly. 

Transport planning 

The National Development Plan 2030 set specific and ambitious targets 

to provide affordable and safe public transport to all South Africans 

across the country, as well as allowing safe transport of goods from 

production to consumption and developing transport alternatives that 

are less harmful to the environment. 

This became the responsibility of the central government who created 

the National Transport Master Plan 2050 (NATMAP 2050) for South Africa. 

In this plan, key priorities were identified. Detailed plans were documented 

and implemented by state-owned enterprises. 

Food and agriculture 

The Scheepersvlakte Citrus Farm has become the catalyst project for the 

agriculture sector. The farm will grow more than 500 hectares of citrus 

in the Kirkwood region of the Eastern Cape. There will be employment 

opportunities while the farm is being established. It is estimated that over 

5 years the farm will support more than 100 jobs each year. 

When the farm is operational there will be employment opportunities 

for farmworkers and in the processing of fruit and nuts. 

Digital infrastructure 

Two of the seven projects that were submitted will be the compound 

projects for the country’s development of its digital sector. Project Thobela 

and The Space Infrastructure Hub for National Development have a 

combined investment of more than R12 billion. The project is anticipating 

to amass more than 9 000 jobs by the year 2026. The Space Infrastructure 

Hub will include satellites that will independently feed information to 

South Africa. This information will help create products and services 

unique to the challenges that our nation faces. 


Human settlements 

The Greater Cornubia project for the human settlements sector began 

in 2015 with an investment period of 16 years. The Greater Cornubia, a 

mixed-use and mixed-income development, is a new city that is situated 

about 25km from Durban CBD and 7km from the King Shaka Airport. 

The project consists of commercial, industrial, open and residential 

spaces. In the future, there will be more than 50 000 housing opportunities 

for various income groups. It is estimated that by the year 2027 more than 

15 000 employment opportunities will be available. 

Water and sanitation 

More than 40 projects were submitted with a projected investment value 

of R170 billion. The catalyst project for this sector is the Mokolo Crocodile 

Water Augmentation Project (Phase 2A). The objective of this project is to 

increase the water supply to the Lephalale region. During the first year, 

there will be at least 3 000 direct employment opportunities. By the year 

2022, the number will increase to 16 985 available positions for semi- and 

low-skilled workers. 

15

ENERGY 

Bringing all your resources to light: 

Women in power 

In honour of Women’s Month, the Green Economy Journal speaks to Karen de Bruyn, Head 

of Development, G7 Renewable Energies, and co-founder of #WEConnect, a networking 

platform for women working in renewable energy across South Africa. 

In your opinion, what is the status quo of the renewable 

energy sector in South Africa? 

Opportunities galore if you have the patience. We are at the cusp of 

renewable energy uptake in South Africa. We still rely heavily on outdated 

energy sources with coal meeting 72% and renewable energy sources 

meeting 12% of our energy needs. When considering the climate crises, 

and the role we play in it as the 14th largest emitter in the world, the 

rollout of renewable energy is taking place at a scale and pace that does 

not match the urgency. The shift away from fossil fuels has been slow 

going with prolonged dry spells in procurement of renewable energy. 

However, this is set to change. 

The promulgated Integrated Resource Plan 2019 (IRP 2019) provides 

the blueprint for decommissioning of our ageing coal fleet and addition of 

new generation, including procurement of renewable energy up to 2030. 

Adding 1 600MW of wind per annum from 2022 to 2030 and 1 000MW of 

solar for most years during the same period is a very promising step in the 

right direction for a few reasons: 

• Environmentally: It brings us closer to our climate change goals and 

commitments to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels for energy 

• Economically: The cost of renewable energy rapidly falling and the 

positive impact on the economy and communities 

• Socially: The opportunity to create much needed job opportunities 

in areas in South Africa with truly little development taking place. 

Installed 

Base 

Coal 

RE 

Other 

Coal; 

37 419MW 

(72%) 

Other; 

6 189MW 

(12% 

RE; 

8 466MW 

(16%) 

Women make up 

just 32% of the 

global renewable 

energy sector 

workforce. 

Coal current base = 37 419MW 

Renewable energy currently (hydro, storage, PV, wind, CSP) 

2100 + 2912 + 1474 + 1980 = 8 466MW 

Nuclear, gas, diesel, and other: 1860 + 3830 + 499 = 6 189MW 


ENERGY 

There are a lot of opportunities that are subjects of many talk shops. 

Green hydrogen for instance is enjoying unprecedented political and 

business momentum and there are increasing talks of possibilities for 

South Africa to become an exporter of green hydrogen due to our superior 

wind and solar resources. Globally, massive innovations are taking 

shape such as the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and big data, 

Blockchain, mini-grids, super grids and battery storage. Cost reductions of 

the latter is a key component to modern energy solutions. 

Karen de Bruyn, Head of Development, G7 Renewable Energies and 

Co-Founder of #WEConnect 

The status quo is a sector ready to successfully roll out the IRP 2019 as soon 

as the government gives the green light facilitating a steady rollout of 

request for proposals, followed by timely awarding of projects. The energy 

transition is taking place worldwide, radically transforming the energy 

systems as we know them now, and South Africa should not be left behind 

in this energy “revolution”. 

What role can renewable energy projects provide in the 

economic recovery post-Covid? 

Our economy is under unprecedented pressure. We need to avoid adding 

the pressures of load-shedding by procuring new generation capacity 

with urgency. 

Stakeholders and industry experts are increasingly adding their 

voices to call for the accelerated implementation of the IRP 2019 so that 

renewable energy projects can contribute to a post-Covid-19 recovery 

in South Africa. This was recently discussed in a SAWEA webinar where 

panellists explained that a large renewables-led green stimulus is one of 

the few substantial recovery opportunities available that does not require 

any fiscal resources. The wind sector alone could invest between R300- 

and R400-billion in South Africa by 2030 should the 1 600MW allocation 

be sustained. Renewable energy development attracting investments of 

this magnitude just makes sense to support. 

A recent report by IRENA states numerous reasons why we need 

renewable energy as a post-Covid-19 recovery equality: The energy 

transition provides a crucial link to medium- and long-term global climate 

and sustainability goals. These benefits include job creation, resilient 

economies, and increased willingness to invest in renewables. 

What are some of the innovative trends to look forward 

to in the next three to five years? 

Eskom was established in 1923. I believe that by the time it turns 100, the 

South African energy sector will look quite different. We can expect further 

increased tariffs from Eskom as it can recover reduced revenue because 

of Covid-19 versus its predicted revenues through its regulatory clearance 

account mechanism. This will in turn increase its tariffs in the following 

year. Expensive electricity coupled with the carbon tax coming into full 

effect, will accelerate the need for private power purchase agreements 

procuring renewable energy at a fraction of Eskom tariffs to sustain energy 

intensive industries. 

As a woman in the renewable energy sector, what have 

been some of your biggest challenges and successes? 

I am proud to be part of the G7 Renewables team that developed the 

Roggeveld Wind Farm in South Africa with the lowest tariff awarded to 

date – at R0.56c/kWh in April 2014. 

I proceeded to lead this team as G7’s head of development. I am the 

first female to take on this role in our company. Many people in leadership 

roles, regardless of age or gender, suffer from the impostor syndrome – 

even though you are completely capable you will sometimes question 

yourself. And I think this is often truer for females working in male 

dominated industries, and especially younger people. 

My journey, as I believe for most women, has not been without 

challenges: being underestimated based on age or appearance is 

something that fuels hunger for success. 

How are you personally innovating in this sector, 

especially in the time of Covid-19? 

I was and still can lead our G7 team while working remotely, encouraging 

everyone daily through our regular meetings and maintaining strong 

achievable targets. I believe that throughout this time, our daily routine 

provided structure and support to all of us. 

Secondly, the successful launch of #WEConnect during Covid-19, was 

a personal highlight for me. In fact, the lockdown forced us to innovate – 

leading to more regular online sessions, making it easier to arrange than 

real time physical events and allowing for women across the continent to 

benefit from it. 

How does #WEConnect improve the presence of women 

in the renewable energy sector in South Africa? 

A gender perspective study by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) 

found that women make up a mere 32% of the global renewable energy 

workforce and 21% of the wind energy workforce. The same study 

found that women can be supported through increased networking 

opportunities, mentorships, and knowledge sharing. 

#WEConnect launched in May 2020 and is focusing on these three areas 

to improve gender diversity. Several studies indicate that up to 80% of job 

opportunities are filled through a network. If you are not part of a network, 

you are already on the backfoot. In terms of knowledge sharing, there is 

no lack of technical capabilities amongst our members and therefore for 

the next six months, we are hosting monthly online events focusing on 

softer topics and challenges women face. 

What more can be done to encourage young girls 

and women to pursue a career in renewables and the 

broader green economy other than mentorship? 

It’s really simple. Encourage young girls and women in the same way we 

encourage boys and young men – through equal access to opportunities, 

education, equal encouragement, and positive female and male role 

models. Role models play a big role – to believe it is possible for women 

to succeed in this industry, it helps to see women achieve it before you. 


17

PROFILE 

Continuity of 

essential services 

Given the unprecedented health 

crisis the world is currently facing, 

Veolia is fully mobilised to safeguard 

the continuity of essential services 

while also protecting the health of its 

employees, the Group’s two absolute 

priorities. 

Veolia South Africa provides a holistic range of solutions for the 

design, construction, maintenance, operation and upgrade of 

any water or wastewater treatment facilities in the industrial and 

municipal markets. We are active in the operation of food and beverage 

plants to ensure compliance and consistent quality for companies on 

process and wastewater treatment. Our clients include groups such as 

Nestle, Simba, Coca Cola, Distell, etc. 

Since the beginning of the crisis, Veolia has put in place continuity plans 

specific to each country that focus primarily on producing and supplying 

drinking water and treating wastewater, preserving waste processing 

operations, in particular collections and processing facilities, to ensure 

industrial and tertiary facilities continue to operate and upholding its 

activities processing hazardous waste at DCLM (hazardous waste landfill 

operated by Veolia), which is vital to maintaining key industrial operations. 

Supplying drinking water 

To maintain the quality and availability of its services, Veolia South Africa 

has activated a business continuity plan to protect its operations for 

Overstrand Municipality and various industrial clients who are producing 

essential food products. Its teams continue to guarantee the supply of 

perfect quality drinking water in sufficient quantity, in all circumstances. 

We also treat effluent streams to ensure compliance and to guarantee the 

safety of our communities. 

The tap water supplied has systematically undergone various stages 

of treatment, including disinfection, which is designed to eliminate all 

viruses, as well as the coronavirus. The World Health Organisation has 

confirmed that the virus has not displayed any resistance to the standard 

treatment applied to drinking water. 

Protecting the environment 

While important in everyday life, it is imperative in a time of crisis that 

people remember waste items cannot be flushed down the toilet. Some 

users ignore the severity of the environmental and financial consequences 

of disposing of waste in this way, which pollutes natural environments and 

creates an imbalance in the ecosystem. 

Hazardous waste collection 

The provision of reliable, uninterrupted waste management services to 

the municipal, industrial and commercial sectors remains our priority, 

now more than ever, to combat the spread of disease by maintaining high 

standards of hygiene. 

Safety is not negotiable; our vehicles and office facilities are outfitted with 

protective equipment, and staff provided with PPE and sanitisers. Where 

possible, staff employed in administration roles are working remotely to 

ensure that deadlines are met with zero impact to our customers. 

Handling emergencies 24/7 

All employees who can carry out their duties remotely using digital 

technology are currently working from home. Where people have to be 

present on the ground, in particular for certain tasks that are essential 

Tyrone Iyavoo (Plant Supervisor) and Avishkar Ramsuren (Process Operator) next 

to RO module at CCBSA Premier Plant. 

in maintaining service continuity, Veolia has organised team rotations 

and has furloughed a number of employees. The Group has also asked 

its employees to strictly comply with the protective measures, health 

regulations and professional risk prevention measures already in place 

within the Group. 

All operations carried out by Veolia South Africa on the ground are 

coordinated by a crisis unit working at a national and regional level, in 

liaison with the Veolia Group global crisis unit. 

“Veolia’s mission is to provide services that are essential in day-today 

life, like supplying drinking water, treating wastewater, processing 

waste and providing energy services. During this challenging time, our 

responsibility is even greater as needs are more pressing. Our operatives 

are fully mobilised to continue serving the country,” concludes Stanley 

Steenkamp (CEO) at Veolia South Africa. 

Veolia group is the global leader in optimised resource management. 

Present on the five continents and with close to 179 000 employees, 

the Group designs and provides water, waste, and energy management 

solutions that contribute to the sustainable development of communities 

and industries. Through its three complementary business activities, 

Veolia helps to develop access to resources, preserve available resources, 

and replenish them. 

www.veolia.com 

In 2019, the Veolia Group supplied 98-million people with 

drinking water and 67-million people with wastewater service 

produced almost 45-million megawatt-hours of energy and 

converted 50-million metric tons of waste into new materials 

and energy. Veolia Environnement (listed on Paris Euronext: VIE) 

recorded consolidated revenue of €27.189 billion in 2019. 



AMBITIONS FOR 

AFRICA

WATER 

WASH on, 

WASH off 

The provision of safe water, sanitation and hygienic (WASH) conditions are imperative 

in human health protection during all infectious disease outbreaks, including Covid-19. 

Ensuring steadily applied WASH practices in all avenues of life will further prevent the 

transmission of the coronavirus. Understanding how governments are addressing hygiene 

is critical during the pandemic. 


WATER 

Less than 1% of the world’s freshwater (or about 0.007% of all water 

on earth) is readily accessible for direct human use. 

More than 40% (783-million people) in sub-Saharan Africa do not 

have access to an improved source of drinking water. 

More than one-third of the world’s population – roughly 

2.4-billion people – lives in water-stressed regions and this 

number is expected to rise. 3.6-million people die each year 

from water-related diseases and 98% of water-related deaths occur 

in the developing world. 884-million people lack access to safe water 

supplies – approximately one in eight people. 

In July, Minister Lindiwe Sisulu participated on the virtual 2020 High- 

Level Political Forum (HLPF) special event of the official launch of the SDG 

6 global acceleration framework. The forum was themed: “Showcasing of 

stakeholder commitments on accelerating progress on SDG 6”. Minister 

Sisulu joined several other ministers from across the globe in a forum that 

was co-chaired by Gilbert F. Houngbo, Chairperson of the UN-Water and 

Liu Zhenmin, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic 

and Social Affairs. 

During the online engagement, Minister Sisulu outlined South Africa’s 

country planning, implementation and knowledge sharing for SDG 6 while 

supporting country response to the Covid-19 pandemic. She expressed 

that when the SDGs were developed, the world did not foresee a crisis of 

the magnitude presented by Covid-19. She further highlighted the strides 

South Africa has made in achieving the SDGs. “Like many countries, South 

Africa has made great strides since 1994 when only 50.4% of all households 

had access to an acceptable form of sanitation service and 55.1% had a 

reliable water supply service, to 2019 when sanitation services increased 

to 79% of households and 88%,” said Minister Sisulu. 

She maintained that in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, her Ministry 

established a water-specific, national command centre based at Rand Water 

Board, one of the entities reporting to the Ministry. The command centre 

is where all water supply initiatives across the country are coordinated to 

ensure that the basic service of supplying water is achieved. 

Minister Sisulu said that to date, over 740-million litres of water has 

been transported to fill water tanks distributed across the country, at an 

average of 10.31-million litres per day. She added that R1.4 billion was 

set aside for sustainable water services. The funds are meant to address 

the backlog mainly created by the unforeseen growth in population and 

the unintended consequence of economic growth which saw a parallel 

increase in urbanisation. 

884-million people lack access to safe water 

supplies – approximately one in eight people. 


21

WATER 

Effective water resources management is dependent on all water users 

and water managers playing their part. Government alone cannot do it. It 

is important that South Africans understand how the water cycle works, 

and how their actions create impacts in this cycle. It is equally important to 

understand the context of water resources in South Africa and the specific 

challenges that we face as a country. 

THE WATER CYCLE 

Heat results in water evaporation from the land and water resources. As the 

water vapour rises, it cools and condenses to form clouds. When conditions 

are appropriate, the water in the clouds is released as precipitation (rain, 

hail, snow or sleet). This precipitation evaporates back into the atmosphere, 

infiltrates the ground to become soil moisture or groundwater or runs 

off into surface water resources such as rivers, estuaries and wetlands. 

Plants take up water from the soil and transpirate some of it into the air, 

contributing to the return of moisture into the atmosphere, and back into 

the cycle of evapotranspiration and precipitation. 

Infrastructure, such as dams, enables the provision of a reliable supply 

of water, and to increase the amount of water available for use, by 

storing water that would otherwise run into the sea. Storage of water in 

dams enables a reliable supply of water even during a drought. Other 

technologies are also available for increasing water availability, such as 

desalination. The challenge is that dams and general use of water for social 

and economic purposes have negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems, 

which provide important goods and services. The challenge is how to 

balance the use of water with the protection of aquatic ecosystems. 

Water hygiene has come to the forefront as 

the coronavirus is expected to impact poorest 

communities in Africa who have limited access to 

water for basic sanitation, hygiene and health. 

Vinesan Govender, engineering manager at Xylem Africa, explains that 

decentralised, low-maintenance infrastructure is a keystone for Africa’s water 

future. There is no longer a need for large and centralised infrastructure. 

“Solar power is an example of how grids are being decentralised. Water 

can operate in the same way, especially when managing wastewater. It has 

become cost-effective to have more and smaller sites to manage water, and 

it’s much more efficient because you can calibrate that infrastructure to 

reflect the needs of the surrounding community. This improves performance 

and the longevity of the equipment.” 

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS 

Africa can benefit from vastly-improved water infrastructure designs and 

management philosophies as well as water technologies which deliver much 

more efficiency, control and cost-management. Govender claimed that 

these solutions could be effective anywhere on the continent. “The water 

management in Africa is extremely poor, and in most cases, non-existent. 

We are not looking after our aquifers, which have become contaminated.” 

He added that in Gauteng borehole water can contain heavy metals due 

to mining activity and could be added to water recycling. “We can manage 

those aquifers responsibly and even make them part of water recycling. 

The same counts for other water resources, such as the great lakes. These 

are renewable resources, but they are not infinite without the right water 

management culture.” 

3.6-million people die each year from waterrelated 

diseases and 98% of water-related 

deaths occur in the developing world. 

Chemical-free disinfection of water is another pivotal solution that can 

disrupt water in Africa. Govender explained that technologies such as UV 

and ozone are not yet as cost-effective at large scales as chlorine. However, 

it is a very different case for smaller applications, such as community water 

supplies, water in tanks or water used for cleaning. He added that an 

enormous amount of chemicals enter Africa’s water ecosystems. He further 

explained that by applying chemical-free disinfection at strategic points can 

massively improve quality of life, and fight infections such as cholera and 

E. coli, without harming the same environment many subsist on. 

Water hygiene has come to the forefront as the coronavirus is expected 

to impact poorest communities in Africa who have limited access to water 

for basic sanitation, hygiene and health. Mannie Ramos Jnr, COO of Abeco 

Tanks, suppliers of hygienic water storage solutions, says that the pandemic 

highlights the need to get water back on the health agenda. “Why is Water, 

Sanitation and Health (WASH) only a priority in a crisis? This gap and the 

lack of local investment in water infrastructure within South Africa, is now 

glaringly obvious during Covid-19.” Globally, approximately US$260 billion 

is lost each year to the effects of poor sanitation and unsafe water on many 

aspects of the economy, but most significantly on healthcare. 

“As a continent, it seems we have become used to reacting only when 

it makes sense economically or when there is an emergency. We are 

failing constitutionally regarding water infrastructure,” adds Ramos Jnr. 

As schools return during Level 3, 2 and 1, the lack of WASH facilities will 

be highlighted even further as 33% of schools in the country do not have 

sufficient facilities, according to a 2018 Unicef report. 

He believes that more investment in water infrastructure, proper 

long-term planning and response readiness is critical to effective water 

stewardship in the country. The reality is that less than half of South 

Africans have access to piped water in their homes and one out of five 

informal residents do not have consistent water access. “If we can get 

WASH back on the health agenda, we won’t constantly be on the back 

foot,” he says. “It will require a mind shift which may not be possible during 

a crisis when one is dealing largely with an unknown situation.” 

Ramos Jnr attests that short-term thinking is not the answer to the 

systemic water problem in our communities. At the outset of the pandemic 

in South Africa, the entire supply of plastic Jojo tanks in the country was 

purchased, as the government rushed to provide informal settlements and 

communities with water. However, he says 5000-litre plastic water tanks 

are meant for individual home use, not for larger communities. “Small 

tanks are an immediate solution for an immediate problem; long-term you 

cannot have thousands of small tanks to serve communities. One has to 

ensure the solution you put in place is fit for the number of people living in 

the community, their average consumption and usage pattern.” 

The water evolution can happen through new ways of thinking, with 

technology to support them. “It is a pyramid effect, and smart technology 

sits at the very top of the pyramid. If you do not have the base of the 

pyramid in place, which is mindset, education and infrastructure, smart 

technology is not going to add any value,” Govender concludes. 

2018 Unicef Report / UN World Water Development Report 

National Water Resource Strategy 2013, Department of Water Affairs 

www.gov.za 


ENERGY 

Green 

Recovery 

BY SAWEA 

Wind power’s role in SA’s economic 

recovery post-Covid-19 pandemic 

The South African Wind Energy Association is pushing for a green economic recovery 

plan, which should consider renewable energy as one of the main components of the 

government economic stimulus package post-Covid-19. 

The pandemic has brought a severe strain on the economy of 

South Africa resulting in disruption of capital flows, increased 

unemployment rates, and growing debt burdens. In his address 

on 21 April, the President stated that “Central to the economic recovery 

strategy will be the measures we will embark on to stimulate demand 

and supply through interventions such as substantial infrastructure 

build programmes…” To achieve a sustainable and lasting economic 

recovery, these actions should focus on long-term impacts, as well as 

the short-term need to generate growth and jobs. 

It is expected that the energy demand will start ramping up as the 

country eases lockdown conditions in line with published lockdown levels, 

and additional energy capacity will be required. Therefore, the government 

should take measures to stimulate demand by moving decisively to 

electrify the economy. Renewable energy is well-positioned to play an 

important role in the country’s economic recovery post-Covid-19 since 

it is infrastructure investment that the government does not have to put 

capital investment into. 

SAWEA has joined the major wind industry corporates and associations 

across the world, in support of the Global Wind Energy Council’s (GWEC) 

drive to secure wind power’s role in the global economic recovery, 

Ramping up installed wind capacity by 1.6GW 

per annum as allocated in the IRP 2019, would 

create additional annual investments of 

about R40 billion each year in South Africa. 

following the Covid-19 crisis, which lays out key policy actions that must 

be put into motion to realise a sustainable economic recovery. 

“Our industry views the first step in this recovery plan is to fast-track 

the Ministerial Determination concurrence process by NERSA, which 

should give effect to the IRP 2019 thus enabling the Department of 

Mineral Resources and Energy to proceed with the plans to procure new 

generation capacity,” says SAWEA CEO, Ntombifuthi Ntuli. 

Whilst the wind energy allocation in the 2019 IRP promises to reduce 

the cost of energy, improve the country’s competitiveness and help deliver 

the additional power needed to kick-start the economy, the industry is of 

the view that the procurement of new capacity should be fast-tracked to 

deliver energy to the grid by 2022 in line with the IRP 2019 stipulations. 

We view wind energy as a key building block for economic recovery as 

it can deliver new electricity infrastructure with private investments, and 

help South Africa achieve sustainable economic recovery. 

Furthermore, the sector has been a source of substantial capital 

investment in the South African economy, a total of R80 billion has been 

invested since 2012. Ramping up installed wind capacity by 1.6GW per 

annum as allocated in the IRP 2019, would create additional annual 

investments of about R40 billion each year in South Africa, which will help 

to deliver jobs, clean and affordable power and energy security needed for 

a sustainable economic recovery. 

“SAWEA would like to call on the government, intergovernmental 

bodies, as well as lending institutions, to put clean energy investments at 

the centre of their economic recovery and economic stimulus packages 

by implementing regulations that are fit for purpose, including market 

designs that provide long-term price visibility and streamlined permitting 

that enables rapid ramp-up of the deployment of renewables,” concluded 

SAWEA CEO, Ntuli. 

This can also be achieved by enabling end-consumer 100% renewable 

energy demand to allow corporates to ramp up and meet their 

sustainability objectives; and removal of regulatory barriers where these 

exist to enable the private sector to freely purchase renewable energy. 


23

MINING 

Lessons learned 

Creating an environment conducive to self-sustainable 

community development during the life of mine 

BY LISL FAIR, SRK CONSULTING 

Livelihood resilience in mining communities is now more important than ever. New threats 

to self-sustainable livelihoods in these communities have emerged in the past six months. 

These threats include more mines choosing to reduce production 

or remain on care and maintenance post-lockdown; worldwide 

economic volatility; and the widespread socio-economic 

consequences of the coronavirus pandemic affecting lower-income 

families disproportionally. These factors beg the question: how can 

development practices increase resilience and create an environment 

for self-sustainable community development in mining footprint areas? 

Key paradigm shifts in development practice are required, notably the 

need to effect meaningful change that avoids perpetuating social injustice 

based on historical narratives and economic imbalance of power. This 

involves moving beyond paternalistic practices aiming to develop for, to 

a participative asset-based process where mines create meaningful longterm 

value with communities. The process of creating value needs longerterm 

objectives, turning short-term ‘charity projects’ into self-sustaining 

enterprises that help mining communities build resilience and withstand 

fluctuations in mining activities. Success stories are rare, but sustainability 

practitioners working to co-create resilient communities do have valuable 

lessons on making this happen. 

An important focus of good practice throughout the mining lifecycle 

is on its social impact, and how a proactive process of concurrent social 

self-sustainable development can make communities more resilient. This 

necessitates a move away from community dependence on the revenues 

flowing directly from the mining operation. 

A non-traditional approach 

Most mines contribute significantly to local social development projects, 

either through regulatory requirements or through corporate social 

investment (CSI) initiatives. Contributions are often made without 

upfront consultation with recipients, effectively excluding recipients from 

taking ownership throughout the project’s lifecycle. Examples of this 

development approach are infrastructure projects such as schools or water 

wells for communities. All too often, they are developed for communities, 

with no clear community ownership and maintenance plan. 

Traditional approaches to community development do little to create 

self-sustainable communities. There have, however, been recent practical 

efforts by mines to take a new approach to community projects – 

supporting them to build a sustainable foundation for a future beyond the 

life of the mine. 

Sustaining early learning 

An example of a project showing how this can be done is the Lesedi Early 

Childhood Development Centre near Ivanhoe Mines’ Platreef Project in 

South Africa’s Limpopo province. Initially funded by Ivanhoe Mines in 

terms of the CSI mandate within the mine’s legislated Social and Labour 

Lesedi volunteers in the tree nursery established to help make their early 

childhood centre self-sustainable. 

Plan (SLP), the centre has developed a path that supports its independence. 

Started in 2011 as a volunteer organisation, Lesedi was supported by 

the mine in a five-year multi-pronged engagement from 2014 to 2019. 

The support included training courses starting in 2016 – on leadership, 

childcare and catering – that would foster self-sufficiency. Lesedi and the 

mine also collaborated on an enterprise approach to generate revenue, 

starting a tree nursery in 2017. In 2018, the self-sustainability training 

continued with a process of asset mapping, business viability testing, and 

a micro-MBA small business course. The project expanded its nursery in 

2019 and sought funding from other social development funds. 

From our experience, creating self-sustainable community development 

is most effective if started early in the mine life-cycle. To foster this process, 

an innovative ‘Self-Sustainability Toolkit’ has been developed to help 

project teams consider self-sustainability right from the start. This toolkit 

is applied within a framework covering the full project life-cycle, from 

initial consultation phases and benchmarking through to project selfmanagement 

and independence. 

The instrument tracks self-sustainability interventions and helps 

evaluate existing projects against self-sustainability actions. It also poses 

questions such as these: Did the beneficiaries initiate or request the 

proposed project – at least in broad concept? Did the project team involve 

the beneficiaries in the project planning and design? Do the project 

beneficiaries understand that the ultimate aim is for the project to be 

financially self-sustainable? Did the beneficiaries receive training in basic 

project and business management? 

The practical lessons in creating self-sustainable social development 

projects learned in the mining sector to date have been valuable. They 

should be shared, adapted, and emulated – where appropriate – as we 

continue to build good practice in this important field. 


ENVIRONMENT 

SOLVED 

ENVIRONMENT 

MINING | WATER 

INFRASTRUCTURE | ENERGY 

www.srk.co.za

PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY ORGANISATION 

Is your brand going 

to the dump? 

Take responsibility for 

your product's end-of-life. 

Paper producers pay voluntary 

extended producer responsibility fees. 

Be part of the solution. Join Fibre Circle. 

www.fibrecircle.co.za 

• PAPER • BOXES • BAGS • BEVERAGE CARTONS • LABELS • PAPER CUPS • CARTONS • SACK KRAFT •

PAPER 

Packaging has power and requires 

collaborative responsibility 

Paper is one of the oldest technologies in the world, and the way it’s sourced and made has come a 

long way. Still, many companies worry about paper, about printing on it or using it for packaging. 

These worries emanate from deeply rooted myths that paper is 

bad for the environment. However, paper is one of the most 

sustainable materials, says Francois Marais, manager of Fibre 

Circle, the paper sector’s producer responsibility organisation (PRO), 

which manages extended producer responsibility (EPR) programmes 

on behalf of the sector. 

“Forestry companies, as well as the downstream value chain of wood and 

paper-based products, subscribe to certification organisations to ensure 

that the paper is sourced and produced in a responsible and balanced 

manner, and that its end-of-life is appropriately managed,” he adds. 

EPR, a relatively new concept, describes the lifecycle of products and 

packaging manufactured, sold and distributed by producers, importers, 

brand-owners and retailers, collectively referred to as “obliged industries”. 

The idea is the brainchild of Thomas Lindhqvist of Sweden’s Lund 

University, whose 1990 research sought to determine how recycling and 

waste management were driving cleaner production policies. According 

to Lindhqvist, EPR makes the manufacturer of the product responsible for 

the entire lifecycle of the product and especially for its take-back, recycling 

and final disposal. 

EPR dictates that the costs of collection, processing and recycling are 

placed on the obliged industries, with one of the objectives being to 

encourage them to design products for better recovery and recycling. 

Making the circle bigger 

Fibre Circle aims to bring together players in the paper and packaging 

value chain, including obliged industries and brand owners and retailers. 

To this end, Fibre Circle has mapped out key groups of products and has 

been engaging producers and importers of: 

• Printing and writing grades 

• Paper packaging and packaging paper for conversion 

• Paper sacks or sack kraft 

• Liquid board packaging for beverage and food cartons, including 

paper cups 

• Labels and release liner/backing paper 

The ultimate renewable 

While many paper products are classified as single-use, most are 

recoverable for recycling, and all are renewable. 

South Africa boasts a recovery rate of around 70% of recoverable paper 

products, which excludes tissue, sanitary products and items like books. 

More than 53% of locally-made paper products contain recycled content. 

Recyclability requires value 

Cardboard and cartons make up the largest proportion of recovered paper 

because they are easy to collect and recycle. 

Office paper, a high-value commodity due to virgin fibre content, can be 

difficult to collect if offices and homes don’t separate at source, while label 

backing paper or release liners are difficult to recycle due to the siliconised 

laminate but relatively easy to collect due to large, pre-consumer volumes 

at factories. 

Paper cups and beverage cartons are recyclable, but not easy to recover. 

“When a recyclable is difficult to collect, its value to a waste collector is 

low,” says Marais. “One paper cup isn’t worth the effort for a collector; one 

tonne of paper cups from one location every week is a different story.” 

Fill your cup with Fibre Circle 

To address this, Fibre Circle has been working on a prototype coffee cup 

collection bin. Resembling a giant takeaway coffee cup, it comprises three 

compartments – for liquids, high-density polystyrene lids, and cups, and is 

ideal for office buildings and high-traffic areas. 

Fibre Circle aims to roll out more of these initiatives as its membership 

grows. “The sector needs practical solutions that prevent usable paper fibre 

from going to landfill while ensuring it’s turned into value,” says Marais. 

Beyond compliance, fostering stewardship 

In response to the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries’ call 

for an EPR framework in line with Section 18 of the National Environmental 

Management: Waste Act 59 of 2008, industry bodies representing the 

paper, paper packaging and other waste streams had been consulting 

with Government before the Covid-19 lockdown. “All indications are that 

EPR will become mandatory in the near future,” says Marais. 

“By paying their dues, paper manufacturers, importers and brand 

owners can extend responsibility beyond their own gates and their 

customers’ hands, diverting material from landfill, training more people 

and creating more jobs – something that our country desperately needs,” 

Marais concludes. 


27

AIR 

REDUCE CARBON 

EMISSIONS NOW 

NMISA Gas Analysis Laboratory 

supports the automotive sector 

through the provision of traceable 

reference mixtures 

BY NMISA 

Over the years research has shown a significant increase of toxic and hazardous gases 

in the atmosphere due to the increase in automobiles and rapid industrialisation, 

leading to severe indoor and outdoor pollution with detrimental health effects to 

human life. 


AIR 

Air quality in South Africa has deteriorated with an increase in 

emission of various toxic and hazardous pollutants into the 

atmosphere emitted through various sources 1 . Some of the 

sources include power generation, domestic, fuel burning, industrial 

emission, biomass burning and vehicle emissions. These have led to 

the release of air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, 

particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, benzene 

and VOCs. 

Vehicle exhaust emissions have contributed to the air quality 

deteriorating, especially in urban areas, as a result of the increase in the 

number of privately-owned vehicles, subsequently leading to an increase 

in fuel consumption. These emissions contribute to the presence of 

carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, propane and other hydrocarbons in 

petroleum products (petrol and diesel). The National Metrology Institute 

of South Africa (NMISA) supports the local automotive industry through 

the provision of accurate automotive vehicle exhaust primary reference 

gas mixtures. 

The NMISA Gas Analysis Laboratory has established measurement 

capabilities to provide these gases in 2009, and further demonstrated 

international equivalence through participation in the international, 

preparative comparison for automotive emission gas standards (EUROMET 

1113) containing propane, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide as 

components in petroleum products. 

NMISA enables compliance to legislation 

and reliable reporting of emission 

measurements through the provision 

primary reference gas mixtures. 

To ensure compliance with the CO 2 tax, 

there is a need for accurate standards 

to monitor CO 2 emissions and ensure 

those correct penalties are applied. 

In 2019, NMISA participated in a value assignment international 

comparison (CCQM K3.2019) containing propane, carbon dioxide, carbon 

monoxide and oxygen to improve existing vehicle exhaust. The results 

of the comparison are expected in 2021. NMISA continues to provide 

accurate, low uncertainty standards required for emission monitoring 

to enable compliance with legislation and reliable reporting of emission 

measurement results. 

Automotive exhaust emissions contribute significantly to the global 

emissions of carbon dioxide. In September 2010, South Africa implemented 

a CO 2 emissions tax on all new vehicles as an initiative to improve air quality 

and reduce vehicle emissions by imposing the use of environmentallyfriendly 

vehicles. This will also contribute to the reduction of CO 2 emissions 

as the increase in atmospheric CO 2 emissions is linked to the current global 

warming crisis. Vehicles emitting over 120 g/km are subjected to a tax 

penalty of R75 per g/km + VAT. To ensure compliance with the CO 2 tax, there 

is a need for accurate standards to monitor CO 2 emissions and ensure those 

correct penalties are applied. 

NMISA enables compliance to legislation and reliable reporting of 

emission measurements through the provision of primary reference 

gas mixtures. The Institute is mandated by Measurement Units and 

Measurement Standards Act, 2006 (Act No. 18 of 2006) provides for the 

accuracy and international recognition of local measurement results. 

NMISA is part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s 

family of the Technical Infrastructure Institutes, which also include the 

South African Bureau of Standards, National Regulator for Compulsory 

Specification and the South African National Accreditation System, that 

together provides for confidence in local goods and products and allows 

for successful prosecution in cases of non-compliance. The accuracy of 

measurement results can be demonstrated by ensuring that these are 

traceable to the National Measurement Standards (Government Gazette 

No. 1131,19 October 2018) realised and maintained by NMISA. 

Facebook: NMISouthAfrica 

Twitter: @NMISouthAfrica 

Instagram: @nmisouthafrica 

LinkedIn: National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) 

YouTube: National Metrology Institute of South Africa NMISA 

www.nmisa.org 

Reference 

1. Department of Environmental Affairs. 2012. 2nd South Africa Environment Outlook. A report on the state of the environment. Executive Summary. Department 

of Environmental Affairs, Pretoria. 60 pp 


29

ENERGY 

Load-shedding 

sheds light on need for IRP 2019 

BY CALYN MONERON 

Intermittent electricity outages have come back in force while South Africa is experiencing 

an economic setback during the Covid-19 pandemic. The power disruptions, due to Eskom 

power station breakdowns, highlight the need for the implementation of IRP 2019. 

The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2019 is South Africa’s electricity 

infrastructure development plan for the procurement of 

generation capacity up to 2030. IRP 2019 supports a diverse 

energy mix and sets out nine policy interventions to ensure the security 

of South Africa’s electricity supply. The resource plan is based on the 

least-cost electricity supply and demand balance, considering the 

security of supply and the environment through the minimisation of 

negative emission and water use. 

The government launched its inaugural Sustainable Infrastructure 

Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) to plan its immediate 

infrastructure project pipeline aimed at reconstructing South Africa’s 

economic trajectory. At SIDSSA various investments in the energy sector 

were analysed. Eleven energy projects were chosen with an investment 

value of R270 billion. The projects are expected to produce more 

than 2 000MW. 

At an energy roundtable held as part of SIDSSA, Thsifhiwa Bernard 

Magoro, the recently appointed head of South Africa’s Independent 

Power Producer Office (IPPO), announced that the bidding round for 

the procurement of utility-scale renewable energy projects (Bid Window 

5), would be launched in the second quarter of 2021. Magoro specified 

that the finalisation of bid documentation for the Risk Mitigation Power 

Purchase Programme (RMPPP) was a priority and the request for proposals 

for RMPPP would be released towards the end of July 2020. The IPPO aim 

to secure 2 000MW of emergency energy to fill an immediate supply gap 

that had been identified in IRP 2019. 

The COO for the SA Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), Nivesh 

Govender, responded that they are not convinced that the 2 000MW 

emergency round would be sufficient to address any short-term capacity 

restraints. SAPVIA has approached the National Energy Regulator of 

South Africa (NERSA) and recommended that this should be increased to 

at least 4 000MW with 2 000MW of this being reserved for the Minister’s 

determination. Govender proposes that the second 2 000MW should remain 

open for bilateral self-generation builds. “These bilateral self-generation 

builds require slight regulatory adjustments and will achieve the quickest 

addition of power at no cost to the government,” Govender said. 

During SIDSSA, the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede 

Mantashe, indicated that the IRP for Round 5 would be published in March 

2021. Govender believes that this timeframe coupled with the emergency 

round and storage acquisition will help achieve grid stability in the midterm. 

“These procurements together with a robust self-generation programme 

will definitely contribute to the desired outcome,” Govender said. 

There has also been talk of Eskom being able to access available excess 

capacity from current IPP projects. “While there is excess capacity available 

from a number of IPPs, this would require a process. The Department of 

Mineral Resources and Energy IPPO and Eskom would need to determine 

how this will happen. I assume they will engage with each of these projects 

individually and negotiate this. As far as I understand, this process has not 

moved,” added the SAPVIA COO. 

“The IRP’s biggest opportunity is in low-cost electricity which would 

create additional operational and construction jobs and only consistency 

will open the prospect for domestic manufacturing of renewable 

components. Embedded solar energy can also contribute to ensuring 

energy security in the short- and medium-term which is now even more 

critical,” says Govender. The solar industry has a policy target to generate 

6GW of energy by 2030 and will contribute to the procurement of 

2 000MW of distributed energy by 2024. 

“Implementation of the IRP is a valuable tool to kick-start our economic 

response to the pandemic and can go a long way to giving our country the 

stability and certainty of a reliable power source. Our economy and our 

future simply cannot afford the uncertainty that comes with the spectre of 

possibly again going through load-shedding,” concludes Govender. 

Utility-scale technologies outlined in the IRP 2019 

6 800MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind capacity for the 

years 2022 to 2024 

513MW of storage to be procured for the year 2022 

3 000MW from gas for the years 2024 to 2027 

1 500MW from coal for the years 2023 to 2027 


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Green Economy Journal Issue 41

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