- Major challenges are a lack of funding, training and project management
- New gender strategy and implementation plan when comes to procurement
- The programme will also apply to the REIPP Program
The Minister of Energy, Mr Jeff Radebe lamented the fact that there are too few women in the energy sector in South Africa. He was speaking at the Woman in Energy Dialogue on Transformation held yesterday in Midrand.
Women are largely excluded from the male-dominated energy industry and often find themselves marginalised. The minister noted that the major challenges are a lack of funding, training and project management for woman. He added that ‘special funding instruments should be developed to assist female entrepreneur’s wanting to enter the energy sector’.
‘The department of energy is working on a gender strategy and implementation plan when it comes to procurement by State Owned Enterprises. The new plans will be submitted for implementation before the end of the year. He added that the private sector can also help by developing their own plans done in business partnerships with the SOE’s.
This extends to the renewable energy sector. Radebe adds ‘there should be space for woman to participate. Particularly in the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP) where woman must be included in the value chain through ownership, management, employment and procurement’.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
