Energy Security and Industrial Competitiveness: Advancing the Conversation

Reliable, affordable and sustainable energy remains one of the most important requirements for economic growth, industrial expansion and job creation in South Africa. 

Against this backdrop, SEIFSA hosted its Energy Conference on 11 June 2026, bringing together representatives from government, industry, energy producers, regulators, financiers and manufacturing businesses to examine the challenges and opportunities shaping the country’s energy future. 

The conference formed part of SEIFSA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that the interests of the metals and engineering sector are represented in national discussions on energy policy, infrastructure development and industrial competitiveness. 

A key highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. In his presentation, Energy Is Economic Power: South Africa’s Strategic Transformation, the Minister reflected on the country’s progress in stabilising the electricity system and outlined government’s plans to strengthen long term energy security through investment in generation capacity, transmission infrastructure and market reform. 

The Minister emphasised the central role that energy plays in economic development, investment attraction and industrial growth. He further highlighted government’s commitment to creating an energy system capable of supporting a growing economy while ensuring security of supply. 

The discussions throughout the day focused on several issues of strategic importance to industry, including: 

• Restoring and maintaining electricity system reliability 
  Improving energy affordability and tariff predictability 
  Expanding transmission infrastructure to unlock investment 
  Strengthening municipal performance and service delivery 
  Supporting industrial growth through energy security 
  Managing the energy transition while protecting competitiveness and employment 

Panel discussions brought together leading voices from across the energy value chain and provided practical insights into the policy, regulatory and infrastructure interventions required to support South Africa’s industrial future. 

For manufacturers, the message was clear. Energy is no longer simply a utility input. It has become a key determinant of competitiveness, influencing investment decisions, production capacity, operating costs and long term sustainability. 

Addressing delegates, SEIFSA Chief Executive Officer, Tafadzwa Chibanguza, noted that the metals and engineering sector remains at the centre of South Africa’s industrial economy and that a reliable energy supply is fundamental to maintaining and expanding the country’s productive capacity. 

The conference also reinforced the importance of continued engagement between government and industry. Complex challenges such as energy security, infrastructure development and industrial growth cannot be addressed in isolation. They require ongoing collaboration, practical solutions and a shared commitment to South Africa’s long term economic success. 

While significant progress has been made in stabilising the electricity system, important work remains. The discussions held at the conference highlighted both the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead as South Africa seeks to build a more competitive, resilient and industrialised economy.