Power players

Tue, 01 Jul 2008

Deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is helping to create an energy-saving campaign featuring prominent South Africans, the presidency said on Monday.

"Partnerships between government, business, labour and civil society are critical if we are to deal with the energy challenges facing the country," said Mlambo-Ngcuka at the beginning of the workshop where she is being assisted by Minerals and Energy Minister Buyelwa Sonjica.

Other people attending the workshop include Professor Kadar Asmal, SA Communist Party general secretary Blade Nzimande and representatives from the Coega development corporation, the Banking Council of SA, the Chamber of Mines and various unions and government departments.

The workshop would discuss how to best use the media and other platforms to promote electricity-saving measures. It would also discuss how best to facilitate communication between government and other interested parties.

The National Energy Regulator of SA was also expected to give a report on the state of the electricity emergency.