Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 14 August 2025 | 10:48 CAT

Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa with eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda as the metro celebrates becoming the first in SA approved to generate its own electricity from renewable sources. 📷 Image: File photo

eThekwini in KwaZulu-Natal has become the first metropolitan municipality in South Africa to be granted approval to generate its own electricity, marking a historic turning point in the country’s local energy landscape. The milestone, announced by Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, will see the metro producing power from renewable energy sources and directly supplying residents and industries.

“This is a significant milestone for local government in South Africa,” said eThekwini spokesperson Sbu Ntshalintshali. “It has never been done before. We are decentralising energy generation so that the city of Durban can generate and distribute its own power, mitigating higher stages of load shedding and protecting industrial competitiveness.”

The breakthrough stems from reforms first signalled by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his 2020 State of the Nation Address, which allowed municipalities in good financial standing to procure electricity independently from Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

The journey to approval was far from simple. eThekwini’s council first endorsed the Municipal Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme before seeking backing from the provincial executive committee, the KwaZulu-Natal legislature, and key stakeholders such as the provincial treasury, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), and the Department of Economic Development.

National Treasury’s confirmation of eThekwini’s sound financial standing paved the way for an application to the then-Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy under Section 34 of the Electricity Regulation Act. Following shifts in ministerial responsibilities, the approval process moved to the Ministry of Electricity and Energy.

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) then conducted public participation and national hearings before granting concurrence. On 8 August, Minister Ramokgopa officially handed over the final approval to the eThekwini mayor.

“This achievement will serve as a template for local government across South Africa,” Ntshalintshali said. “We need energy security, we need jobs, and we need the economy to grow. This bold move is a step in that direction.”

The municipality now plans to issue a request for proposals to attract renewable energy producers, with the goal of boosting local supply and reducing dependence on Eskom’s national grid.

“This is really groundbreaking,” Ntshalintshali concluded. “We hope other municipalities will follow suit.”

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and eThekwini spokesperson Sbu Ntshalintshali.