MEDIA STATEMENT
TO ALL MEDIA AND NEWS EDITORS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, 21 July 2026
DEPUTY MINISTER ABRAHAMS ENGAGES UCT’S POWER FUTURES LAB ON AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE ELECTRICITY
Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Alexandra Abrahams, met with the University of Cape Town’s Power Futures Lab on Monday, 20 July 2026, for an academic assessment of South Africa’s electricity sector and the developments required to secure its long-term sustainability.
The Power Futures Lab, based at UCT’s Graduate School of Business, conducts evidence-based research on power-sector development, regulation and investment across Africa and other emerging economies. The engagement examined the performance of the electricity system, transmission and electricity-market expansion, grid access, municipal distribution and the regulatory environment.
The engagement formed part of the Deputy Minister’s commitment to ensuring that the policy positions and decisions she advances are informed by credible evidence, reliable data and the expertise of practitioners working directly in the sector.
“Every policy development must answer two basic questions: will it help us provide stable electricity to more people and businesses, and will it make electricity more affordable?” said Deputy Minister Abrahams.
“South Africa has substantial generation investment waiting to be unlocked. Addressing administrative bottlenecks is essential if greater competition is to place downward pressure on electricity costs,” Deputy Minister Abrahams added.
Deputy Minister Abrahams indicated that implementation discipline would be central to the success of the energy transformation programme and looks forward to continued stakeholder engagements within the industry.
“The electricity transition must deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives, and allow businesses to lower costs, grow and create jobs. That requires clear policy, capable institutions, transparent implementation and firm political oversight,” Deputy Minister Abrahams concluded.
MEDIA ENQUIRES:
Dr. Grant Caswell, Head of Ministry for Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams 076 811 6655
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA