The ANC welcomes the launch of a ground-breaking multistakeholder partnership project to pilot, test and demonstrate the feasibility and viability of electric vehicles in South African conditions.
In addition to the project focusing on electric cars, it also addresses the necessary kind of supporting infrastructure, such as battery charge stations that are required to ensure the increased use of electric cars in the country.
This project demonstrates the need for South Africa to move towards a low carbon and green economy, as emphasised in the National Development Plan. To become an efficient and globally competitive economy, we need to develop and adopt innovative technologies to grow new green sectors in the economy as a foundation for the creation of new and decent jobs in the economy.
The initiative to introduce electric cars in South Africa started shortly after the 17th Conference of the Parties, Cop 17, climate summit that was held in Durban 2011.
This move is part of the ANC government's efforts to ensure that South Africa contributes practically to the reduction of environmentally harmful gases by promoting the use of cleaner sources of fuel by the automotive industry. I thank you.