PHUTI MOSOMANE
President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed a number of investments into the country by companies and institutions from the Netherlands and Denmark on Tuesday in Pretoria.
South Africa is hosting a joint working visit by the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte, and the Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen.
Earlier, Ramaphosa hosted the SA-Denmark-Netherlands business forum.
Netherlands and Denmark’s investments will help create a Green Hydrogen fund worth over R18-billion for South African projects.
“From the Netherlands, a commitment of $1 billion for the establishment of SA-H2 Fund to mobilise Green Hydrogen investments was made,” Ramaphosa said.
Invest International has announced a concessional financing package for water- and energy-related public infrastructure.
Ramaphosa also welcomed the establishment of a Climate Smart Horticulture demo facility at Eskom’s Grootvlei power station, which will serve as a hub for agricultural production, packaging and distribution for the surrounding areas.
The Danish Energy Partnership Programme announced its expansion to build capacity in wind and electricity.
“We congratulate Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Mulilo Energy Holdings SA on their announcement to invest $200 million to set up a New Funds Market for investments in green energy infrastructure,” he said.
For skills development in the green energy sector, Ramaphosa welcomed the establishment of a Labour Market Consortium to promote social dialogue and skills development for a just and inclusive energy transition in South Africa.
He thanked the business leaders and delegations from the Netherlands and Denmark for supporting the business forum and advancing its purpose.
Ramaphosa assured investors that the government is committed to creating a business environment that is conducive to supporting trade and investment.
The Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Green Hydrogen between South Africa and the Netherlands was signed by Prime Minister Rutte of the Netherlands and acting Minister of Electricity Mondli Gungubele.
INSIDE POLITICS
