Office of the Premier
Speech
WELCOMING ADDRESS BY THE PREMIER OF MPUMALANGA, MR MANDLA NDLOVU, AT THE SERITI GREEN, UMMBILA EMOYENI COMMERCIAL OPERATION LAUNCH, HELD IN BETHAL, GOVAN MBEKI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, IN THE GERT SIBANDE DISTRICT, MPUMALANGA PROVINCE, ON 31 JULY 2026
Programme Director,
His Excellency, the Honourable President Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa;
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa;
Members of the Executive Council;
Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality, who is also the Mpumalanga Chairperson of SALGA, Cllr Walter Mngemezulu;
All Executive Mayors and Councillors present;
Representatives of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders led by Chairperson who is also President of CONTRALESA, Kgosi Mokoena
Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps;
Group Chief Executive Officer of Seriti Resources, Mr Mike Teke,
Chief Executive Officer of Seriti Green, Mr Peter Venn
Chief Operating Officer , Mr Chabisi Motloung
Goldwind Chairperson, Mr Wu Gang
The Director-General of the Mpumalanga Province, Ms MM Skosana;
Senior Officials from the national, the province and the Local Municipalities;
Business leaders, community representatives distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:
Good afternoon.
- It is an honour to stand before you today as I warmly welcome you all to our beautiful Province of Mpumalanga, a province that works for all, for the official launch of the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility, the first project of its kind in our province, and the official opening of the Seriti Green Mpumalanga Office here in Bethal, the home of some of our struggle icons such as Nokuthula Simelane and Gert Sibande
- Honourable President, I wish to indicate that I have been here on two occasions to witness the progress of this project. I was delighted by the remarkable work that had already been accomplished.
- I saw not only the impressive development of the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Project, but also the immense potential it holds to revive this area economically and socially.
- Most importantly, I saw hope in the eyes of the people of this community, hope for jobs, hope for development, and hope for a better future. Our people are saying we are selling hope for a better tomorrow, they are demanding to live a better life now. This project aims to meet that demand.
- Today, Honourable President, we are deeply honoured by your presence as you officially open and bless this landmark project.
- As a province that works for all, Mpumalanga represents opportunity, resilience and hard work. Ours is a province of determined people who understand that success comes through commitment, discipline and perseverance. We have a saying that, it doesn't dawn twice, when the sun rises, our people rise with it.
- Every new day is embraced as an opportunity to work, to innovate, to build, and to create a better future for themselves, their families and generations to come. It is this spirit that has made today's achievement possible. Our communities see this project as a symbol of a brighter future.
- We are delighted by the vision of Seriti Green who initiated the wind resources study which found that the Bethal area has best wind, even better than the coastal winds hence the successful project that we are here to witness today.
- The people of our province understand that this project is about far more than wind turbines and infrastructure. It is about creating jobs, developing skills, attracting investment, restoring dignity to families, and opening opportunities for the next generation.
- It represents hope for young people seeking employment, empowerment for local businesses, and a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
- For this reason, today represents an important milestone in addressing one of South Africa's most pressing challenges of unemployment.
- We have long held the view that government alone cannot create all the jobs required by our growing population.
- Sustainable economic growth requires strong partnerships between government, business, labour and communities. It requires the private sector to invest, innovate and expand opportunities. That is why we welcome the leadership shown by Seriti Green and its partners.
- In this regard, we attach great importance to the active participation of major industries and businesses in the Mpumalanga Province Human Resources Development Council (MPHRC).
- Their involvement ensures that skills planning is informed by the real needs of the economy, rather than by assumptions.
- The energy transition must not simply be about replacing one source of power with another. Rather, it must be about ensuring that different energy sources coexist and complement one another as we build a secure, reliable and sustainable energy future.
- It must also be about creating a new generation of skilled workers, technicians, engineers, entrepreneurs and innovators.
- Projects such as the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility, together with other energy generation initiatives in our province, will ensure that Mpumalanga remains South Africa's leading energy-producing province.
- We are proud of our position as the country's energy hub and are determined to strengthen it through continued investment in both traditional and renewable energy sources.
- I hear that there are other provinces aspiring to surpass us in energy generation, but they must know that Mpumalanga is not prepared to surrender its crown. We will continue to innovate, invest and lead the way in powering South Africa's economy.
- It is my sincere wish that a company like Seriti continues to grow and prosper, because its success has consistently translated into meaningful benefits for the people of Mpumalanga.
- Among its many contributions, the company has donated 16 vehicles to several police stations across the province, provided an ambulance to the Department of Health, refurbished child care centres, and supported numerous other community development initiatives.
- Ngi nga yikhohlwa kanjani Seriti? As the people of Mpumalanga, we are internally grateful.
- When you see us meeting with Seriti and other business partners in the province, you must know we are hard at work.
- Once again, I warmly welcome you all to the place where the wise people come to, the Province that Works for All. May your stay be memorable, and may today's historic occasion inspire even greater partnerships.
- I thank you.
2026