Powering the Future: Youth at the centre of the Energy Transition

Today, the Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Ms Samantha Graham-Mare and the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, hosted an Energy Future Seminar at the Northern Cape Rural TVET College in Upington. The seminar created a direct platform for engagement between students, educators and industry, with a clear focus: ensuring young people are not left behind as South Africa transitions to renewable energy.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Gondwe, emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between government, industry and training institutions. She highlighted that skills development must lead to real employment opportunities, noting that the success of the energy transition depends not only on infrastructure, but on people being equipped, supported and connected to meaningful work.

Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy  Ms Graham-Maré, spoke to the real opportunities emerging from renewable energy projects across the Northern Cape, encouraging young people to position themselves to benefit from this growing sector. The engagement reinforced the importance of partnerships that align education with industry needs, ensuring that local communities actively participate in and benefit from the country’s evolving energy landscape.