President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the official start of commercial operations at the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility near Bethal in Mpumalanga, describing the project as a major boost for South Africa’s energy future, economic growth and employment.
Speaking during Friday’s launch ceremony, the President said the wind farm represents the type of partnership needed to strengthen the country’s electricity supply while supporting its transition to cleaner energy sources.
Collaboration Drives Landmark Energy Project
Ramaphosa praised the cooperation between government, Eskom, private investors and surrounding communities in bringing the project to completion.
He said the initiative demonstrates how strategic partnerships can deliver infrastructure that benefits both the economy and local residents.
He also commended Seriti Green, noting that the company had successfully expanded from its traditional role in the coal sector into renewable energy, reflecting confidence in South Africa’s long-term energy strategy.
According to the President, the country’s future electricity mix will continue to include coal while progressively increasing investment in renewable technologies to ensure a balanced and reliable energy system.
Wind Farm Supports South Africa’s Just Energy Transition
The President said the Ummbila Emoyeni facility is a practical example of South Africa’s commitment to a Just Energy Transition, which seeks to reduce carbon emissions while protecting jobs and creating new economic opportunities.
He explained that the project aligns with the country’s climate commitments by combining clean electricity generation with investments in infrastructure, workforce development and community participation.
Ramaphosa added that the wind farm demonstrates how renewable energy projects can stimulate economic activity without leaving communities behind.
Thousands Benefit from Jobs and Skills Development
One of the project’s biggest achievements, according to the President, has been its contribution to employment.
He revealed that more than 1,000 jobs have already been created during the development phase, with around half of those positions filled by people living within a 10-kilometre radius of the facility.
In addition, over 18,500 people have enrolled through the Seriti Green Skills Hub to prepare for current and future employment opportunities linked to the renewable energy sector.
Ramaphosa highlighted the strong participation of women, noting that more than half of those registered on the platform are female, describing it as a positive step towards greater economic inclusion.
Mpumalanga Sees Project as Catalyst for Growth
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu said the project offers renewed optimism for communities that have long sought greater economic opportunities.
He described the wind farm as more than an energy project, saying it represents hope for employment, investment and improved living standards across the province.
According to Ndlovu, residents view the development as a symbol of long-term progress that will help restore dignity to families while creating opportunities for younger generations.
He stressed that sustainable economic growth depends on partnerships between government and the private sector, arguing that businesses play a vital role in expanding employment and attracting investment.
Renewable Energy Programme Set for Further Expansion
Located in South Africa’s traditional coal-producing region, the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility forms part of a much larger renewable energy programme.
Its initial phase will generate 155 megawatts (MW) of electricity and serves as the first stage of a planned 900MW renewable energy portfolio.
Beyond electricity generation, the broader programme also includes investments in transmission infrastructure, local supplier development, skills training and long-term community projects aimed at strengthening regional economies.
Seriti Green Highlights Power of Public-Private Partnerships
Seriti Green Chairman Mike Teke said the successful completion of the project demonstrates what can be achieved when government and private companies work together.
He noted that the facility is expected to supply enough electricity to power approximately 500,000 homes, while creating employment and supporting nearby towns including Bethal, Davel and Morgenzon.
Teke also pointed to the thousands of workers who contributed to the project and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding renewable energy investments across South Africa.
Safety and Investment Mark Project Success
Seriti Green Chief Executive Officer Peter Venn credited the workforce behind the project for delivering a development of international standard.
He revealed that construction accumulated more than three million working hours without recording a single lost-time injury, describing it as a remarkable safety achievement.
Venn said future renewable developments involving wind, solar and battery storage would continue to demonstrate that South Africa can build world-class energy infrastructure while supporting economic transformation and reducing carbon emissions.
Local Residents Welcome New Opportunities
For communities surrounding the facility, the wind farm represents more than cleaner energy—it also offers the prospect of stable employment and improved livelihoods.
Local resident Muziwabantu Sikhakhane expressed optimism that similar projects would create additional jobs, reducing the need for young people to leave Mpumalanga in search of work elsewhere.
He also praised provincial authorities for supporting employment initiatives and encouraged continued investment in renewable energy developments throughout the province.
Billions Committed to South Africa’s Renewable Future
Seriti Green has continued to increase its investment in South Africa’s clean energy sector.
The company committed R4.5 billion towards renewable energy projects during the 5th South Africa Investment Conference in 2023 before announcing an additional R10 billion investment at this year’s sixth conference.
Those commitments reinforce the company’s long-term strategy of expanding renewable electricity generation while contributing to South Africa’s energy security, economic development and transition to a lower-carbon future.f
