R10 billion further investment announced at the launch of Commercial Operations of Seriti Green’s Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Project
Bethal, Mpumalanga. 31 July 2026. President Cyril Ramaphosa this afternoon marked a major milestone in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET) as Seriti Green’s Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm officially entered commercial operation, demonstrating how long-term investment, infrastructure delivery and partnership are strengthening the country’s energy future while creating opportunities for communities in Mpumalanga.
Hosted by Seriti, the event brought together national and provincial government, traditional leaders, local communities, business leaders and international partners to celebrate the completion of 25 turbines, the first 155MW phase of the renewable energy project.
In April 2023, the President recognised the diversified energy company at the Fifth Annual Investment Conference in Sandton, acknowledging their R4.5 billion investment in the first phase of the facility. Over the three years since, the investment rose to a R15 billion project with more wind farms under way.
Mike Teke, Chairman of Seriti Green, and the Premier of Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu, stood beneath the project’s distinctive Ndebele-wrapped turbine – known as ‘The Ambassador’, recognising the combination of world-class engineering with the cultural heritage of Mpumalanga – alongside the Minister of Electricity and Energy, the Executive Mayors of Lekwa, Msukaligwa and Govan Mbeki Municipalities, as well as the Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality.
The project forms part of a planned 900MW renewable energy programme in Mpumalanga and is supported by the new Vunumoya transmission infrastructure, delivered by Seriti through an investment of approximately R1.2 billion to create new transmission infrastructure that will survive for decades to come. The Main Transmission Substation (MTS) was delivered in a record 17- month timeframe.
“Today represents far more than the completion of an infrastructure project. This project underscores the value of the partnership between government, Eskom, the private sector and communities. It shows that South Africa’s Just Energy Transition is being realised through practical action,” explained the President.
“The JET should create opportunities that remain long after construction has been completed. It should strengthen local businesses. It should equip young people with new skills. The JET must leave communities stronger than before,” he added.
At the event, Seriti signed a new agreement for a further R10 billion of investment – bringing the total to R25 billion – for two further phases of development, reinforcing long-term confidence in South Africa’s renewable energy sector through continued investment with strategic partners, including Goldwind, Tractionel, and Stefanutti Stocks, and customers including energy traders including Etana, Energy Exchange and NOA.
“Across the road from where we stand today, we are planning a further 600MW of wind energy development. Together with Ummbila Emoyeni, Phefumula Emoyeni will create one of the largest renewable energy precincts in Southern Africa, all 187 turbines,” he added.
The President noted: “Seriti are also saying now that they will end up investing up to R40 billion, and that their next commitment before they reach that is another R10 billion. They are ahead of their times. I want them to make that commitment at the conference next year and then tell everyone who comes to that conference that you have already delivered. I have no doubt that you are a delivering company,” said the President.
Mike Teke, Chairman of Seriti Green, said: “In just a few years, working closely with government, we have delivered. This is JET in action. Coal and renewables together and the benefits and beneficiaries in the towns of Bethal, Davel and Morgenzon transforming their communities and powering 500 000 homes. Over 2 100 employees have contributed, and 18 500 job seekers registered on our skills portal, more than 50% of which are female.”
The Premier of Mpumalanga earlier in the day also opened Seriti Green’s new Mpumalanga headquarters in Bethal before touring the Remote Operations Centre, Community Digital Training Centre and operational facilities. He met engineers, technicians, apprentices and construction teams.
Peter Venn, CEO of Seriti Green shared: “To our employees, who believe in a vision that at times has seemed extraordinarily ambitious; today belongs to you. It is the result of hard work by people who were determined to prove that South Africa can build infrastructure of global significance, attract investment at scale, and help secure our nation’s energy future. Your dedication, resilience and commitment have made today possible. This project accumulated more than three million hours of work, and during that time, we did not record a single lost-time injury.”
“When we gather again, we will not simply be celebrating another wind farm. We will be demonstrating that wind farms, solar farms and batteries can form part of a sustainable future for South Africa, and the energy transition is just, transforming communities and industries, presenting opportunities while decarbonising to impact climate change,” Venn added.
“Together, we are building the next chapter of South Africa’s energy future. Electricity that is affordable, reliable and increasingly clean is the lifeblood of a growing economy,” the President concluded.
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