Premier Alan Winde and his Cabinet this week welcomed a government delegation from the Federal Republic of Germany, led by Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Action Dr. Robert Habeck.
Germany and the Western Cape Government (WCG) have for years enjoyed healthy and productive relations in numerous areas, such as energy and skills development.
“Our long-standing relationship with Germany has increased investment – both private and public – in our economy, as well as in other critical areas. Of late, Germany – and specifically the Free State of Bavaria – renewed its commitment to helping our province through ongoing investment in vocational skills training.” The Premier pointed out, “This is especially vital at a time when for the fourth time this year we are forced to endure stage 6 load shedding, further exposing South Africa’s desperate need for more skilled professionals to help Eskom, which I hope our partnership will develop.”
At a welcoming ceremony at Leeuwenhof this week, energy dominated discussions. “We must ensure the province’s Just Energy Transition meets the growing demand for electricity but also helps guide our move to cleaner energy. It is a delicate balance but with our strategic partnership with Germany we are confident we can get it right,” Premier Winde said.
Dr. Habeck said, “Germany and the Western Cape certainly have a lot of common ground. We both share the same values and acknowledge the threat the climate crisis poses to all of us. Climate change is something we can only beat together.”
He added, “We talked about the shift to cheap, reliable and clean green energy. This will not only slow down the progression of the climate crisis and lower our dependency on fossil fuels but will also help strengthen South Africa’s electricity grid while also offering new opportunities for trade and export through green hydrogen. I look forward to strengthening our relationship and cooperation.”
Premier Winde added, “The question that must always be foremost in our minds when we hold engagements such as these, is how is this benefiting our residents? If we can expand and deepen relations with our international partners, I believe we will be able to navigate our way out of our mutual energy crises”.
Recently Premier Winde and his Northern Cape counterpart Zamani Saul inked a Memorandum of Understanding to work together in developing a green hydrogen (GH2) corridor, between the two provinces, linking up with Namibia. This ambitious project will help secure foreign direct investment and create jobs. Importantly it will receive funding through Germany’s development bank KfW.
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