Industry organisation the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) says Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will open the Windaba 2025 conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, with a keynote address on October 22.

“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 SAWEA CEO Niveshen Govender.

Additionally, Electricity and Energy Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré will deliver the opening keynote at Day 0, at Windaba Connect, which is the official precursor to the Windaba Conference and serves as a dedicated social impact platform.

As the one leading the implementation of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan, Graham-Maré’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.

Under the theme “Break the Gridlock! Wire for Growth!”, Windaba 2025 calls for bold and strategic collaboration to accelerate grid access and unlock investment in both economic and grid infrastructure.

Windaba 2025 will serve as a platform that supports the development of a future-proof grid, and one that enables the seamless integration of renewable-energy sources, particularly wind energy as a cornerstone of South Africa’s sustainable energy transition, he says.

“The Minister's continued support 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,” Govender says.

Beyond the keynote addresses, the Department of Electricity and Energy will be actively represented throughout the full three-day programme to ensure alignment between government’s policy direction and the wind industry’s capabilities, he says.