World Bank Group president David Malpass is in the country on his first visit since he was appointed to the role in 2019.
Malpass’ visit comes just days after the Washington-based lender extended a R9-billion loan to Eskom to help the power utility repurpose the Komati coal-fired power plant that shut its last unit last week, moving from coal to clean energy.
Komati, based in coal-rich Mpumalanga, has been in operation since 1961. The power station’s unit 9, which was shut down last week, was commissioned in March 1966, the last of nine units that were built.
“I am encouraged to see South Africa taking steps to produce more electricity while finishing the closure of the 60-year-old Komati coal plant,” said Malpass.
“Moving toward an efficient lower carbon growth model will require large investments in new capacity and grid upgrades to absorb renewables. These are important steps to repair the ailing energy sector and provide reliable access to electricity for businesses and people.
“The Komati project recognises the social challenges of the transition, especially for coal-reliant regions like Mpumalanga. Helping affected workers and communities is an important component of the project.”
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana welcomed Malpass’ visit.
“The programme [to decommission and repurpose the Komati coal-fired plant] is in line with our broader Just Transition Framework [which was] recently endorsed by our cabinet,” said Godongwana.
“We cannot walk this road alone. The fact is that the poor and middle-income countries like South Africa will be disproportionately affected by climate change. The success of our ambitions will depend greatly on financial support from our global partners.”
Malpass is expected to head to Egypt to attend the 2022 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change COP27, which will be held from November 6-18 at the Sharm El-Sheikh International Conference Centre.
President Cyril Ramaphosa left for the north Africa country on Sunday, just days after he unveiled the government’s ambitious R1.5-trillion to reduce the country’s dependence on coal and embrace cleaner energy.
Joining the president on the trip is International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor and Barbara Creecy, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
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