By: Kanto Kai Okanta
The
Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has reaffirmed South
Africa’s commitment to advancing electric mobility as the E-Mobility Summit
2025 takes place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
Delivering
the keynote address, Mr. Mbangiseni Mabudafhasi, Acting Director for Power at
DSTI, highlighted South Africa’s growing role in the global electric vehicle
(EV) ecosystem. He stated that through DSTI’s research, development, and
innovation programmes, the country is well-positioned to participate in both
battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles
(FCEVs).
“While
infrastructure challenges remain for FCEVs, their potential in heavy-duty
transport is significant,” Mabudafhasi stated. “We must continue to strengthen the e-mobility
innovation landscape by leveraging our national system of innovation.”
The
summit also spotlighted DSTI’s ongoing initiatives aimed at accelerating South
Africa’s transition to clean mobility, including the Hydrogen South Africa
Centres of Competence, the Energy Storage RDI Consortium, and the Uyilo
e-Mobility Programme.
