Pretoria - Eight state-owned companies on Thursday pledged their support for the 49M campaign - the country's energy saving movement.
Speaking at the pledging ceremony in Pretoria, Department of Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba, called on companies to save energy. A total 46 companies, including the eight state-owned companies, have to date pledged their support for 49M.
"We appeal to every corporate in South Africa to save about 10% of their energy consumption in order to assist Eskom and the rest of the country. As we head towards the winter period, we desire to be in a position to supply the country with electricity throughout the season without experiencing any energy constraint," says Minister Gigaba.
Board chairpersons, representing the eight entities namely, Eskom, Transnet, Denel, South African Airways, SA Express, Alexkor, Safcol and Broadband Infraco, attended the pledging ceremony.
The 49M pledge is in line with the voluntary Energy Conservation Scheme which calls on all state-owned companies to become energy conscious by implementing programmes that will help ease the load on the country's power system.
The companies pledged to analyse longer term energy savings opportunities and implement technology and process solutions as well as appoint dedicated energy managers to increase visibility and be the advocates of energy efficiency among others.
Transnet Board chairperson Mafika Mkhwanazi said the company was ready to implement their energy saving measures at their buildings, including the Carlton Centre head office.
"We are committed to ensuring that the country saves electricity by establishing intelligent buildings. We will start by putting in energy efficient fluorescent light-bulbs and automatic light switches amongst others, "said Mkhwanazi.
South Africa needs to reduce its energy consumption by 10% in the next five years.
The 49M campaign is aimed at spurring South Africans to save electricity, given the country's constrained power system. It is an Eskom initiative that has been endorsed by government as well as business.
