Tau made it clear that collaboration between government and the private sector will determine whether the country successfully navigates its economic transition. He said South Africa must embrace a low-carbon industrial policy that not only tackles climate challenges but also attracts global investment, opens new markets and protects local industries.

According to the minister, the move towards cleaner energy is not just about cutting emissions — it is also about rebuilding and strengthening the country’s industrial base.

“If we build the energy system of the future, mobilise capital at scale and secure our position in the global critical minerals economy, we will not only decarbonise — we will reindustrialise,” Tau said.

He highlighted Sasol’s strategic position in this transition, noting that the company operates at the crossroads of energy, chemicals, fuels and advanced manufacturing. This, he said, places both responsibility and opportunity on its shoulders.

Tau stressed that government is ready to work hand in hand with industry players to turn the current period of change into a launchpad for growth, competitiveness and job creation.

He acknowledged that the transition will not be simple. South Africa needs reliable electricity that is both green and affordable. While many sectors can move toward electrification, some heavy industries cannot easily do so. For those sectors, sustainable fuels that are cost-effective at scale will be essential.

The minister also called for better coordination, transparency and long-term policy certainty to give investors confidence. He said collaboration must go beyond local partnerships and include stronger international ties — deepening trade dialogue with the United States, strengthening cooperation with China and expanding engagement with the European Union through clean trade and investment initiatives.

Tau pointed to major opportunities ahead, including large-scale investment in renewable energy, energy storage, high-voltage transmission infrastructure and gas-to-power projects. Liquefied natural gas, he added, is expected to play an increasingly important role in South Africa’s industrial strategy beyond 2028.

In his view, the choices made now will shape whether South Africa emerges from the global energy transition as a stronger, more competitive industrial economy.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post Partnerships Key to Shaping South Africa’s Industrial Future – Minister Tau appeared first on MDNtv.

She was addressing a Business Forum led by Malaysian Prime Minister, Honourable Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim which hosted business representatives from both countries, who came together to explore investment in both countries at the Sandton Hotel.

Abrahams highlighted the latest trade statistics which indicate there has been a steady growth between the two counties.

“In 2024, South Africa’s exports to Malaysia reached approximately US$ 715.8 million, while Malaysia’s exports to South Africa stood at around US$ 838.9 million. Today, our bilateral trade stands at an estimated US$ 1.7 billion. These figures show steady growth but they also remind us that we are only at the beginning of what this partnership can truly become.especially for MSMEs. Collaboration in fintech, e-commerce, digital supply chains and innovation ecosystems is not just possible, it is timely and necessary,” she noted.

As world leaders meet the G20 Leaders’ Summit at Nasrec with the climate change being one of the key issues to be tackled, she added that Malaysia’s leadership in renewable energy technologies and efficiency solutions complements South Africa’s ambitions to expand the green economy and diversify its energy mix.

She encouraged Malaysian partners to take full advantage of these efforts and the enormous opportunities available as South Africa continues to implement reforms to improve the investment environment, streamline regulation and expand special economic zones.

“By bringing together South Africa’s industrial capabilities and regional reach with Malaysia’s technological strength and strategic location, we can co-create an economic future that is greener, more dynamic and more inclusive. Malaysia’s strengths in advanced manufacturing align closely with South Africa’s industrial policy objectives, including export diversification and beneficiation. We see significant room to deepen supply chain linkages, establish joint ventures and enhance local production capacities,” she said.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content

The post DEPUTY MINISTER ABRAHAMS URGES FURTHER ECONOMIC COLLABORATION BETWEEN SOUTH AND MALAYSIA appeared first on MDNtv.