By Johnathan Paoli
The Electricity and Energy Department has praised the launch of PowerUp as a major step in growing employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
Officially introduced at an event hosted by the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) and GreenCape, PowerUp is a key initiative under the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM).
It is a pioneering online platform aimed at addressing critical skills shortages and preparing the workforce for the country’s growing green economy.
Electricity and Energy Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré, praised PowerUp as a groundbreaking model of public-private collaboration focused on job creation and economic growth.
“This innovative new platform aligns with the collaborative ethos of SAREM, which prioritises skills development as a key driver in unlocking the growth potential of the renewable energy sector,” she said.
Graham-Maré also noted that SAREM was awaiting final Cabinet approval, but stressed that its success hinged on continued collaboration between government and private sector partners.
“I encourage all stakeholders to actively participate and demonstrate our commitment to the future of South Africa’s youth and renewable energy sector,” she concluded.
Developed as a collaborative effort between industry, academia and government, PowerUp seeks to ensure that South Africa’s workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to meet the increasing demand in the renewable energy sector.
The platform was created with the support of key stakeholders, including EWSETA, GreenCape, the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association, the South African Wind Energy Association, MerSETA, and the United Kingdom Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT), which provided funding for the initiative.
The platform serves as a hub that connects industry stakeholders with training institutions, facilitates the development of new qualifications and promotes employment opportunities within the renewable energy value chain.
The launch also featured discussions at the Africa Energy Indaba’s energy and investment hub, further emphasising its strategic importance to South Africa’s green economy.
British High Commissioner Antony Phillipson expressed his enthusiasm about the UK PACT’s involvement in PowerUp’s development.
“By engaging key stakeholders, PowerUp will help ensure the availability of skills for job opportunities in the green industry sector, foster greater collaboration between academia and industry and identify inclusive opportunities for youth and workers in transitioning regions,” he said.
EWSETA CEO Mpho Mookapele emphasised the platform’s role in ensuring that skills development aligns with industry needs.
“Success for PowerUp is not just about the number of users on the system but about seeing TVET graduates enter the job market with in-demand skills made possible through collaboration between PowerUp and industry,” she said.
Mookapele also highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating that its success would be measured by how well it contributed to the National Skills Development Plan 2030.
We are striving to achieve the objectives of the NSDP 2030, which aims to establish a credible mechanism for determining the demand for skills in South Africa,” she added.
As PowerUp moves forward, industry leaders, Post-School Education and Training institutions, Sector Education and Training Authorities and key funders are urged to support the initiative.
Mookapele called on industry leaders to take an active role in shaping the workforce by identifying critical skills needs and fostering talent development.
“Together, we can build a skilled, future-ready workforce to drive South Africa’s renewable energy sector,” she stated.
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa underscored the vast opportunities that the renewable energy sector presents.
“The energy transition is not just about power generation; it’s an economic and industrialisation agenda that requires a highly skilled workforce. From mining and beneficiation of critical minerals to manufacturing and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure, the skills required span multiple disciplines, creating immense opportunities for South Africans,” Ramokgopa said.
With strong backing from government, industry and academia, this platform has the potential to transform skills development and employment within the green economy.
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