As the curtains draw to a close on 2023, the South African-German Energy Programme (SAGEN) invited its esteemed partners to celebrate their collaborative triumphs, milestones, and memories that have shaped their collective narrative of a reliable, affordable and clean energy future. 

More than 70 partners from public and private insititions joined year end celebrations, while networking, listening to live music and enjoying great company and food. 

The event, moderated by Fiona Wollensack-Boult, commenced with a warm welcome by Energy Cluster Coordinator Jan-Christoph Kuntze. It was enriched by insightful reflections on the journey of SAGEN, presented by Lilian Laurisch and Anna-Maria Heisig, both heads of SAGEN and SAGEN-CET respectively. The agenda delved into technology innovation with presentations from Zanele Hakamela and Lesego Ndhambi (Plentify), emphasizing advancements and possibilities. 

Elaine Cheung elaborated on capacity building activities, paving the way for a panel discussion on embedded generation featuring Bheki Tshawe (Greater Tzaneen Municipality) and Sinawo Sigalelana (Sustainable Energy Africa, SEA), moderated by Basetsana Molefyane. Discussions also revolved around the power sector reform, moderated by Sebastian Glaeser, Head of Component, engaging Nhlanhla Ngidi and Dr Silas Mulaudzi from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

Municipal energy management systems took the spotlight with Lucky Maduna (Head of Copmonent) and Dr Silas Mulaudzi, with an video input by Dr Karen Surridge from the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI). The event further encompassed a panel discussion on power system planning and operation, including Dr Andreas Beutel and Nishal Mahatho from Eskom, providing valuable perspectives. 

The event culminated with closing remarks from Elizabeth Marabwa, Chief Director at the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, encapsulating the importance of collaboration and partnerships.

Contact Persons:

Lilian Laurisch
South African-German Energy Programme (SAGEN)
Head of Programme
lilian.laurisch[at]giz.de

Anna-Maria Heisig
Capacities for the Energy Transition (CET)
Head of Project
Anna-maria.heisig[at]giz.de 

Together with South African partners, SAGEN contributes to the country’s transition to a reliable, affordable and clean energy future. SAGEN is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), co-funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in cooperation with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), the National Treasury (NT), Eskom, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI).