Yesterday, Oxfam South Africa, in collaboration with its partner – Wits Mining Institute – launched The Gendered Energy Crisis: Prospects for an Eco-Feminist Just Energy Transition in South Africa, a report that provides a feminist analysis of the energy crisis, its impact on care work, and solutions for a people-centred transition. 

Lebogang Ramafoko, Executive Director of Oxfam South Africa, states, “Energy poverty disproportionately affects marginalised communities, particularly women, and girls. Civil society organisations play a critical role in addressing this injustice, including calling out systems that perpetuate poverty and inequality. Energy poverty is a serious violation of basic human rights.” 

As South Africa prepares for SONA and to host the G20 in 2025, there is hope that global discussions will benefit developing countries. Oxfam urges President Ramaphosa to use South Africa’s G20 leadership to advocate for mining and energy reforms that improve the lives of vulnerable populations, particularly women.  

Lebogang Ramafoko, Executive Director of Oxfam South Africa.