The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) is proud to announce that Minister of Energy & Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, will serve as the official Patron and Guest of Honour for the 14th Annual Windaba Conference & Exhibition. The Minister will formally open the conference with a keynote address on 22 October at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Joining the Minister is Deputy Minister of Electricity & Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, who will also attend as a Guest of Honour. The Deputy Minister will deliver the opening keynote at Day 0 - Windaba Connect, the official precursor to the Windaba Conference and a dedicated social impact platform. She will return to the stage at the Windaba Gala Dinner on 23 October, concluding the three-day programme.
Under the theme “Break the Gridlock! Wire for Growth!”, #Windaba2025 calls for bold, strategic collaboration to accelerate grid access and unlock investment in both economic and grid infrastructure. #Windaba2025 will serve as a platform that supports the development of a future-proof grid; one that enables the seamless integration of renewable energy sources, particularly wind energy, as a cornerstone of South Africa’s sustainable energy transition.
“The Minister’s participation presents a significant opportunity to align Government’s policy direction with the wind and renewable energy industry’s capabilities, galvanising collective action toward South Africa’s energy security and broader economic development goals,” says Niveshen Govender, CEO at SAWEA.
Leading the implementation of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM), the Deputy Minister’s address at Windaba Connect will spotlight the critical need for coordinated government–industry efforts to drive economic development and skills upliftment across the renewable energy value chain. Now in its fourth year, Windaba Connect has established itself as credible socio-economic development platform that places communities and people at the heart of South Africa’s just energy transition.
“The Ministry’s continued support as the official Patron of the conference reinforces our shared commitment to fostering progressive dialogue that prioritises South Africa’s energy security, in collaboration with stakeholders across the renewable energy landscape - including business, labour, and civil society,” concludes Govender.
Beyond the keynote addresses, the Ministry and Department will be actively represented throughout the full three-day programme, ensuring alignment between Government’s policy direction and the wind industry’s capabilities.
