Mpumalanga is emerging as a central hub for South Africa’s energy and industrial future, as investors announce major projects and caution against unmet promises.
The 2025 Mpumalanga Mining and Investment Conference positioned the province as a gateway to new opportunities but also exposed the risks energy transition poses to jobs and local communities.
TRILLIONS COMMITTED TO ENERGY EXPANSION
Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, confirmed that South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan will channel R2.2 trillion over the next decade. Mpumalanga will receive a significant share. Eskom plans to add 20 gigawatts of renewable power, including 11 gigawatts of solar and 8.9 gigawatts of wind.
The summit also highlighted Seriti’s R75 billion renewable project, the largest integrated wind and solar facility in Africa. It will be co-located with existing coal assets.
“Our focus is on repowering power stations with renewables and gas to sustain jobs and ensure energy security. The Seriti project shows how innovative approaches can co-locate renewables with coal assets while keeping jobs in the province,” said Ramokgopa.
JOBS AND COMMUNITIES IN THE BALANCE
Premier Mandla Ndlovu warned that 150,000 jobs could disappear if coal-fired plants close without alternatives.
“Pledges must be realistic and implementable, not wish lists. Communities need to see tangible results, and working closely with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will be essential to ensure social labour plans are implemented effectively,” he said.
Ramokgopa committed to creating 1,500 direct jobs and 4,390 artisanal jobs through the repurposing of power stations. He also pledged that load reduction in Mpumalanga will end within 12 months.
CORPORATE CONFIDENCE IN THE PROVINCE
Private-sector announcements reinforced the province’s investment momentum. Leading the way was Sappi, whose CEO Graeme Wild pledged a further R5.1 billion investment in Mpumalanga over the next five years. He emphasised the company’s 7,200 jobs, support for small timber growers, skills training, and conservation. “We are committed to building a thriving economy for Mpumalanga,” Wild said.
Other major pledges included:
- PG Bison – R1.9 billion for manufacturing expansion.
- Inkanyeli Development – R4.5 million for Thembisile Hani Smart City.
- Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency – R10 billion across three renewable projects.
BALANCING COAL AND RENWEABLES
Mpumalanga’s 11 coal-fired power stations supply about 80% of South Africa’s electricity. The province must now balance coal dependency with renewable expansion while ensuring communities are not left behind.
With R2.2 trillion in national energy investment and the R75 billion Seriti project at the centre, Mpumalanga has secured historic commitments. The real challenge is turning pledges into jobs, projects, and sustainable growth.
