Programme Director,
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa,
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Acting Premier of the Western Cape, Mr Tertuis Simmers,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Representatives of development finance institutions and development agencies,
Representatives of business, labour, civil society and academia,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning.

It is a pleasure to address this premier event on expanding the frontiers of the green hydrogen economy in Africa.

I am sorry that I am unable to attend in person, but am grateful for this opportunity to participate virtually.

This Summit showcases innovation, investment and collaboration in a sector that is set to change the trajectory of industrial development.

With abundant renewable energy and water resources and vast reserves of critical minerals, Africa is positioned to become a major global hub for this burgeoning industry.

Energy technologies and critical minerals have become important features of global relations.

I have just returned from the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, which recognised the foundational role of energy security in social and economic development.

The BRICS leaders agreed to cooperate on zero- and low-emissions hydrogen and its value chains.

As African nations, we are keenly aware that we must significantly accelerate our efforts if we are to be at the forefront of opportunity.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Africa to be at the forefront of transformational industrial development.

Green hydrogen sits at the intersection of two of the defining imperatives of our time: firstly, to strengthen energy resilience and security, and, secondly, to grow inclusive, low-carbon economies.

Both imperatives are fundamental to human development.

There are less than four years to the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals.

That means there are less than four years in which we need to make sufficient progress towards the realisation of Sustainable Development Goal 7 on affordable, reliable and modern energy for all.

Growing the green hydrogen economy is therefore about far more than investment and a foothold in an emerging industry.

It is about materially improving the lives of millions of Africans who continue to experience energy poverty.

By expanding access to affordable energy and creating jobs across the value chain, we give true meaning to a just energy transition.

That is why we need to move with speed from conceptualisation to implementation, from project idea to project pipeline, and from breaking ground to producing gigawatts.

Progress is not measured by presentations, announcements or the value of a pipeline.

It is measured by capital committed, equipment ordered, construction under way, production achieved and customers secured.

That is what makes this year’s Summit so significant.

As the Minister noted, ambition is now translating into committed capital.

Today we are proud to announce the first wave of Green Hydrogen Projects under our national green hydrogen programme.

The first wave consists of six projects that emerged from a rigorous assessment process.

The process has standardised how we assess bankability and strengthen investor confidence.

Leading this wave is the Phelan Green Group’s electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel project in Saldanha Bay, which has reached final investment decision.

Phelan has committed $100 million in equity and secured an offtake.

Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027 and we expect to see the export of the first electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the first quarter of 2029.

This is an important milestone. As the World Economic Forum noted earlier this year, “the real bottleneck in scaling clean hydrogen is demand, not technology”.

Scaling therefore rests on securing long-term offtake agreements.

This project gives practical meaning to the challenge we made at last year’s Summit: an investment decision has been taken, equity committed, major equipment ordered and a defined route to construction established.

What follows is production and offtakers.

As a managed priority portfolio, the first wave concentrates project preparation, investment mobilisation and government coordination on credible projects with defined milestones.

The remaining projects in the first wave reflect the depth of the value chain.

The Coega Green Ammonia Project in the Eastern Cape has completed early preparatory work. Further commercial, technical and financing work is needed to reach a final investment decision.

The Saldanha Hydrogen Direct Reduced Iron Project on the West Coast is at pre-feasibility stage and will link green hydrogen to lower-emissions iron and steel production.

The Prieska Power Reserve in the Northern Cape is a green ammonia project for the domestic market currently at development stage.

The Green e-Fuels Producers Green Methanol Corridor targets European demand and is at pre-feasibility stage.

Finally, the Green Hydrogen Solutions Project is a smaller-scale project directed principally towards South African demand. It has completed front-end engineering design.

By designating these as priorities, Government and its partners now have a mechanism to help the remaining five projects reach final investment decision, construction and production.

A second wave of projects will follow, bringing further credible projects into the portfolio.

The founding premise of this Summit is that Africa is not merely a source of renewable energy, minerals or molecules.

Africa must participate across the value chain as owner, manufacturer, technology partner, producer and market.

The green hydrogen economy must support Africa’s industrialisation through areas such as fertiliser production, green iron and steel, sustainable fuels, equipment, engineering and related services.

The development of the green hydrogen economy will be aided by the African Continental Free Trade Area, which will open larger markets and enable seamless regional value chains.

The green hydrogen economy must harness African talent and capacity for innovation while expanding local procurement, manufacturing, employment and skills transfer.

And it must sustainably support continental energy transition and decarbonisation.

It must involve communities as stakeholders, not passive bystanders.

I therefore call on technology partners to establish manufacturing, training and research capacity in Africa.

Africa should not simply be seen as a market for imported equipment.

African nations must step up practical cooperation on standards, certification, infrastructure corridors and project preparation, including through the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance.

While we continue to work with our BRICS and European partners to diversify financing, African development finance institutions must be at the forefront.

These institutions need to increase project-preparation funding and offer instruments suited to the risks of these first-of-a-kind projects.

We call on prospective buyers to convert non-binding interest into credible long-term offtake arrangements capable of supporting project finance.

The progress that we can now see must give us encouragement to do more.

Since last year’s Summit, we have moved from an undifferentiated pipeline to a managed priority portfolio.

This demonstrates that with partner support, public and private financing and proper planning, African nations can move from a concept on paper to projects in development.

In an increasingly contested world, the nations of the Global South are charting a new energy future on their own terms.

We are demonstrating that it is fully within our means to harness the green hydrogen economy for energy security, decarbonisation and sustainable development.

We are taking responsibility for the future of our economies and the progress of our people.

We are charting a new industrial future for our countries, our continent and indeed for the world.

I thank you.

Fellow South Africans,

As many of you know, I recently underwent a minor medical procedure. I am pleased to share that my recovery is progressing well, and I am regaining strength each day.

On the advice of my doctors, I will continue resting until advised otherwise while work and delegated responsibilities continue to be underway in the capable team in my office with other stakeholders in Government, business and other sectors.

I wish to thank my family, the medical team who continue to care for me, my team in the office, my colleagues in Government, and in the ANC, and most importantly, President Cyril Ramaphosa and all South Africans who have sent messages of support. Your prayers and encouragement have been a source of strength.

Let us continue working together for the progress of our country. I assure you that I remain dedicated to the responsibilities entrusted to me, and I look forward to returning to my duties in full, serving our nation with renewed energy and commitment.

Thank you, and may God bless South Africa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that no stone will be left unturned to solve the recent killings of women in and around Kempton Park in Gauteng.

He said: “I speak for all of us as I extend my deepest condolences to all families and communities affected by the killing of women recently found in and around Kempton Park.

“These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women.

“As Government, we share the concerns of all South Africans, and we mourn the lives so cruelly taken away.

“Our law enforcement agencies are working urgently to establish the facts, keep communities safe, and bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice.

“I have spoken to the Minister of Police and the Acting National Police Commissioner, who have briefed me on the investigation. I have directed that these cases be prioritised and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice.

“Our law enforcement agencies are undertaking this work in partnership with citizens, on whom we depend for any information that may help end these attacks on women.

“As a nation, we must stand up for the rights, safety and dignity of women and girls.

“As we do so, our hearts go out to all the families affected by the terrible events in the Kempton Park area.

“If anyone has information about these incidents or if you are missing a relative or friend, please contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249.”

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, virtually deliver the keynote address at the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit (AGHS) 2026, taking place in Cape Town from 15 to 16 September 2026.

The Summit is hosted by the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and will bring together African governments, international investors, civil society, academia and technology experts to explore the continent’s potential to become a global leader in the green hydrogen economy.

Green hydrogen presents South Africa and the African continent with an opportunity to play a leading role in the global green hydrogen market, supported by the continent’s abundant renewable energy resources, critical mineral endowments and growing industrial demand.

The Summit will provide a platform to mobilise foreign and domestic investment, unlock export opportunities for low-carbon energy, and advance green industrialisation, job creation and regional infrastructure development.

AGHS 2026 will focus on demonstrating tangible progress in project implementation, financing, infrastructure development and industrialisation across the African continent, under the theme: “Moving Africa’s Green Hydrogen Sector from PowerPoint to Gigawatts.”

MEDIA ARRANGEMENTS

Date: Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Time: 09h00

NB: Media accreditation is closed.

Media logistics enquiries: Tsakane Khambane on 082 084 5566 / Tsakane.Khambane@dee.gov.za OR Jeanette Madlala on 082 339 6145 / Jeanette.Madlala@dee.gov.za

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,
Representatives of BRICS Partner Countries,
Distinguished guests, 
Ladies and gentlemen,

The 20th anniversary of BRICS is a moment to reaffirm our commitment to deeper cooperation and a more ambitious agenda – ranging from science, technology and innovation to sustainable development and economic transformation.

We live in a rapidly changing world that contains both risks and opportunities.

The achievement of inclusive growth requires that we address persistent global challenges such as poverty and inequality, while responding to the devastating effects of climate change and the rapid advances in artificial intelligence.

The increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters threaten to reverse hard-won development gains and deepen inequality. 

Resilience is therefore essential for inclusive growth and human development.

We commend India for prioritising resilience, which links directly to the Disaster Risk Reduction outcomes of South Africa’s G20 Presidency. 

We must integrate disaster risk reduction into macroeconomic policy, climate financing and sustainable infrastructure.

Vulnerable countries must have equitable access to the technologies, finance and capacity to withstand future shocks. 

The global energy transition must prioritise re-skilling, protecting livelihoods and anchoring new industries that generate quality jobs.

It is important that markets for critical minerals and transition technologies are built on transparency, and that value chains are diversified and responsible.

To ensure inclusive growth in Africa and other regions of the world, beneficiation of minerals must take place at source. 

The capabilities of artificial intelligence models are becoming increasingly more powerful and are rapidly reshaping almost every area of economic and social life.

Artificial intelligence and associated technologies have the potential to usher in a new era of productivity and human progress.

If used effectively and responsibly, artificial intelligence can support our efforts to reduce inequality, poverty and underdevelopment.

It is showing that it has the capability to transform medicine, education, scientific discovery, agriculture, productivity and development.

But we must listen carefully to what those who are developing the most powerful AI systems are themselves telling us. 

They are warning about systems capable of advanced cyber operations, assistance in biological weapons development, autonomous action, manipulation, mass surveillance, disruption of employment and, ultimately, systems whose capabilities may become difficult for human beings to control.

We should therefore neither fear AI nor approach it recklessly.

Our responsibility is to ensure that human governance advances as rapidly as artificial intelligence itself.

We agree with those in the industry, such as Dario Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic, who are arguing that AI companies should be subject to formal external checks, audits and government authority.

Such oversight is standard practice in other industries whose activities have a significant impact on human safety and well-being, such as aviation, pharmaceuticals, nuclear power and financial institutions.

We must never reach a situation where technological capability has moved beyond our capacity to understand it, supervise it and control it.

South Africa accordingly proposes that BRICS should establish an international mechanism for the independent scientific evaluation of AI.

This should be backed by meaningful human-control principles, mandatory reporting of serious incidents, progressively stronger safeguards as capability increases, and simultaneous investment in sovereign AI capacity for developing economy countries.

We support continued scientific cooperation in initiatives such as the BRICS Intelligent Telescope and Data Network and the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Centre. 

We must strengthen medical sovereignty, vaccine development, genomic surveillance and diagnostic capabilities for the Global South.

We must work together to transform agriculture through innovation. 

Economic and financial cooperation is at the centre of the resilience we seek. 

South Africa supports a balanced and gradual expansion of the New Development Bank.

We welcome continued discussion of the proposed New Investment Platform and the BRICS Multilateral Guarantees initiative.

BRICS must press ahead with greater use of local currencies, stronger cross-border payment systems and deeper financial interconnectivity. 

As BRICS enters its third decade, it should be more ambitious. 

Our engagement with Partner Countries should spur deeper cooperation, particularly in public health, education, science and technology, finance and trade.

In the 40th anniversary year of the UN Resolution on the Right to Development, we call on BRICS to renew its commitment to the realisation of the inalienable human right to development.

I wish to conclude with a rallying call by Indian poet, activist and leader, Ms Sarojini Naidu, who said:

“We want deeper sincerity of motive, a greater courage in speech and earnestness in action.”

I thank you.

Programme Director;
The leadership of the Witwatersrand Presbytery led by Chairperson Rev. Fisher;
Ministers of the Word and Sacraments, Elders and Deacons of Congregations;
Ministers’ Wives;
The Southern Synod Elders Commission under the Leadership of Elder Segele;
The Leadership of the Northern Theological Seminary, the SRC and Ministry Students;
Youth Brigade Leadership;
Christian Men’s Ministry Southern Synod President: Mr. Peter Mokoto and REC;
Christian Women’s Ministry Southern Synod President: Juff. Mirriam Makhetha & REC;
Christian Women’s League General Synod President: Ms. Florence Makhobonyane & GS;
Christian Women’s League Southern Synod President: Ms. Alice Ndlovu & REC;
Christian Faith Ministry Southern Synod Chairperson: Mr. Ben Malunga & REC;
Christian Youth Ministry Southern Synod Chairperson: Brother Thunthu Masobe & REC;
Government Representatives;
Members of the Community; and
Members of the Congregation of the United Reformed Church in South Africa;
Ladies and gentlemen.

It is with deep reverence that I stand among you today, on behalf of His Excellency the Deputy President of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile.

Although the Deputy President is unable to be with you personally, his delegation which I lead today, reflects the importance that he places on engagement with faith communities and the contribution that churches continue to make towards the development and wellbeing of our nation.

This sacred assembly of the URCSA Southern Synod 2026 is more than a gathering of worshippers; it is a living covenant, a reaffirmation of our shared duty to fashion a society that mirrors the highest ideals of justice, peace, human dignity and a society rooted in prayer.

In my life as a bearer of public office, I have learned that prayer is not only the language of our faith but also the compass of our nation. Prayer is the wellspring from which we draw strength to endure trials, wisdom to guide our leaders, and courage to confront injustice.

It is prayer that binds us together across generations, reminding us that the destiny of South Africa is not written in division but in unity of spirit and purpose.

Yet prayer without faith is like a song without melody. Without faith and the faith of the people, we cannot open the doors of heaven to pour blessings upon us. Faith is the key that unlocks divine favour, the bridge between our petitions and God’s providence.

It is faith that transforms prayer from words into power, from ritual into substance. This is why the book of Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

I sincerely hope that, working together, sharing responsibility between church and government, bridging prayer and action with purpose, we will meet and overcome our nation’s challenges. Together, we are the generation that is called to bring the long-awaited, much-needed change to our communities.

The theme of this gathering, ‘Remove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set, reminds us that every generation inherits a sacred responsibility. We inherit the sacrifices, struggles, values, and wisdom of those who came before us. And we inherit the duty to ensure that future generations receive a society stronger, more just, more ethical, and more united.

In today’s world, the ‘ancient landmarks’ we must preserve are not stones or boundaries but the living principles that anchor our democracy and humanity. They are the moral compass points that remind us who we are and who we must become.

These landmarks are embodied in human dignity, Ubuntu, justice, compassion, integrity, unity, respect, ethical leadership, and commitment to the common good.

These landmarks are the compass points of our collective journey. To remove them is to lose our way; to preserve them is to secure the path for generations yet to come.

As I have mentioned, South Africa continues to face significant challenges, including poverty, unemployment, inequality, crime and gender-based violence. These are the burdens that weigh upon our people and weaken the fabric of our nation. While we preserve these ancient landmarks, we must strive to remove these afflictions totally from our society.

We cannot overcome these challenges in isolation; they require a unity in purpose.

Our democratic journey bears testimony to what can be achieved when faith leaders, communities and Government work together in pursuit of a common purpose.

One of the most powerful instances is the role that church leaders played in South Africa’s transition to democracy. At a critical moment in our history, churches and faith-based organisations came together with community structures and political leaders to promote reconciliation, peace-building and nation-building.

Their work facilitated conversation, healing and social cohesion at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history.

Even today, the church continues to play a significant role in the struggle against gender-based violence. The church must be resolute in its opposition to gender-based violence (GBV), child abuse, discrimination, and other forms of injustice. It is imperative that you disrupt the culture of silence by providing secure havens for survivors and challenging harmful patriarchal norms from the pulpit.

The Church is not a distant institution; it lives among the people. And because it lives among the people, it carries a vital, multi dimensional responsibility. In the fight against youth substance abuse and teenage pregnancy, the Church must rise as both a protective and corrective force.

It is trusted in our villages and our cities. It draws on moral authority, social networks, and pastoral care to build resilience in our young people. But trust alone is not enough. The Church must use that trust to mentor, guide, create safe spaces, and stand boldly against the forces that threaten the future of our youth.

With millions of young South Africans seeking economic inclusion, faith-based organisations can change that by transforming places of worship into hubs for skills training, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship mentorship; we can offer a lifeline.

Together, we can conquer poverty, restore hope, and defeat the scourge of substance abuse.

Earlier I spoke about prayer, and I return to it now because it is close to my heart. As we move towards the local government elections, I cannot overstate this:

We need your prayer.
I need your prayer.
Our leaders need your prayer.
Our nation needs your prayer.

We must lift up our leaders, asking God to grant them integrity and ethical leadership so that they may serve with conscience and courage.

We must pray for peaceful, free, and safe elections that voters, candidates, and election officials are protected, and that the democratic process is carried out with respect and fairness.

We must pray against the darkness of political killings and violence. These wounds tear at the soul of our democracy. Let us ask God to replace fear with hope, division with unity, and hatred with compassion.

This is not just about politics. It is about the future of our children, the safety of our communities, and the soul of South Africa.

As Government we continue to work closely with faith-based organisations to ensure that the voices of communities are also heard through them. A sustainable relationship between government and faith-based organisations requires uncompromising mutual accountability.

Both Government and faith-based organisations must operate transparently to guarantee that public and social resources are strictly directed to community upliftment and the protection of the vulnerable.

Embracing these high ethical standards is essential to safeguarding public trust and reinforcing the collective moral authority needed to guide our nation forward.

This is a direct call to action for every member of our communities; change does not belong to the government or faith-based organisations alone; it belongs to us all.

True transformation begins when we stop being passive spectators in our development and become active architects of our future. We call on every citizen to look around their neighbourhood and ask, 'How can I serve?'

It could be by blowing the whistle on GBV in your street, supporting local entrepreneurs, and holding your local leaders accountable.

Your faith-based centres and community halls are already open as hubs for change; fill them with your energy, ideas, your skills, and your resolve.

Let us reclaim the spirit of Ubuntu through practical, daily actions. Step forward, get involved, and let us collectively build the safe, proud, and self-reliant communities we want our children to inherit.

The URCSA Southern Synod's commitment to sustainable outreach and poverty alleviation illustrates the principle that faith should be paired with action. The Church's dedication to transforming lives and aiding vulnerable communities significantly enhances South Africa's overall development.

The impactful work of URCSA clearly demonstrates the immense value of a close partnership between the church and government. Today’s service powerfully testifies to the continuous achievements possible when government and faith-based organisations collaborate for the benefit of our communities. To effectively serve our people, the church must maintain this symbiotic relationship with government, consistently working to restore hope and shaping our communities into better places to live.

In closing, may this Synod Day profoundly strengthen our collective commitment to preserve what is good, restore what has been damaged, and build a resilient future for generations to come.

Let us honour the lasting landmarks established by our forebears by ensuring we actively foster communities defined by dignity, unity, hope, and a steadfast commitment to prayer.

May the peace of God rest upon you and your families. May His hand of protection and favour be upon this province, and may His grace extend across our nation. May He guard our communities, heal our divisions, and strengthen our democracy. And may His presence guide us as we walk together into a future of justice, unity, and hope.

I thank you.