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Today, the Leader of Government Business, Nomusa Dube-Ncube attended the launch of a Gas Storage Facility in Richards Bay. This is in line with the statement she made few months ago. She undertook to work with captains of industry to usher in a new era of socio-economic development in Richards Bay.

An upbeat Dube-Ncube remarked: “In China they often say the beginning is the most difficult part. I therefore want to congratulate Bidvest Shareholders, management and all categories of staff, including contractors for their excellent dedication towards the completion of this important project.”

“The R1 billion invested towards the Mounded LPG Facility will change the face of Richards Bay and this province forever. I certainly know that in the beginning it was extremely difficult but through your determination you have managed to pull this off.”

She remarked: “I am here to personally salute all role-players who have been involved in this important national project. Apart from strengthening our status as South Africa’s transport and logistics hub, the importance of thisBidvest Tank Terminals lies in the fact that KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has a vision of positioning Richards Bay Industrial Zone as an infrastructure for oil and gas.”

“There is a no shadow of a doubt that this facility will help in ensuring that we achieve our vision. We are grateful that our Premier Sihle Zikalala is leading all efforts aimed at devising mechanisms to accelerate electrification and the provision of alternative sources of energy to assist communities.”

She further indicated: “We want to ensure that energy becomes a tool for the eradication of poverty, inequality and unemployment.  In addition, we want the energy sector to play a pivotal role in the provincial energy economy.  The importance of energy supply sector lies both in improving the quality of life for the previously disadvantaged majority as well as supporting large-scale industrial development.”

In terms of access to energy, she pointed out: “As you all know, the lack of access to efficient modern energy has a significant impact on economic development. It is for these reasons that we welcome this facility.”

“The Oil and Gas industry presents many opportunities for partnerships in this province. Statistics show that the Oil and Gas industry is employing an estimated 7 500 people and has an estimated annual turnover of over R196 billion, with the refining segment of the industry contribution almost 99% to the total industry’s turnover.

 Moreover, the industry apparently accounts for approximately more than 90 000 indirect jobs in the distribution and marketing segment of the industry value chain.

She concluded: “We want the energy infrastructure programmes to focus extensively in rural areas and labour intensive approach to be used for massive job creation purposes. We have set an ambitious target of increasing total employment to 4.5 million in 2035.  This means that an annual growth rate of 5.43% is required in order to achieve the job creation targets.”

“We are using both investments in energy infrastructure and environmental sustainability as a driving force towards our targets. Energy costs and the sustainable generation thereof has in recent times become more important than ever before.”

Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs