Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero Calls for City Power to Lead Low-Carbon Transformation at Energy Indaba
Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero has urged City Power to evolve from a traditional utility into a key driver of a low-carbon economy, emphasising the need for innovation, community involvement, and sustainable energy solutions. Speaking at the inaugural City Power Energy Indaba 2025 on Tuesday, Morero backed South Africa’s R132-billion Just Energy Transition plan and called for “energy democracy” where power is generated and shared by communities, businesses, and the state. The two-day event at the Marriott Hotel in Melrose Arch brought together stakeholders to discuss grid modernisation, renewable integration, and equitable access to electricity, amid ongoing challenges like cable theft and reliance on Eskom.
Morero’s address highlighted Johannesburg’s role as a pioneer in clean energy, with investments in solar farms, waste-to-energy projects, and electric buses already underway. As the city grapples with high electricity costs and load shedding impacts, his vision aims to reduce carbon emissions while creating jobs and ensuring fair distribution of resources. This aligns with national goals to cut reliance on coal and promote renewables, positioning Johannesburg as a model for other municipalities.
Morero’s Vision for a Decentralised, Inclusive Energy Future
In his keynote, Morero described South Africa’s energy crisis as a chance to rebuild a flawed system. “The old model of coal and monopolies has failed. This is about turning energy into a tool for justice, jobs and opportunity,” he said. He stressed that energy reform must integrate with spatial development, industrial policy, and skills training to succeed.
Morero proposed transforming City Power into a public innovation platform that promotes a low-carbon economy. This includes adopting digital grids, AI-based load management, and peer-to-peer energy trading, allowing residents and businesses to sell surplus power. “This is how Johannesburg becomes the proof point showing how local entities can drive systemic transformation across South Africa,” he added.
He also advocated for community energy trusts to reinvest profits into local development, ensuring benefits reach underserved areas. By 2050, Morero envisions every household and business accessing clean infrastructure, with public entities collaborating to serve people rather than just maintaining grids.
Tackling Cable Theft and Infrastructure Challenges
The Indaba also addressed pressing issues like cable theft, which costs City Power millions annually and disrupts services. Sergeant Thela, head of risk and security, revealed plans to combat this through sensitive security measures, collaborating with crime intelligence, investigation units, and law enforcement to target perpetrators, especially in informal settlements where illegal connections are rampant.
City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava echoed the need for repositioning the utility through innovation and accountability. “We are fully prepared to implement the programme,” she said, focusing on reducing reliance on Eskom and building a sustainable, independent energy future.
Discussions covered grid modernisation, leveraging data-driven networks, renewable integration, mobilising capital for municipal projects, protecting assets from theft and cyber threats, and ensuring equity in the clean energy transition.
Johannesburg’s Ongoing Clean Energy Initiatives
Morero highlighted the city’s R5.7-billion investments in solar farms and waste-to-energy projects, converting waste and landfill gas into power. Plans include introducing electric buses, energy-efficient upgrades for clinics and schools, and creating jobs in solar and battery manufacturing.
These efforts aim to decrease reliance on a single energy source, promoting equity and job creation. “Energy change cannot be left to experts and big business. This is about taking back control – and using power to light the way to a better future,” Morero stated.
The Indaba’s core strategic focus includes protecting assets, fostering collaboration between government, business, and communities, and driving a more sustainable future.
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