Page 12 - EngineerIT August-September 2025

ENERGY

Empowering the South African dream:

unlocking the potential of SA

Incorporated (“SA Inc”) through

affordable electricity energy access

Author: Professor Vally Padayachee, CEng; CD(SA); MBA; MSc (Eng); Pr CPM; Pr Cert Eng; EDP (Wits). Power and energy expert
[A former Senior Executive at City Power Johannesburg and a former Executive Manager at Eskom]

Disclaimer Furthermore, the article investigates how the SA Inc mindset can evolve into
Professor Vally Padayachee writes this a broader South African Dream, akin to the American Dream, galvanising
article as a power and energy expert, the populace to transcend individual interests in favour of collective
drawing on his extensive experience as a progress. Drawing parallels with historical recoveries of nations like Germany
former Executive Manager at Eskom and and Japan after World War II, and the visionary leadership of Singapore's
a former Senior Executive of City Power late and longest-serving post-independence Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew,
Johannesburg. The views expressed in this it emphasises the importance of unity and collaboration in overcoming
article are those of Professor Padayachee adversity.
and do not represent the positions of other
organisations. Prof Padayachee aims to By addressing the electricity sector challenges and promoting principles
provide independent insights into the of energy democracy, access and sustainability, this piece illustrates how
complexities of the South African energy the SA Inc mindset framework can empower citizens and foster a vision
landscape. of sustainable, inclusive progress. Ultimately, it advocates for a concerted
effort among all South Africans to create a society where everyone has the
Abstract opportunity to dream, thrive and contribute meaningfully to the nation's
This article explores the South African collective success.
Incorporated (SA Inc) perspective as a
vital framework for unifying the nation Introduction
and addressing the pressing socio- The South African Incorporated (SA Inc) perspective is a critical concept
economic challenges facing South Africa. that holds tremendous potential for shaping the future of South Africa.
With approximately 60% of the population As the nation stands at a pivotal crossroads, the urgency for hope and
grappling with poverty, inequality and collaboration has never been more pronounced. With around 60% of the
unemployment, the SA Inc mindset population grappling with poverty, inequality and unemployment, it is
emerges as a clarion call for hope and imperative for every citizen to engage actively in collectively forging a
collaboration, urging citizens to actively brighter future. The SA Inc framework serves as a unifying vision, promoting
engage in forging a brighter future. shared responsibility and common aspirations for progress.

Central to this discussion is the electricity This article will explore how the electricity sector emerges as a vital pillar of
sector, highlighted as a critical pillar for economic and social development. Utilising innovative mechanisms such as
economic and social development. We “willing buyer, willing seller” and competitive bidding in renewable energy
examine how innovative mechanisms auctions can enhance revenue generation for Eskom and municipalities,
such as “willing buyer, willing seller” and provide significant relief to large power users and help offset the impending
competitive bidding in renewable energy EU-imposed CBAM taxes and high USA tariffs on incoming SA goods.
auctions can enhance revenue generation
for Eskom and municipalities, provide The current state of affairs
significant relief to large power users and South Africa’s present reality is steeped in significant socio-economic
mitigate the anticipated impacts of the challenges. The ongoing electricity crisis, characterised by high electricity
EU-imposed Carbon Border Adjustment prices, frequent load reduction and inefficiencies, profoundly impacts our
Mechanism (CBAM) taxes and the current economy and communities. This crisis arises from a complicated history
debilitating high USA tariffs being levied on marked by apartheid and colonialism, which has entrenched systemic
SA goods sold in the USA. inequalities.

12 | EngineerIT August/September 2025