Parliament, Thursday, 12 December 2024 -The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, Ms Sonja Boshoff, has welcomed the announcement of the pilot Independent Transmission Projects (ITP), a bold step toward transforming our energy and infrastructure sectors.
“Projects of this magnitude should deliver tangible benefits to ordinary South Africans, particularly those historically excluded from economic opportunities. Through transparent procurement processes and fair tendering, we must ensure that these initiatives unlock opportunities for local businesses, contractors, and workers, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and growth,” said the Chairperson.
On Wednesday, the National Treasury announced the launch of the pilot tender, a key initiative intended to transform the country's energy and infrastructure sectors. The National Treasury said this was a market-sounding exercise intended to expedite the implementation of the Transmission Development Plan, among other things.
Ms Boshoff said the country cannot afford to repeat past mistakes, where mismanagement and inefficiencies undermined public trust. “Projects like Kusile, with all the unmitigated delays and cost overruns, serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of poor governance. These projects represent not only an opportunity to address our country’s energy challenges but also a chance to redefine how we empower and uplift the marginalised in our society. At the heart of our mission is inclusivity, ensuring that no one is left behind as we chart a path toward progress,” she said.
“It is our duty to ensure that the ITP and similar ventures remain focused, accountable, and beneficial to the people they are meant to serve. This requires a deliberate and strategic approach by the Government of National Unity.”
She said policies and practices needed to be aligned to support the most marginalised among us, communities that have borne the brunt of poverty and exclusion. “Whether through skills development, job creation, or direct participation in energy innovation, we must prioritise those who need it most.
Energy innovation is not just about power generation; it is about empowerment in every sense of the word. To achieve this, we must act with integrity and purpose. As public representatives, technocrats and bureaucrats, our work must always reflect the will of the people who entrusted us with the privilege of serving them.”
Ms Boshoff said together, South Africans should build a future where energy projects become a symbol of hope, opportunity, and transformation. “Let us create a society where the marginalised have a fair chance to succeed, where empowerment is meaningful, and where our collective efforts pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.”
Ms Boshoff added that the road ahead will not be easy, but with unity and determination, the country could rise. “Change is not just a vision; it is a responsibility. And that responsibility is ours.”
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE, MS SONJA BOSHOFF.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Mr Sibongile Maputi
Cell: 081 052 6060
Email: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
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