President's speech

Two things that may be of much interest to the Green Community from the South African Presidential State of the Nations Address last Thursday.

Firstly, he highlighted that his administration over 2010 will create green jobs.

I quote his words..."Our Industrial Policy Action Plan and our new focus on green jobs, will build stronger and more labour absorbing industries." I still need to familiarise myself the Industrial Policy Action Plan that he is refering to. This is encouraging as the whole world need to make progress in terms of building an economy that is less carbon-intensive.

Secondly, he also promised to create an enabling environment for the IPP's (Independent Power Producers) as opposed to one ESKOM monopolised approach. This is good news for both local and foreign investors who have for so many years tried to penetrate the renewable energy sector in South Africa but the legislative framework has not been supportive.