Deputy Minister Gina urges inclusivity for women at launch of Green Hydrogen Mentorship Platform
Today, the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Nomalungelo Gina, addressed a powerful gathering of women leaders at the Women in Green Hydrogen (WiGH) Breakfast during the 2025 Africa Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town.
The breakfast event, themed "Investing in a regional just energy transition: a focus on green hydrogen", brought together leading women representatives from government, academia, business and civil society to reflect on women's role in driving Africa's green hydrogen future.
WiGH is a global initiative committed to promoting gender diversity in the hydrogen economy. Through events like this, WiGH continues to provide strategic platforms for knowledge sharing, mentorship and collaboration among women advancing clean energy across Africa.
The event marked the launch of the Green Hydrogen Mentorship Platform, a collaborative initiative developed in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA).
It aims to connect experienced professionals and emerging talent to support inclusive growth within the green hydrogen sector and build a pipeline for inclusive talent. It has already garnered international interest since its announcement at the World Hydrogen Summit in Germany.
The platform was one of the deliverables of South Africa's Chairship of the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy in 2023, represented by the DSTI.
In her address, Deputy Minister Gina emphasised the importance of inclusive participation and intentional investment in women across the energy value chain, stating that fundamental transformation depends on inclusive, deliberate implementation.
She singled out Ms Meta Mhlarhi and Ms Makole Mupita, female co-founders of Mahlako A Phahla Investments, whose company yesterday officially secured funding approval from Germany's KfW Development Bank and the Industrial Development Corporation for the Prieska Power Reserve project to produce green ammonia and hydrogen.
South Africa's progress in establishing a policy framework for the green hydrogen economy through instruments such as the Hydrogen Society Roadmap, the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy, and the Just Transition Framework was highlighted. However, the Deputy Minister noted that policies must translate into action that dismantles structural barriers facing women in the energy and the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sectors.
Ms Gina called on participants to commit to mentorship and collaboration, stressing that women's underrepresentation in STEM and energy leadership must not be repeated in the green hydrogen transition. Currently, women comprise only 23% of STEM professionals in South Africa, with fewer than 17% holding leadership roles.
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Ms Mimmy Gondwe, said the platform was a strategic lever for change and meaningful inclusion, especially for African women and children who might not have direct access to knowledge and expertise in their local spaces.
The Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Ms Samantha Graham-Maré, said that South Africa must avoid the mistake of failing to adequately integrate gender and youth perspectives into the mainstream of green hydrogen.
Also attending the event were Ms Lerato Mataboge, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the AU Commission, Ms Mpho Mookapele, the CEO of EWSETA, and Ms Bongiwe Moni, Director of External Capacity Building and Internships at the Human Sciences Research Council. Their presence underscored the depth of leadership and commitment to gender equity within the green hydrogen sector.
Issued by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation
For more information, contact Veronica Mohapeloa at 083 400 5750.
