Pic :(middle) DARDLEA MEC, Kethiwe Moeketsi, alongside various key stakeholders
Addressing business leaders from across the province, MEC Moeketsi said the province cannot choose between development and sustainability, it needs both.
“There is a need to integrate climate resilience into economic development while supporting key sectors such as mining, agriculture and tourism,” MEC Moeketsi said.
The breakfast brought together major players including Barberton Mines, Kishugu, KLCBT Business Chamber, Mercedes Benz, BMW, ABSA, Nedbank and Joubert & Seuns, among others.
According to DARDLEA, the companies in attendance pledged their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change initiatives in the province.
“Business and communities must work together in driving climate resilient initiatives, create green jobs and expand opportunities for women and youth through their participation in the green economy and the Just Energy Transition,” MEC Moeketsi told the gathering.
She stressed that climate action cannot be separated from job creation and inclusion. For DARDLEA, the focus is on practical steps: drought-resistant farming, water conservation in agriculture, eco-tourism products that protect biodiversity, and mining operations that rehabilitate land and reduce emissions.
The Just Energy Transition refers to the shift from coal-dependent energy to cleaner, renewable sources in a way that is fair to workers and communities.
In Mpumalanga, where coal mining and power generation have long been economic anchors, the “just” part means protecting livelihoods while building new industries. It involves reskilling workers, supporting affected towns, and ensuring women and youth are included in new opportunities in solar, energy efficiency, agriculture and tourism.
“The green economy must not leave anyone behind,” MEC Moeketsi said. “We must create opportunities that allow women and young people to own businesses, to be employed, and to lead in sectors that will sustain us for the next 50 years.”
The event also marked the official launch of the 2026 instalments of the Temvelo Environmental Symposium, Expo and Awards, scheduled for next month in Secunda. The two-day annual event will feature industrial exhibitions, expert dialogue, and networking.
DARDLEA described Temvelo as the province’s flagship platform to showcase climate solutions, environmental projects, and businesses leading in sustainability.
“Temvelo is about action,” the department said. “It brings government, business, communities and academia together to share ideas, exhibit innovations, and recognise those who are making a real difference for our environment.”
MEC Moeketsi closed by calling on all sectors to treat climate resilience as a business imperative, not just a government responsibility.
“If we protect our land, water and air today, we protect jobs, food security and tourism tomorrow. That is the Mpumalanga we are building — a province that works for all,” she said.
